University of St Thomas: 96.7% Acceptance Rate

96.7%Acceptance

$33,660Tuition

2,826Students

69%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$59,224Earnings

Private nonprofit4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalResearch UniversityNCAA Division IIIStudy AbroadData: 2023-24Roman Catholic

About University of St Thomas

The University of St. Thomas serves 2,826 students in Houston's bustling urban environment. This Catholic institution emphasizes liberal arts education alongside strong business programs that prepare graduates for Houston's diverse economy. With a 96.71% acceptance rate, the university welcomes students seeking a faith-based education in one of America's largest cities. The school draws primarily Texas residents, with 96.76% of students coming from in-state.

Students pay an average net price of $18,762 after financial aid, making this private education surprisingly affordable. Graduates earn a median of $59,224 ten years after graduation, while carrying manageable debt loads of $19,928. The relatively low debt burden and solid earnings potential make this a financially sound choice for many families. Monthly loan payments average just $211, reflecting the school's commitment to accessible Catholic higher education.

The student body is predominantly Hispanic at 53.54%, reflecting Houston's demographics and the university's mission to serve diverse communities. With 19 varsity sports competing in Division III, student-athletes make up a significant portion of the small campus. The 15:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personal attention, though the 68.60% six-year graduation rate suggests some students struggle to complete their degrees on schedule.

Academics & Faculty

University of St. Thomas operates as a small Catholic liberal arts institution where students receive personalized attention through its 15:1 student-faculty ratio. The school emphasizes close mentoring relationships and discussion-based learning typical of liberal arts education. Business programs anchor the academic offerings, reflecting Houston's corporate landscape. Students benefit from small class sizes that foster direct professor interaction. The 67% four-year graduation rate suggests adequate academic support, though some students need additional time to complete degrees. Catholic intellectual tradition influences the curriculum through required theology and philosophy courses. The liberal arts foundation prepares students for diverse careers while developing critical thinking skills valued by employers in Houston's energy and business sectors.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 15:1
Full-Time Faculty: 98.1%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 67.3%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 68.6%
Retention Rate: 73.4%
Median Earnings (10 years): $59,224
Carnegie Classification: Doctoral/Professional University

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas.	Master	$68,219
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Bachelor	$63,997
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Master	$63,005
Education, General.	Master	$56,208

View all 84 programs →

Campus Life

The University of St. Thomas sits in the heart of Houston, where students trade winter coats for year-round sunscreen and humidity. With only 507 beds for 2,826 students, just 18% can live on campus, making this largely a commuter experience. The 15:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name, but you'll likely drive home after class rather than hang out in dorms.

Houston's sprawling energy means weekends revolve around the city rather than campus traditions. Students explore the Museum District, catch Astros games, or head to nearby Rice Village for dining. The 96.76% in-state enrollment creates a distinctly Texan atmosphere where many students already know the city. As a Catholic institution with 53.54% Hispanic enrollment, UST reflects Houston's diverse religious and cultural landscape. The small size (2,826 students) fosters close relationships, but the urban setting means social life often happens off-campus. Expect to spend more time navigating Houston traffic than walking quads between classes.

Setting: City-Large
Housing Capacity: 507 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available

Campus Safety (2023)

14 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Noncampus	Public Property
Stalking	5	4	0	0
Fondling	1	1	0	0
Aggravated Assault	1	0	0	0
Arson	0	0	1	0
Robbery	0	0	0	1

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 44°–62°F
July Avg: 76°–93°F
Annual Precipitation: 54.1"
Annual Snowfall: 0.0"

Student Demographics

The University of St. Thomas draws overwhelmingly from Texas, with 97% of students calling the state home. This reflects the school's strong ties to Houston's Catholic community and local business networks. Hispanic students make up over half the student body, while the campus also serves significant Black and Asian populations. Nearly 40% receive Pell Grants, showing the university's commitment to making Catholic higher education accessible to working-class families. The 60-40 female-to-male split aligns with the school's emphasis on liberal arts and business programs that traditionally attract more women.

Men: 41.0%
Women: 59.0%
White: 17.2%
Black: 12.0%
Hispanic: 53.5%
Asian: 10.0%
In-State Students: 96.8%
Pell Grant Recipients: 37.9%

Location

University of St Thomas sits in Houston, Texas, the nation's fourth-largest city and home to over 2.3 million residents. The campus operates in one of America's most diverse metropolitan areas, where 53.54% of St Thomas students are Hispanic and the city serves as a major center for energy, aerospace, and medical industries. Houston's sprawling urban landscape offers internships at Fortune 500 companies, strong museums, and professional sports teams. The city's flat coastal plains stretch toward the Gulf of Mexico, about 50 miles southeast. With 96.76% of students coming from Texas, most are already familiar with Houston's humid subtropical climate and car-dependent culture. Students considering colleges in Texas may also compare University of St Thomas with similar schools in the region.

Address: Houston, Texas 77006-4696

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $59,224
Median Earnings (5 years): $60,835
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $42,400
Loan Repayment Rate: 61.8%
Monthly Loan Payment: $211/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $19,928

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at University of St Thomas?

The acceptance rate is 96.71%, making admission highly accessible to most applicants. This Catholic university in Houston prioritizes serving a diverse student body, with 53.54% Hispanic enrollment and strong ties to the local community.

How much does University of St Thomas cost after financial aid?

The average net price is $18,762, lower than the sticker price of $45,002 total cost of attendance. Students from families earning under $75,000 annually pay even less, with net prices around $16,000-$17,000, reflecting the school's commitment to affordable Catholic education.

What is the student-faculty ratio at University of St Thomas?

The student-faculty ratio is 15:1 among the 2,826 enrolled students. This small Catholic university emphasizes personalized attention in its liberal arts and business programs, fostering close mentoring relationships between professors and students.

How much do University of St Thomas graduates earn after graduation?

Graduates earn a median of $59,224 ten years after graduation, with an employment rate of 92.3%. The university's focus on practical business education and liberal arts prepares students well for Houston's diverse job market.

Where do University of St Thomas students live on campus?

The housing capacity is 507 students, which represents a portion of the 2,826 total enrollment. As a commuter-friendly campus in Houston, many students live off-campus while still maintaining strong connections to the Catholic university community.

Does University of St Thomas offer athletic scholarships?

Athletic scholarships total $0, as the university competes in NCAA Division III. The Celts field 19 varsity sports with 329 total athletes in the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference, emphasizing the student-athlete experience over recruitment incentives.