University of St. Thomas, USA

The University of St. Thomas is a private Catholic liberal arts university located in St. Paul and Minneapolis, Minnesota. It offers undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs across various fields of study, including arts and humanities, business, education, law, social sciences, and sciences.

The university is committed to providing a holistic and personalised education through small class sizes, close faculty-student interaction, and experiential learning opportunities. Named after St. Thomas Aquinas, the University of St. Thomas emphasises the role of faith, values, and ethical leadership in today's society. With a diverse student body, a strong faculty, and a wide range of resources and support services, the university prepares students to become responsible and engaged leaders in their communities and the world.

There are several compelling reasons why one may choose the University of St. Thomas, including:

1. Liberal Arts Education: The University of St. Thomas offers a comprehensive liberal arts education that fosters critical thinking, intellectual curiosity, and a broad understanding of diverse perspectives and disciplines. Through a well-rounded curriculum, students develop essential skills and knowledge that prepare them for lifelong learning and success in various career paths.

2. Strong Academics: The University of St. Thomas has a reputation for excellence in academics, with acclaimed faculty, small class sizes, a high graduation rate, and a diverse range of degree programs in various disciplines. The university has been recognized as a top-tier institution by various rankings and surveys, such as U.S. News and World Report and Princeton Review.

3. Faith-Based Values: The University of St. Thomas embraces the Catholic intellectual tradition and incorporates faith-based values and ethics into its academic and co-curricular programs. The university encourages students to pursue their spiritual and moral development and to use their knowledge and skills for the betterment of society.

4. Experiential Learning: The University of St. Thomas provides numerous opportunities for students to engage in experiential learning, such as internships, research, service-learning, study abroad, and leadership activities. These experiences enhance students' academic and professional skills, expand their perspectives, and contribute to their personal growth and development.

5. Career Development: The University of St. Thomas offers comprehensive career resources and support services to help students explore their career interests, develop professional skills, and prepare for the job market. The university has a strong network of alumni, employers, and community partners who provide mentorship, job opportunities, and networking opportunities.

6. Supportive Community: The University of St. Thomas has a welcoming and inclusive community where students, faculty, and staff collaborate and support each other. The university provides various resources and support services, such as academic advising, counselling, health services, and student organizations, to ensure that all students can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

7. Vibrant Location: The University of St. Thomas is located in the vibrant Twin Cities metropolitan area, which offers numerous cultural, recreational, and professional opportunities. The area is home to various Fortune 500 companies, museums, theatres, parks, lakes, and sports teams, providing endless possibilities for exploration and growth.

8. Commitment to Sustainability: The University of St. Thomas is committed to sustainability and environmental stewardship. The university has implemented various initiatives to reduce its carbon footprint, conserve resources, and promote sustainable practices. The university also offers programs in sustainability studies and environmental science that prepare students to tackle environmental challenges and advocate for a more sustainable future.

9. Diversity and Inclusion: The University of St. Thomas values diversity and inclusion and celebrates the diversity of its student body, faculty, and staff. The university provides various programs and resources, such as diversity and multicultural centres, interfaith initiatives, and inclusive pedagogy, to promote understanding, respect, and equity among all members of the community.

10. Service to the Community: The University of St. Thomas has a strong commitment to service and community engagement. The university encourages students to give back to their communities through various service projects, volunteering, and civic engagement activities. The university also has partnerships with numerous community organizations and nonprofits that provide students with opportunities to apply their knowledge and skills in real-world contexts and make a positive impact on society.

Key Features of the University of St. Thomas include:

1. Catholic Identity: The University of St. Thomas is grounded in the Catholic intellectual tradition and committed to the pursuit of truth and the common good.

2. Comprehensive Programs: The university offers over 100 undergraduate and graduate programs across nine schools and colleges, ranging from business and engineering to arts and humanities.

3. Faculty Excellence: The faculty includes award-winning scholars, experienced professionals, and well-known experts in their fields, who are committed to providing a challenging and supportive learning environment.

4. Student Success: The university has a strong commitment to supporting student success, offering programs and services such as academic advising, career development, and mentoring.

5. Urban Location: The University of St. Thomas is located in the vibrant city of Houston, providing students with numerous opportunities to engage with local businesses, government agencies, and community organisations.

6. Service and Outreach: The university is dedicated to promoting social justice and serving the community through programs such as the Center for Faith and Culture, the Center for Science and Health Professions Outreach, and the Center for International Studies.

7. Research Opportunities: The University of St. Thomas is committed to research and scholarly activity, with opportunities for students and faculty to engage in research across a variety of disciplines.

8. Global Perspective: The university emphasises the value of global education, offering study abroad programs, international partnerships, and courses that explore global issues.

The tuition fees and cost of living at the University of St. Thomas vary depending on the level of study, campus location, accommodation options, and personal lifestyle choices.

Tuition Fees

• For undergraduate programs: The estimated tuition and fees for in-state undergraduate students range from $40,000 to $45,275 per year. 

• For postgraduate programs: The estimated tuition and fees for in-state graduate students range from $15,216 to $33,706 per year.

Cost of Living:

The cost of living for students at the University of St. Thomas can vary depending on several factors, such as housing choices, food preferences, location, and personal expenses.

Here is a breakdown of estimated costs:

• Accommodation: - On-campus housing: $6,290 to $13,366 per year, depending on the type of room and meal plan chosen

• Off-campus housing: Costs vary widely depending on location, number of roommates, and other factors. 

• Food: If not on a meal plan, students can expect to spend an average of $2,400 to $3,600 per year on food and groceries. 

• Transportation: The cost of transportation depends on whether a student owns a car, uses public transportation, or relies on ridesharing services. Parking on campus costs an estimated $680 per year. 

• Personal Expenses: Personal expenses can vary significantly depending on individual preferences and lifestyle. Students should budget around $3,000 per year for personal expenses like entertainment, clothes, toiletries, and other incidentals.

Here are some of the most recent  University of St. Thomas  Rankings:
 

The University of St. Thomas has specific admission criteria for undergraduate and postgraduate programs. Here are the general requirements:
 

• Strong GPA and academic record

• Completion of rigorous coursework (e.g. honours, AP, IB)

• Test scores that are consistent with academic achievement (SAT, ACT, GRE, GMAT)
   

• Involvement in extracurricular activities, including leadership positions and community service

• Work and internship experience that demonstrates skills and qualities relevant to the desired program or field of study

• Recreational activities, hobbies, and interests that showcase personal growth and development
   

• Letters of recommendation that attest to strong character, work ethic, and potential for success in the program or field of study

• Personal essay or statement that demonstrates critical thinking, creativity, and communication skills

• Interview or other admissions materials that provide insight into the applicant's background, motivation, and goals
   

• The University of St. Thomas values diversity and actively seeks to create a diverse campus community. Applicants from diverse backgrounds, including economically disadvantaged, first-generation, and underrepresented groups, are encouraged to apply.

The University of St. Thomas had an acceptance rate of 92%. This means that out of 10,000 applicants, approximately 9,200 were admitted.

It is important to note that the University of St. Thomas acceptance rate can vary from year to year and may be different for individual programs within the university. Additionally, meeting the minimum admission requirements does not guarantee acceptance, as the university considers a range of factors in its decision-making process.