
Sparkill, NYprivate nonprofitwww.stac.edu/
St. Thomas Aquinas College in Sparkill, NY, is a small, accessible liberal arts college with a 93% acceptance rate and a tight-knit campus community. Known for its strong graduation rates (62%) and proximity to New York City, it offers a practical, student-focused education with notable programs in health sciences and social sciences.
St. Thomas Aquinas College is decidedly non-selective, with a 93% acceptance rate (2,047 admitted out of 2,200 applicants in 2024). The average SAT score for admitted students falls between 880-1090, though the college maintains a test-optional policy. Notably, 75% of students receive financial aid, making it an accessible option for many. The school accepts the Common Application, streamlining the process for prospective students.
St. Thomas Aquinas offers a student-faculty ratio of 16:1, emphasizing personalized attention. The most popular majors include Health and Physical Education/Fitness, Social Sciences (9% of students), and Communication/Journalism (4%). The college lacks traditional majors/minors at some institutions, instead focusing on a liberal arts core with experiential learning opportunities. U.S. News & World Report has recognized it for strong outcomes, including graduation rates and alumni success.
The close-knit campus (51% live on-campus) thrives on mentorship and community, with faculty often doubling as advisors. Students enjoy dances, movie nights, and clubs, including pre-med groups. The Bernardine of Siena Library is a study hub, and residence halls are strictly single-sex. Proximity to NYC (just 15 miles north) provides easy access to internships and cultural opportunities.
St. Thomas Aquinas boasts a 62% graduation rate (above the 59% national midpoint) and a 73% freshman retention rate. Recent graduates earn a median salary of $30,940, with 72% outpacing high school grad earnings. The college has been nationally recognized for strong alumni outcomes and value by Money magazine and U.S. News.
Tuition is $41,100, but 75% of students receive aid, reducing the average Net priceWhat a family actually pays after grants and scholarships are subtracted from the sticker price — usually far less than the published cost. to $21,257. The college offers scholarships, grants, and work-study, with aid packages averaging $34,917. A True Cost Calculator helps families estimate personalized aid.
St. Thomas Aquinas combines accessibility (93% acceptance) with strong outcomes (62% graduation rate), a rarity among regional colleges. Its small classes (16:1 ratio) and mentorship culture foster success, while proximity to NYC unlocks internships and cultural capital. The college punches above its weight in alumni earnings and national recognition, offering a practical, community-focused alternative to cutthroat urban campuses.