University of St Thomas

UST offers over 150 undergraduate majors and minors, with business (finance, marketing), computer science, and liberal arts (philosophy, psychology) as standouts. Classes are all taught by faculty—no TAs—and the curriculum emphasizes mission-driven education, blending Catholic intellectual tradition with practical skills. The Princeton Review notes strong student engagement in learning communities (themed housing tied to academics) and a culture where professors 'know your name.' Graduate programs, though smaller, focus on leadership and ethics.

With 3,395 undergraduates (58% women, 42% men), UST fosters a close-knit vibe. The campus buzzes with 120+ clubs, from cultural orgs to yoga groups, and events like free food trucks and concerts on the plaza. Instagram posts from @ustcampuslife showcase a lively scene: 'Free swag and tons of fun!' Housing options include themed learning communities, and the Minnesota location (despite Houston’s name mix-up in some sources) means winters are brutal but camaraderie is warm. Faith plays a role—retreats and service projects are popular—but the vibe is inclusive.

UST delivers on ROI: 94% of undergrads secure jobs or grad school within six months (vs. 86% national average), with computer science grads earning $93k median salaries. Recent LinkedIn data from the president boasts a 98% employment rate for the Class of 2025. The four-year graduation rate is 80%, and median debt ($23,250) is below the national average for private schools. Alumni networks in the Twin Cities and Houston (oil and gas, healthcare) provide a leg up.

Tuition is $32,637 after aid (57.55% of students receive assistance), with merit scholarships up to $34,000. A whopping 93% of students get grants, averaging $24,902. The net price?Net priceWhat a family actually pays after grants and scholarships are subtracted from the sticker price — usually far less than the published cost. calculator suggests many families pay far less than sticker price, thanks to UST’s endowment and donor-funded aid. For context, median debt at graduation is $23,250—lower than many private peers.

UST’s Catholic identity isn’t just lip service—it shapes the curriculum (required theology courses) and culture (service projects, ethics-focused business programs). But what really sets it apart is the career scaffolding: high job-placement rates, strong alumni networks, and a focus on 'practical liberal arts.' Add a no-TA teaching policy and a campus that’s 'small enough to feel like family' (per Niche reviews), and you’ve got a rare blend of accessibility and outcomes.