University of St Thomas (UST, University of Saint Thomas, UST) Introduction and Academics

Introduction

Established in 1885 as a Catholic seminary, the University of St. Thomas or UST, is a private, Catholic, liberal arts, and archdiocesan university located in Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota. The institute is named in the honor of Thomas Aquinas, a medieval Catholic theologian and philosopher. It earned the status of a university in 1991. UST enrolls more than 10,000 students, making it the largest private college or University in Minnesota. Apart from the main St. Paul campus, St. Thomas also operates the Gainey Conference Center and Bernardi Campus in Rome.

Videos

Information Summary

Ranks 10th in Minnesota and 298th overall. See the entire top 2,000 colleges and universities list
Overall Score (about)	90.4
Total Cost On-Campus Attendance	$56,664
Admission Success rate	N/A
ACT / SAT 75%ile scores	29 / 1380
Student Ratio Students-to-Faculty	17 : 1
Retention (full-time / part-time)	86% / N/A
Enrollment Total (all students)	10,035

Academics

The University of St. Thomas is fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission: A Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. It also holds several discipline based accreditations from agencies such as American Psychological Association (APA), The North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, The Association of Theological Schools, Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International (AACSB), and more.

UST offers more than 50 degree programs, over 40 master’s degree programs, two education specialist, one juris doctor, and 4 doctorate level degrees in diverse areas of study such as art, history, biology, catholic studies, chemistry, communication & journalism, computer and information sciences, economics, engineering, music, philosophy and entrepreneurship.

University of St. Thomas offers continuing education and professional development programs through several academic units. The Opus College of Business offers executive education, professional development, and custom programs. The Center for Senior Citizens’ Education presents educational and cultural programs specially designed to promote and support life-long learning.

Schools and Colleges:

University of St. Thomas offers degrees, diplomas and certificates through the following academic schools and colleges: College of Arts & Sciences, College of Applied Professional Studies, Graduate Programs in Software, Opus College of Business, School of Engineering, School of Law, School of Social Work, and Saint Paul Seminary School of Divinity.

Most Popular Fields of Study

Gallery

Admissions

University of St. Thomas operates on a rolling admission cycle. This means that the institute accepts applications throughout the year until the classes are full. Students seeking admission must send the completed application form along with SAT/ ACT score and all the official transcripts to the institute. Getting a transfer to UST is easy. Potential candidates must send the official transcripts from all previous institutes.

University of St. Thomas welcomes international students from over 60 countries across the world. Applicants from non-English speaking countries must provide a proof of their proficiency in English language by taking the TOEFL test.

Financial Aid

University of St. Thomas believes in providing equal opportunity to all the students. Hence, it offers financial aid to those who are unable to meet their college expenses. UST provides financial assistance to the students through different mediums such as loan, grants and scholarships. All applicants must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form. Some of the scholarships offered at UST are Engineering Board of Governor’s Scholarship, Multicultural Excellence Program Scholarship, City of Minneapolis Scholarship, Dollars for Scholars Matching Program, National Scholarships, and more.

Loans are the type of financial aid that must be returned with interest. Some of the federal and private loans offered at UST are Federal Perkins Loan, Federal Direct Loan, Federal and Direct Parent PLUS Loan. Other financial aid resources include Robert C. Byrd Honors Scholarship Program, Minnesota Achieve Scholarship, Safety Officers Survivor Program, Vocational Rehabilitation Assistance, Military Benefits, and Federal TEACH Grant.

Student Financial Aid Details

Ranks 589th for the average student loan amount.
Secrets to getting the best scholarships and financial aid in Minnesota.

Students

Students at UST enjoy a vibrant and active campus life. The student government acts like the voice of the student body and organizes various events and programs to enrich the campus experience. It encourages students to get involved in the diverse on-campus clubs and organizations. Some of the popular student organizations include Academic Quiz Bowl, AFROTC Saber Drill Team, Black Empowerment Student Alliance, Campus Crusade for Christ, Computer Science Club, Delta Sigma Pi-Nu Tau Chapter, Financial Management Association, and Swing Dance Club.

Media and Publications:

St. Thomas Magazine is the student-operated magazine of the University.

Bulletin Today offers daily news for parents, families, alumni, and existing students.

TommieMedia.com is a web-based, multimedia and student-operated news organization providing information, news, and advertising opportunities related to the institute.

Campus Facilities:

O’Shaughnessy-Frey Library is the main library situated in St. Paul campus. The library offers books and materials in the humanities, science, social sciences, and business. Other UST libraries include Charles J. Keffer Library, Archbishop Ireland Memorial Library, and Schoenecker Law Library. There is always a librarian available to help students find the right books and reference materials.

University of St. Thomas offers on-campus housing facilities for more than 2,400 students. The campus houses traditional halls and apartments that are equipped with modern amenities for the convenience of the students. The traditional residence halls are named after Archbishops of Minneapolis-St. Paul such as Austin Dowling, William O. Brady, and John Ireland.

The Career Development Center at UST serves all undergraduate and non-law/non-business graduate students and alumni. The services include a job and internship posting board, career development tools, and an updated schedule of events. Some of the other important academic centers located within the campus are Center for Business Excellence, Business Ethics Center for Nonprofit Management, Center for Senior Citizen’s Education, Center for Economic Education, Center for Irish Studies, Center for Ethical Leadership, and Center for Catholic Studies.

Student Enrollment Demographics

Student Graduation Demographics

Athletics

St. Thomas’s athletic department sponsors men’s and women’s teams in diverse sports such as basketball, volleyball, football, baseball, cross & country. The university is a NCAA Division III school, and a member of the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference. The athletic teams are nicknamed the Tommies. Their official mascot is Tommie, the Tomcat. The colors are Purple and Gray.

Intramural Sports:

UST students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to participate in the various intramural and recreational sports. Some of the popular recreational sports and activities include touch football, co-rec soccer league, dodge-ball tournament, tennis tournament, and co-rec volleyball league. McCarthy gymnasium, located in the south campus houses a basketball court, four racquetball courts, weight-training, and aerobics areas. The O’Shaughnessy Stadium is a 5,000-seat outdoor stadium built for football and track events. Other sports facilities include aquatic center, cardio room, field house, Schoenecker arena, and weight room.

Alumni

Larry Bond, noted game designer and author
Dan Buettner, eminent explorer, educator, and author
Robert Buss, noted managing director
Dottie Cannon, Miss Minnesota USA 2006
Tom Dooher, President, Education Minnesota
Vince Flynn, noted author

Bibliography

University of St. Thomas. 2011.

University of St Thomas: University of St. Thomas, Saint Paul Seminary School of Divinity, Center for Catholic Studies. General Books LLC, 2010. Print.

University of St Thomas