St. Thomas University logo

St. Thomas University

Miami Gardens, FL Private ยท Suburban www.stu.edu
Accept Rate
99.4%
Grad Rate
43.1%
Enrollment
1,963
Avg SAT
960
Tuition
$34,770
Median Salary
$54,272
Overall Grade
C
C
Academics
C
Value
C
Admissions
A+
Diversity
C+
Campus
C
Aid

The Vibe Check

St. Thomas University has a tight-knit, intimate campus feel where students are not just numbers but individuals known by their professors. The atmosphere is heavily influenced by its Catholic identity, fostering a community focused on service, ethical leadership, and personal growth. It feels like a supportive, family-oriented environment where the emphasis is on character development alongside academic achievement.

Admissions

Acceptance Rate

99.4%
Open Admission

SAT Score Range

SAT data not available

Average: 960

ACT Score Range

ACT data not available

Average: 19

Admissions Tips

As an open-enrollment institution, St. Thomas University has a very high acceptance rate, so meeting the basic requirements is key for admission. Highlight your involvement in community service or leadership roles in your application, as the university values character and a commitment to service that aligns with its Catholic mission. If you have a specific career path in mind, express your interest in their top-ranked programs like Health Professions or Business to show you've done your research.

Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard

๐ŸŽฏ

Can I Get In?

Estimate your admission chances

3.5
1.02.03.04.0
960
40080012001600

โš ๏ธ This is a rough estimate based on published admissions data. Actual decisions depend on essays, recommendations, extracurriculars, and holistic review.

Academics & Majors

Academic life is anchored in practical career preparation, with standout programs in Health Professions, Business, and Criminal Justice that offer hands-on learning. Class sizes are small, ensuring personalized attention from faculty who are accessible and invested in student success. While research opportunities exist, the focus is more on applied learning and professional internships rather than large-scale theoretical research.

Popular Majors

Health Professions
45.3%
Business & Marketing
27.4%
Criminal Justice
10.2%
Psychology
4.6%
Biology & Biomedical
2.9%
Communications
2.1%
Computer Science
1.9%
Social Sciences
1.9%

Percentage of degrees awarded by program area ??? Source: US Dept of Education

By The Numbers

43.1%
Graduation Rate
54.9%
Retention Rate
1,963
Total Students

Return on Investment

Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)

Student Diversity

Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body

Financial Aid & Cost

Sticker Price
$34,770
In-state tuition/year
Avg Net Price
$24,275
After financial aid
Total Cost
$49,762
Cost of attendance/year
25%
Receive Pell Grants
28.1%
Federal Loan Rate

Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education

Life in Miami Gardens

Life in Miami Gardens means easy access to the vibrant culture and nightlife of the greater Miami area, though the campus itself is more of a suburban retreat. Students often head to nearby Fort Lauderdale or Miami for beaches, concerts, and diverse dining options. On campus, student life is active with a variety of clubs, intramural sports, and events centered around the university's tight community.

Local Rent Check

$1,621 / month
Avg 1-Bedroom in Miami Gardens
Explore Miami Gardens

Reality Check

Can you afford this degree? Adjust the sliders to fit your actual situation (scholarships, savings, etc).

$139,080
$0Est. 4 Years: $139,080

Post-Grad Monthly Payment

$0/mo

Impact on Est. Salary ($54,272):

0.0% of net income

Safe Zone

Safety Check

The campus is located in a suburban setting and maintains a campus security presence, but students should remain aware of their surroundings, especially at night. The university is situated in Miami Gardens, a large suburban city, and while the campus itself is generally safe, it's advisable to use campus safety escorts and be cautious when traveling off-campus.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • โœ“ High acceptance rate provides accessible entry to a private university education.
  • โœ“ Strong, career-focused programs in high-demand fields like Health Professions and Business.
  • โœ“ Small class sizes ensure personalized attention from professors.
  • โœ“ Prime location in South Florida offers abundant internship and job opportunities.

Cons

  • โœ— Very low graduation rate (43.1%) and retention rate (54.9%) raise concerns about student persistence.
  • โœ— High sticker price for tuition, even if the net cost is lower.
  • โœ— The suburban campus may feel isolated from the excitement of Miami for some students.

Notable Alumni

Carmen Yulรญn Cruz
Former Mayor of San Juan, Puerto Rico, known for her leadership during Hurricane Maria.
Carlos Gimรฉnez
Former Miami-Dade County Mayor and current U.S. Representative for Florida's 28th congressional district.
Jeremy Jervey
Former NFL safety who played for the San Francisco 49ers and other teams.

Frequently Asked Questions

St. Thomas University is primarily known for its strong emphasis on career-oriented undergraduate programs, particularly in Health Professions, Business & Marketing, and Criminal Justice. As a private Catholic university, it is also recognized for its commitment to service, ethical leadership, and fostering a diverse, inclusive community focused on personal growth.

No, St. Thomas University is not hard to get into. It has a very high acceptance rate of 99.4%, making it an accessible option for a wide range of applicants. This indicates an open-enrollment policy where meeting the university's basic academic requirements is typically sufficient for admission.

Campus life at St. Thomas University is intimate and community-focused, with a total enrollment of just 1,963 students. The suburban campus offers a family-like atmosphere where students can participate in various clubs, intramural sports, and events. While the campus itself is a quiet environment, its location in Miami Gardens provides students with easy access to the diverse recreational and cultural activities of the greater Miami and Fort Lauderdale areas.

The financial value is mixed. With a 10-year median earnings of $54,272 and an average net price of $24,275, the return on investment can be reasonable, especially for graduates from top programs like Health Professions who stay and work in the high-paying South Florida job market. However, the extremely low graduation (43.1%) and retention (54.9%) rates are significant risk factors, as not completing a degree drastically reduces the financial return and increases the burden of student debt.

Similar Universities

Top Employers

Jackson Health System Miami-Dade County Public Schools City of Miami Baptist Health South Florida Miami Dolphins
Smart Start Score
52

Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.

University Facts

  • Founded N/A
  • Type Private
  • Setting Suburban
  • Undergrad 4,555
  • In-State Tuition $34,770
  • Zip Code 33054

Gender Ratio

โ™‚ 52.6% โ™€ 47.4%

The Money Talk

With an average net price of $24,275, the cost is lower than the sticker tuition of $34,770, thanks to financial aid, which benefits 25% of students with Pell Grants. The 10-year median earnings of $54,272 provide a solid return on investment for a private university, especially in high-demand fields like health and business in the South Florida market. However, the low graduation and retention rates are a significant concern that prospective students must consider when evaluating the long-term financial value of their degree.

*Based on Dept of Education data

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๐Ÿ“ Campus Location

๐Ÿ“… Typical Deadlines

Early Decision Nov 1
Early Action Nov 1โ€“15
Regular Decision Jan 1โ€“15
Transfer Mar 15
FAFSA Opens Oct 1
Check official deadlines โ†’

Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.

๐Ÿงฎ Estimated Annual Budget

Tuition $34,770
Housing (12 mo) $19,452
Books & Supplies ~$1,200
Living Expenses ~$6,000
Estimated Total $61,422
With avg financial aid:
$24,275/yr
Data sourced from US Dept of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS, and Bureau of Labor Statistics. Last updated: Feb 2026.