Our Beginnings
Archbishop John Ireland founded St. Thomas in 1885 as a high school, college and seminary to provide high-quality education for Catholic immigrants who were suffering social and economic hardship. His legacy lives on in today’s university - one that welcomes all faiths, races, nationalities and genders, and is committed to making the world a better place through empathy, understanding, intellectual rigor and innovation.
How far you go depends on where you go
The University of St. Thomas is the largest private university in Minnesota and one of the largest Catholic colleges or universities in the nation, with more than 9,000 undergraduate and graduate students at our eight schools and colleges.
Our founding was inspired by Catholic intellectual tradition, a 2,000-year-old practice of uniting faith and reason to explore the world. Rooted in this Catholic identity, we are committed to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I); our convictions call us to protect and enhance the dignity of every human and to work for a more just and equitable society. At the University of St. Thomas, we develop future leaders of all faiths looking to make a positive impact on the world.
Mission, Convictions and Heritage
Inspired by Catholic intellectual tradition, St. Thomas educates students to be morally responsible leaders who think critically, act wisely, and work skillfully to advance the common good. As a community, we are committed to our convictions: the pursuit of truth, academic excellence, faith and reason, dignity, diversity, personal attention and gratitude.
Who, What & Where
9,000+
undergraduate and graduate students
150+
undergraduate majors and minors
55+
graduate degree programs
Student Experience
- All first- and second-year students are required to live on campus, though some exceptions allow certain students to commute.
- Students can participate in 21 Division I sports teams, including football, basketball, hockey, and soccer, among others.
- With over 140 clubs available, there’s something for everyone, ranging from athletics and business to engineering and social engagement.
- We're proud to be the only university in Minnesota designated as a "Changemaker Campus," which means we integrate social innovation, entrepreneurship, and community care into everything we do.
- Nearly 47% of our students take advantage of study abroad opportunities in more than 50 countries.
Undergraduate Student Profile
Number of students: 6,063
First-year students entering fall of 2024:
- Middle 50 percent ACT range: 23-29
- Middle 50 percent SAT range: 1130-1340
- Middle 50 percent Average GPA: 3.3-3.9
- Percentage students of color: 31%
We are ranked as a "Top National University" and "Best Value School" by U.S. News & World Report, and are in the top 25 in The Princeton Review's list of "Undergraduate Entrepreneurship Programs", thanks to the Schulze School of Entrepreneurship.
#71
BEST VALUE SCHOOL NATIONALLY (US NEWS & WORLD REPORT)
#148
NATIONAL UNIVERSITY (US NEWS & WORLD REPORT)
#12
BEST CATHOLIC COLLEGE IN AMERICA (NICHE.COM)
#23
BEST UNDERGRADUATE ENGINEERING PROGRAM NATIONALLY (US NEWS & WORLD REPORT)
#22
TOP ENTREPRENEURSHIP UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAM NATIONALLY (PRINCETON REVIEW)
#64
BEST UNDERGRADUATE BUSINESS SCHOOL NATIONALLY (POETS & QUANTS)
#2
BEST COLLEGE CAMPUSES IN AMERICA (NICHE.COM)
#42
TOP GREEN COLLEGES (PRINCETON REVIEW)
