Non-Profit Private
Accredited · Higher Learning Commission
Saint Paul, Minnesota
84.9% Acceptance Rate
University of St Thomas — Admission Snapshot 2026
A complete at-a-glance picture of every metric that matters for your 2026 application
84.9%Acceptance Rate
3.63Avg GPA
1296Avg SAT
28Avg ACT
$64,684Annual Cost
$73,739Grad Salary
19.6%Pell Grant
Acceptance Rate
84.9%
Avg GPA
3.63
Avg SAT
1296
Avg ACT
28
Selectivity
Inclusive
Institution Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
Accredited By
Higher Learning Commission
SAT Middle 50%
1223–1416
ACT Middle 50%
25–30
Need-Based Aid
19.6% receive Pell
University of St. Thomas is a private, Catholic research university in Minnesota known for its commitment to academic excellence, ethics, and the development of the whole person. With a focus on innovative interdisciplinary programs and community impact, it prepares students for leadership roles in a variety of professional and service-oriented fields.
University of St Thomas Acceptance Rate
University of St Thomas (University of Saint Thomas) runs an open-access admission policy — with a 84.9% acceptance rate, the focus is on getting qualified students in, not filtering them out.
What to Expect
- Eligibility First: A high school diploma or GED typically clears the main bar.
- Plan Ahead for Placement: Placement tests can shape which courses you start in — worth preparing for.
Selectivity at a Glance
Inclusive
Selectivity scale: Inclusive — 84.9% acceptance rate
Most Selective (0%)Open Enrollment (100%)
Recommended Academic Profile
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.63 – 4.00
Target Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.43 – 3.62
Competitive Reach
Focus on Score Compensation
Below 3.18
Secondary Reach
Requires Contextual Support
Source: IPEDS & College Scorecard (Nov 2025).
University of St Thomas Application Deadlines & Admission Dates 2026
The application deadline for University of St Thomas is February 1 for Regular Decision applicants, with additional plans listed below. Admission decisions are typically released by March 15.
Key Admission Dates
⏳ 190 days left — Regular Decision
Regular Decision
February 1
Decision by: March 15
Early Action
November 1
Decision by: January 15
💡 The scholarship deadline (December 1, 2026) often falls before the regular admission deadline. Submit your application and FAFSA early to be considered for maximum aid.
Deadlines are verified from official institutional sources but may change each cycle. Always confirm final dates on the official website.
University of Saint Thomas GPA Requirement
The average GPA of admitted students at University of Saint Thomas is 3.63. That makes admissions here highly selective. Most admitted students carry mostly A's with the occasional B.
Between 3.33 and 3.63? A strong standardized test score is worth prioritizing.
Most schools report GPA on a weighted or unweighted 4.0 scale differently — for an unweighted profile like this, students with AP/IB coursework typically carry a weighted GPA of 3.83–4.03.University of Saint Thomas GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Selective; solid academic performance is expected.
Recommended Strategy: Focus on a Strong 'Spike' in extracurriculars or research.
Where your GPA falls in this range shapes what the rest of your application needs to do:
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.63 – 4.00
Target/Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.43 – 3.62
Competitive Match
Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation
3.23 – 3.42
Secondary Reach
Personal Statement & Impact
Below 3.22
Institutional Reach
Requires Significant Contextual Factors
Evaluation Metrics That Matter Here
- Test-optional; ACT science and writing sections are not required or considered; official test scores are only required post-enrollment for course placement, never retroactively for admission or merit.
- Essay is optional but "strongly recommended" by the university itself; max 2 letters of recommendation accepted, also optional.
- Early Action and Regular Decision (Jan. 15) are both free and non-binding; enrollment commitment deadline is May 1.
- Participates in Direct Admission Minnesota; does not participate in Minnesota's PSEO (Postsecondary Enrollment Options) program for high schoolers, unlike many other MN institutions.
- Rigor Over Raw Number: A slightly lower GPA (say 3.8) paired with multiple AP or IB courses often outweighs a flat 4.0 from a standard curriculum.
- Trajectory Matters: A lower start in 9th or 10th grade, followed by a clear upward trend senior year, reads as academic resilience rather than a weakness.
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Check Your Admission Chances at University of Saint Thomas
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis — based on University of St Thomas's verified institutional data
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Calculating Profile...
Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
Your SAT Score 1200
Your Unweighted GPA 3.00
✅ Verified Data: Institutional records for 2026.
Calculated via College Portal's Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards. Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
University of St Thomas (University of Saint Thomas) Test Requirements
Standardized scores still matter here: aim for the middle 50% range of the 2026 admitted class below, and if University of Saint Thomas is test-optional, a high score submitted voluntarily still helps with merit scholarships.
Can I Get Into University of Saint Thomas Without SAT or ACT?
University of Saint Thomas considers scores when submitted, without requiring them. Prepare well and submit your best attempt — most applicants test 2–3 times.
University of St Thomas Average SAT Score: 1296
The average SAT score of admitted students at University of St Thomas is 1296 on the 1600-point scale.
SAT Competitiveness
SAT 1296 — Slightly Competitive
This sits close to the national average SAT score.
Key Insight: Aim for the 75th percentile (1416 SAT or 30 ACT) to stand out. Below average? University of St Thomas allows Score Choice for the SAT, so a retake only helps — a low sitting never has to be sent.
If your score is below 1223, retaking the SAT is strongly recommended to improve your chances at University of Saint Thomas. Retaking multiple times is completely normal — most competitive applicants sit for it two or three times. There's no official limit on attempts.
SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | 661 | 613 | 708 |
| SAT Reading | 659 | 610 | 708 |
| SAT Composite | 1296 | 1223 | 1416 |
Below 1223, you're behind most admitted students; at 1416 or above, you're ahead of 75% of them. (25th/75th percentile = the score below which that share of admitted students fall.)
View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 1300
Can I get into University of St Thomas (University of Saint Thomas) with a 1400 SAT?
A 1400 SAT puts you ahead of most of University of Saint Thomas's admitted class — but admissions still weighs GPA, course rigor, and essays alongside it. A strong score opens the door; the rest of your profile decides what happens next.
University of St Thomas (University of Saint Thomas) ACT Requirements
The average ACT score at University of Saint Thomas is 28.
ACT Competitiveness
ACT 28 — Competitive
This average is solidly above the national mean without being elite-tier.
ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACT Math | 27 | 24 | 29 |
| ACT English | 27 | 23 | 31 |
| ACT Composite | 28 | 25 | 30 |
Can I get into University of St Thomas with a 30 ACT?
A 30 ACT puts you ahead of 75% of University of Saint Thomas's admitted students — a strong position, though the ACT is only one benchmark among several admissions weighs.
Unlike the SAT, the ACT scores four separate sections — English, Math, Reading, and Science — each on a 1–36 scale. A noticeably weak section (Science, especially, at STEM-focused schools) stands out to reviewers, so it's worth checking your section breakdown for outliers before applying.
Your ACT score clears the first filter, but GPA, course rigor, extracurricular depth, recommendations, and essays are what carry an application the rest of the way at University of Saint Thomas.
Your 2026 Admissions Roadmap for University of Saint Thomas
Accessible Strategy: Academic Foundation
University of Saint Thomas takes a broad view of applicants. Your energy is best spent proving readiness for coursework and maximizing your financial aid package.
Submit an essay even though it's optional - St. Thomas explicitly says it wants you to
St. Thomas labels its essay "Optional, Strongly Recommended," a meaningfully different signal from schools that call something optional and mean it. Since high school GPA carries the most weight and test scores are only submitted by a minority of applicants, the essay is one of the few remaining ways to add personal context to an otherwise transcript-driven review. Choose from the school-specific prompts (a meaningful contribution through school/church/community/family, or "what do you want readers to know apart from courses, grades, and test scores") or submit a different personal essay - max 650 words recommended, no stated minimum.
Decide on your ACT science section strategy before testing - St. Thomas explicitly excludes it
St. Thomas will not require or consider the ACT science section, evaluating the highest composite and subject subscores instead. If your ACT science subscore is a weak point relative to your other sections, don't let it hold you back from applying test-optional-but-submitting, since St. Thomas's own review process already discounts it - focus test prep energy on English, math, and reading sections if you do choose to submit scores.
Submit your strongest test score before admission - St. Thomas locks your merit award at that moment
Once you're admitted and offered a merit scholarship, St. Thomas will not accept new test scores to increase that award - merit is calculated on your academic credentials at the time of admission and frozen there. If you're planning to retake the ACT/SAT to improve your application, do so and submit results before applying, not after receiving an admission decision, since a stronger score post-admission has zero effect on your scholarship package.
Use Direct Admission Minnesota to skip a step if you're a Minnesota resident
St. Thomas participates in Direct Admission Minnesota, a state program that can streamline or bypass parts of the standard application process for eligible Minnesota high schoolers. If you're a Minnesota resident, check your Direct Admission Minnesota eligibility before starting a full traditional application - it may reduce the steps needed to receive an admission decision.
Expert Insight:
The recurring mistake at St. Thomas is treating "test optional" and "essay optional" as equally low-stakes to skip. While test scores genuinely carry less weight (only ~29% of admits submit ACT, ~3% submit SAT), the essay is explicitly flagged by the university itself as strongly recommended - skipping it removes one of the only qualitative counterweights to a GPA-and-transcript-dominated review, particularly for students whose transcript alone doesn't tell their full story.
University of Saint Thomas Profile
Full Name
University of St Thomas (University of Saint Thomas)
City
Saint Paul
State
Minnesota
ZIP Code
55105-1078
Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
Official Website
Accredited By
Higher Learning Commission (NCACHE)
Is a University of Saint Thomas Degree Worth It?
Whether University of Saint Thomas is worth it depends less on its reputation and more on your program choice, financial aid package, and career goals — here's the data to weigh it against.
The average household income among admitted students is $76,900, with a graduate unemployment rate of 2.49%.
How much does a degree from University of Saint Thomas Cost?
The sticker price is $64,684/year, but the average net price students actually pay — after Pell and federal grants — is typically much lower.
19.6% of students receive a Pell Grant and 45% take federal loans at University of Saint Thomas — file your FAFSA early and list University of Saint Thomas as a choice to be considered for both.
How much does a University of Saint Thomas Graduate earn?
Median earnings 10 years after enrollment (roughly 4–6 years post-graduation) are $73,739 — about 82% above the U.S. median graduate income.
Compare Similar Colleges
Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than University of St Thomas. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Alabama at Birmingham | Birmingham, AL | 1251 | 26 |
| University of Arizona | Tucson, AZ | 1261 | 26 |
| Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott | Prescott, AZ | 1256 | 27 |
| Biola University | La Mirada, CA | 1258 | 27 |
| Point Loma Nazarene University | San Diego, CA | 1278 | 26 |
| Thomas Aquinas College | Santa Paula, CA | 1277 | 29 |
| University of Central Florida | Orlando, FL | 1277 | 27 |
| Eckerd College | Saint Petersburg, FL | 1256 | 27 |
| Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach | Daytona Beach, FL | 1256 | 27 |
| Florida Southern College | Lakeland, FL | 1263 | 28 |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as University of St Thomas. If your SAT or ACT score is competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| The University of Alabama | Tuscaloosa, AL | 1287 | 28 |
| University of the Pacific | Stockton, CA | 1303 | 27 |
| United States Coast Guard Academy | New London, CT | 1290 | 28 |
| University of Delaware | Newark, DE | 1297 | 29 |
| Rollins College | Winter Park, FL | 1304 | 29 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than University of St Thomas. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hendrix College | Conway, AR | 1336 | 29 |
| Chapman University | Orange, CA | 1353 | 30 |
| Pepperdine University | Malibu, CA | 1367 | 29 |
| Westmont College | Santa Barbara, CA | 1367 | 32 |
| University of Colorado Boulder | Boulder, CO | 1353 | 31 |
Degree Programs at University of Saint Thomas
Bachelor Degree Programs
Frequently Asked Questions About University of Saint Thomas Admissions
Median graduate earnings at University of St Thomas run about $73,739 a year.
At about $64,684 a year, University of St Thomas's cost is on the higher end; look closely at aid options.
University of St Thomas's Pell Grant rate of 19.6% sits below the national average — merit-based aid is worth checking regardless of income.
At 84.9%, University of St Thomas's acceptance rate is on the more attainable end compared to top-tier selective schools.
Admitted students at University of St Thomas average a 3.63 GPA.
University of St Thomas doesn't publish a hard GPA floor — but landing at or above 3.33 keeps you in the typical applicant range; below it, lean on essays and recommendations.
Below 3.23, University of St Thomas becomes a harder reach — though a strong test score, meaningful activities, and AP/IB coursework can still make a real case.
A strong SAT score matters at University of St Thomas — aim above 1296, ideally within the 1223–1416 range admitted students typically fall in.
The application deadline for University of St Thomas is February 1 for Regular Decision applicants. Admission decisions are released by March 15.
The scholarship/financial aid priority deadline is December 1, 2026. Submit FAFSA before then for maximum consideration.
Yes — transfers are common. Have transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement ready to make your case.
Strong academics, a focused extracurricular profile, and standout essays move the needle most — along with a competitive SAT/ACT score where relevant.
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