Students at the University of St.
Thomas achieve stronger financial outcomes than similar students at comparable institutions, with particularly impressive results for low-income graduates who rank in the top fifth nationally.
The combination of earnings beyond expectations and zero loan defaults demonstrates the university's ability to deliver both strong career preparation and sustainable debt levels.
The University of St. Thomas in Houston offers a distinctive combination of private university benefits with surprisingly accessible pricing and strong long-term outcomes. As a medium-sized Catholic institution, it serves a diverse student body where 38% receive Pell Grants and 38% are first-generation college students, yet still delivers earnings that place it in the top 27% nationally among similar institutions.
Graduates earn a median of $59,224 ten years after enrollment, with particularly strong outcomes in nursing and health sciences programs. The university demonstrates solid earnings beyond expectations, with graduates earning about $3,300 more than similar students at comparable institutions. This performance reflects both the institution's focus on career-oriented programs and its ability to support students from diverse backgrounds into professional success.
What makes the University of St. Thomas particularly appealing is its affordability structure. Middle-income families pay just $16,635 annually, while even low-income students face costs of only $17,830 per year. Combined with a 0% federal loan default rate and manageable debt levels, the university provides a pathway to private education that doesn't compromise long-term financial health. For families seeking the personal attention and values-based education of a Catholic university with practical career outcomes, St. Thomas offers a compelling value proposition.
The University of St. Thomas demonstrates particular strength in health sciences, with Adult Health Nursing standing out as both the highest-return program and a key driver of the university's strong employment outcomes. Nursing graduates earn around $64,000 ten years out while entering a field with excellent job security and growth prospects, making it an ideal program for students seeking both financial stability and meaningful work.
The university's program portfolio reflects its mission-driven approach to education, emphasizing fields that serve community needs while providing graduates with strong career prospects. The focus on nursing and health sciences aligns with Houston's major medical center and growing healthcare sector, creating natural pathways from classroom to career for students in these high-demand fields.
As a medium-sized institution, St. Thomas provides the personalized attention and faculty mentorship that help students succeed in competitive professional programs. The combination of small class sizes, hands-on learning opportunities, and strong clinical partnerships creates an environment where students can develop both the technical skills and professional networks needed for career success in their chosen fields.
Graduates of the University of St. Thomas achieve solid long-term financial outcomes that exceed expectations for a medium-sized private institution. Ten years after enrollment, they earn a median of $59,224, placing the university in the top 27% nationally for earnings performance. More importantly, graduates earn about $3,300 more than similar students at comparable institutions, demonstrating meaningful earnings beyond expectations that help justify the investment in private education.
The university's strongest returns come from its health sciences programs, particularly nursing. Adult Health Nursing graduates, representing the largest program by total return, earn around $64,000 ten years out while maintaining high employment rates in a field with excellent job security. This program exemplifies how St. Thomas combines professional preparation with strong earning potential, creating clear pathways from classroom to career.
The university's focus on career-oriented programs and professional development helps explain why graduates consistently outperform earnings expectations. With 636 graduates earning more than $75,000 annually, the institution demonstrates its ability to prepare students for well-paying careers across multiple fields. The combination of personalized attention, professional networking, and practical curriculum creates conditions where students can maximize their earning potential in competitive job markets.
The University of St. Thomas stands out for making private education surprisingly affordable across income levels. Middle-income families pay just $16,635 per year, actually less than what low-income students pay at $17,830 annually, reflecting the university's strategic financial aid approach. Even high-income families face costs of $26,466, which remains competitive with many public universities when considering the personalized attention and smaller class sizes typical of private institutions.
Debt levels remain manageable for most students, with typical federal loan debt of $19,928 and Parent PLUS borrowing averaging $15,619. What makes these figures particularly sustainable is the university's 0% federal loan default rate, indicating that graduates consistently earn enough to handle their repayment obligations comfortably. The loan repayment trajectory shows that St. Thomas borrowers pay down balances faster than national averages, with strong performance in both balance reduction and borrower payoff rates.
The university's affordability model reflects its mission to make Catholic higher education accessible to families from diverse economic backgrounds. By keeping net prices reasonable and maintaining strong employment outcomes, St. Thomas creates a sustainable path to private education that doesn't burden families with excessive debt or compromise long-term financial stability.
University Of St Thomas Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
