Undergrads
Catholic Faculty
Catholic Students
University of St. Thomas-Houston
Located in the heart of Houston, Texas, the rapidly growing University of St. Thomas was launched in 1947 by the Basilian Fathers, who still own it. The University boasts a solid liberal arts foundation, career preparation that is faithful to Catholic teaching, and extraordinary racial diversity.
St. Thomas offers more than 40 undergraduate majors, and the University’s comprehensive, liberal arts core curriculum includes three Catholic theology and three philosophy courses. Only about 30 percent of students and half of professors are Catholic, but all theology professors have a mandatum from the local bishop.
Religious life revolves around the Chapel of St. Basil, which is a modern architectural icon for the University and Houston’s Museum District. The Basilian Fathers and other local priests help provide daily Masses, Confession four days a week, and weekly Exposition and Benediction of the Eucharist. Most student residence halls are appropriately single-sex, but regrettably opposite-sex visitation is allowed in student rooms until late at night, with no open-door policy.
Most students are from Texas, and only 400 students (about 16 percent) reside on campus. Still, campus life is vibrant with nearly 60 student clubs, and St. Thomas recently joined the Southern Collegiate conference of the NCAA Division III with 19 varsity sports.
The University of St. Thomas has one of the lower net prices among colleges in The Newman Guide, even with its urban location and facilities. Students looking for a faithful education at a great price would do well to consider it.
What we really like
The racial diversity of students at the University of St. Thomas—about half Hispanic, with many other groups represented—is a hopeful sign of the universal Church. We also like the variety of sciences and other majors not available at most of the other recognized colleges.
Visit Campus
Get in touch with the University of St. Thomas to schedule your campus visit:
713-522-7911
