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 sponsor it. The University boasts a solid liberal arts foundation, career preparation that is faithful to Catholic teaching, and extraordinary racial diversity.

St. Thomas offers nearly 40 undergraduate majors, and the University’s comprehensive, 45-credit liberal arts core curriculum weaves together all subjects in the light of the Catholic tradition and includes three Catholic theology and three philosophy courses. About 70 percent of students and half of professors are Catholic, and 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 with a Mass in Latin on Fridays, Confession four days a week, and weekly Exposition and Benediction of the Eucharist. Most student residence halls are single-sex, and opposite-sex visitation is allowed in student rooms.

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 is part of 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.