St. Thomas University
St. Thomas University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
St. Thomas University at a Glance
St. Thomas University (STU) is a private Catholic university in Miami Gardens, Florida, United States. The university offers 61 undergraduate and graduate degree programs, and post-graduate certificate programs on-campus and online. As of 2021, the university enrolled 5,922 students, which included 1,797 undergraduate students, 1,498 graduate students, 780 law students, 62 non-degree students, and 1,784 dual enrollment students.
1961
65 years old
$34M
$34.4 million (2022)
5,922
1,797 undergrad · 1,498 grad
Identity
Is St. Thomas University Worth It?
At a value score of 24/100, St. Thomas University is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $54,272 — 1% above average — while paying $26,312/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.9 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 46% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 5 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
With a 98% acceptance rate, admission is essentially open — the question isn't whether you'll get in, but whether the investment will pay off.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at St. Thomas University has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How St. Thomas University compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #90 of 113 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Saint Mary's University of Minnesota | 83 | $11,704 | $58,170 |
| #2 | Dominican University | 75 | $11,745 | $60,327 |
| #3 | Saint Peter's University | 72 | $12,199 | $57,815 |
| #4 | Trinity Washington University | 67 | $9,302 | $53,804 |
| #5 | Valparaiso University | 58 | $18,578 | $63,191 |
| #6 | Fairleigh Dickinson University-Metropolitan Campus | 54 | $15,404 | $57,273 |
| #90 | St. Thomas University | 24 | $26,312 | $54,272 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of St. Thomas University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%).
Best Programs at St. Thomas University
The highest-earning program at St. Thomas University is Business Administration, Management and Operations at $40,000/year (4 years after graduation).
Your major matters more than the school name — a Business Administration, Management and Operations graduate from St. Thomas University earns $40,000, while a Business Administration, Management and Operations graduate earns $40,000. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Business Administration, Management and Operations graduates carry $16,977 in median debt vs. $16,977 for Business Administration, Management and Operations.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $26,312/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $40,000 | $40,000 | $16,977 |
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Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Miami Gardens, FL
- Student Body
- 2,214 students
- Admission Rate
- 98%
- Graduation Rate
- 46%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $26,312
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $54,272
- Median Student Debt
- $19,125