The University of St. Thomas, founded in 1885 by John Ireland, the archbishop of Saint Paul and Minneapolis, originally operated as an all-male Catholic seminary. In 1894, the liberal arts program was separated from the seminary and established as an independent college, thanks to a generous donation from James J. Hill, a prominent local railroad magnate. Hill's contribution also enabled the creation of the Saint Paul Seminary, distinct from the college.
In 1903, the College of St. Thomas introduced a military program, which was officially designated a military school by the U.S. War Department in 1906. Initially offering two-year diplomas in classical and commercial studies, the institution awarded its first academic degrees in 1915. By 1922, participation in military training had become optional, reflecting the college's evolving academic and extracurricular focus.
Campus
The St. Paul campus, considered the main campus, serves as the hub for most undergraduate students. It occupies a historic site where Summit Avenue meets the Mississippi River, once a farm owned by ex-Fort Snelling soldier William Finn. Finn received the land as part of a pension settlement after accidentally injuring his hand while on guard duty. This location, originally thought to be "far removed from town," has since become a central part of the university's identity.
Bordering the Mississippi Gorge Regional Park, the campus boasts a rich historical and architectural legacy. Summit Avenue, which cuts through the campus, is the nation’s longest stretch of Victorian homes. Notable landmarks along this tree-lined street include the Governor’s Mansion, F. Scott Fitzgerald’s townhome, and the James J. Hill mansion. Recent developments include a 2005 apartment-style residence hall and the 2006 construction of a new McNeely Hall, a larger classroom building for business that replaced its smaller predecessor. Plans for additional parking ramps, a new residential village, and other infrastructure improvements are underway, with implementation expected within the next five years.
What is the University of St. Thomas (St. Paul) US News National Rankings 2025?
The University of St. Thomas (St. Paul) ranks 148 according to the US News National Rankings 2025.
University of St. Thomas (St. Paul) Global Ranking
The University is still awaiting its official rankings from prominent organisations such as QS, Times Higher Education, and US News and World Report. Despite its growing reputation and contributions to academia, the university has not yet been featured in the rankings published by these influential bodies. But it has been ranked at #148 out of 436 national universities of the U.S. News in 2025.
Although the University continues to develop its academic programs and research initiatives, it remains unranked by these major international ranking institutions. The absence of a ranking from QS, Times Higher Education, and US News does not reflect the quality of education or research output but simply indicates that the university has not been formally assessed by these specific agencies.
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Frequently asked questions on University of St. Thomas (St. Paul) Ranking 2025
1: How can someone get work-study? Can one keep all of his/her work-study money?
A: In order for a student to receive work-study, the student must indicate on their FAFSA that they want work-study, and the FAFSA must be received before April 1st of the new academic year for the student to be considered. If the work-study is part of the financial aid needed to pay their fees for that academic year, the student has the option to complete a work- study agreement form at Student Success Center indicating that their checks automatically go to the Business Office.
2: Where do I pick up Student Mail and Packages?
A: All student mail and packages are delivered to Campus Mail Services and Shipping and Receiving, now located in the Campus Store. There are no deliveries to Residence Halls.