St. Thomas University

main attractions is St. Thomas' 13 to 1 student faculty ratio, which unlike other universities allows for a more personalized instructional relationship between student and teacher. Consistently named as one of the top tier mid-western universities since 1994 by U.S. News and Report, the university strives for academic excellence and is well documented. A highly successful $65 million campaign in 2007 allowed for even more benefits expanding the campus, adding a new residence hall, an athletic hall and two more academic buildings to accommodate its ever increasing population.

The University of St. Thomas offers its students many options when it comes to choosing an area of study. With over 30 undergraduate programs and 8 master's degree programs students can tailor their education to their specific wants and desires. Master's degree programs include accounting, business administration, education, divinity, liberal arts, pastoral studies, theology and philosophy.

The university is also home to the Center for Thomistic Studies which is one of the most highly recognized doctorate programs in philosophy in the world. St. Thomas is also able to boast the record of a 100% job placement rating at or before graduation for both accounting and education majors. In other words to quote Jerry Maguire, they are "the Ambassadors of Quan."

In the 2008-2009 school year a new student could expect to pay $14,855 for the fall and $14,655 for the spring semester in tuition which includes residence hall, meal plan, and book fees.

The newly built Guinan Hall is an attractive environment for freshman and upperclassmen. Room amenities include balconies overlooking the courtyard, furnished double-occupancy rooms with private bathrooms, extra long twin-size beds and individually controlled thermostats. Prices range from $2200 a semester for returning students to $2350 a semester for freshman and transfer students. For those students wanting a more apartment style atmosphere the university also offers its upperclassmen the choice to stay at its Residence Life Apartments located on the south-side of campus.

Floor plans include full-serve kitchens with a dishwasher, stove and refrigerator, furnished living room and bedroom areas, and wall-to-wall carpeting in the bedrooms. Similar to Guinan Hall apartment residents pay a yearly fee starting at $2200 up to $2350 but in addition must pay a $300 security deposit and still purchase one of the meal plan options. Apartments and residence halls also feature resident staff, planned monthly events for residents, and on-site laundry. Last but definitely not least students can also apply to stay at Augustine Hall which is a living-learning community run by the Fransiscan Sisters of the Eucharist. In this community students are required to participate in weekly dinners and discussions by engaging in service through the campus ministry and catholic charities as well as exploring their environment together in monthly excursions.

Residence Hall	Type	Occupants	Price per Semester
Guinan Hall	Double Occupancy	Co-ed	$2200-$2350
Residence Life Apartment	Double Occupancy	Co-ed	$2200-$2350

Even with the options provided by the university some students choose to find their own housing. In the Houston area there are many other great options when it comes to apartment living surrounding the University of St. Thomas campus. Students that don't want to buy a meal plan or are wanting more freedom and privacy than can be provided by dorm style living, enjoy many benefits that the city of Houston in a hot area around St. Thomas has to offer. So whether students choose on campus life or off, the University of St. Thomas is definitely the place for a higher education.