St. Thomas University

The University of St. Thomas is a private Catholic research university located in St. Paul and Minneapolis, Minnesota. Founded in 1885, it is affiliated with the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis and is named after Thomas Aquinas. The university offers undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees across disciplines including business, engineering, law, education, and the liberal arts. With multiple campuses in the Twin Cities and a study location in Rome, it serves a diverse student population seeking a values-based education grounded in the Catholic intellectual tradition. Students are often drawn to its combination of professional programs, liberal arts foundation, and urban campus setting.

The University of St. Thomas was founded in 1885 in St. Paul, Minnesota, by Archbishop John Ireland, who also served as its first president. Established originally as the College of St. Thomas, the institution began as a Catholic seminary intended to educate young men, particularly from immigrant communities in the region. During the twentieth century, St. Thomas expanded its academic offerings and transitioned from a small liberal arts college into a comprehensive university. It became coeducational in 1977 and introduced graduate and professional programs in fields such as business, education, and law. In 1990, the College of St. Thomas officially changed its name to the University of St. Thomas to reflect its broader mission and academic scope. Today, the University of St. Thomas operates campuses in St. Paul and Minneapolis and continues to grow as Minnesota’s largest private university.