The University of St. Thomas-Houston celebrates its newest top ranking as the No.1 private Hispanic-serving institution (HSI) in the United States, according to Steppingblocks, a big data analytics company that provides workforce and education analysis. In education, Steppingblocks is a resource for prospective college students, whose focus is on an actual student's career path and the future. 

According to the survey, UST ranks among the top 20 HSIs nationwide, including 16 public and four private universities. 

In its rankings, Steppingblocks uses rigorous analysis of key statistics and millions of reviews from students provided by Niche.com. Salary and employment data was sourced from Steppingblocks.

“UST has been very successful in providing opportunities and outcomes for students through innovative initiatives such as the Rising Stars Internship Program, St. Thomas Promise, Student Success Coaches, Mendenhall Summer Institute, Freshman Symposium, Research Symposium, and with the help of Career Services,” Arthur Ortiz, UST’s Chief Strategic Partnerships and Community Engagement Officer, said.. “Students who feel a sense of belonging and have they support the need will succeed. UST will continue to build upon this success by creating new partnerships and workforce opportunities to lead the way in creating new paradigms for universities and industry to work together. UST is so committed to this effort that it recently established my role as Chief Strategic Partnerships and Community Engagement Officer.”

With more than 20 years of service, Ortiz previously served as Vice President for Enrollment Management and Student Engagement for UST.

Diversity and Data Points 

By definition, HSIs must have a full-time undergraduate enrollment of at least 25 percent Hispanic students. UST's undergraduate Hispanic student population is its most prominent at 49.1 percent.

UST's diverse student population mirrors the diversity of Houston, Texas. Houston is ranked the most diverse city in the nation and the fourth largest. Greater Houston is home to one of the nation's largest Hispanic populations, numbering more than 2.3 million people (38%) throughout the region.

St. Thomas is committed to the success of Hispanic students and offers opportunities and scholarships through several Department of Education grants in fields like engineering.

UST's student body hails from 46 countries and 40 states. In addition, the Department of Education designates UST as a Minority-Serving and Asian-Serving Institution.

Top ranking data points for UST include: A low 12:1 student-to-faculty ratio. Niche.com ranks UST in the top 40 Best College Locations in America. An in-demand major for an employer is education, and a leading employer is the Houston Independent School District. The average alumni salary is $91,715.

The University of St. Thomas-Houston is a comprehensive university grounded in the liberal arts. UST offers programs in the traditional liberal arts, professional and skills-based disciplines, and is committed to the unity of all knowledge. Graduates of the University of St. Thomas think critically, communicate effectively, succeed professionally and lead ethically.