University of St. Thomas jumps nine spots to #19 in the 2020 edition of the U.S. News and World Report’s “Best Colleges” list of universities in the western region of the United States.

UST also ranked in the top 20 best colleges in the western region for veterans and best value.

• #11 in Best Colleges for Veterans
• #7 in Best Value Schools

The Best Colleges for Veterans ranking listed UST as #11 in top-ranked schools that participate in federal initiatives helping veterans and active-duty service members pay and be success in college. The #7 ranking in best value universities means that UST provides the highest quality education for a value price.

New this year are rankings for Social Mobility, which recognize how well colleges serve low-income students.

• #29 in top Performers on Social Mobility (tie)

Regional universities offer a full range of undergraduate programs and some master’s programs but few doctoral programs. UST offers more than 35 undergraduate degrees and 20 graduate degree programs, including two doctoral programs in philosophy and education.

“Year after year, the University of St. Thomas earns a top-tier place on the prestigious list of U.S. News & World Report’s Best Colleges in the West,” said UST President Dr. Richard Ludwick. “Along with Houston, UST is on the move attracting a student population that mirrors Houston’s diversity. Therefore, St. Thomas attracts and retains talented students from around the world who join us for a unique, Catholic, liberal arts education that prepares them for rewarding careers and lives.

What is the value of Rankings?

University rankings provide a starting point to compare various aspects of different schools at a glance. Combined with campus visits and interviews, the rankings provide a resource for parents and students contemplating one of life’s biggest decisions.

U.S. News & World Report surveyed more than 1,900 colleges and universities for its annual publication, and based its rankings on 15 diverse measures of academic excellence.

The average freshman retention rate, an indicator of student satisfaction, is 83 percent. The most popular majors include business, management, marketing, biological and biomedical sciences, liberal arts and sciences and health professions.

UST’s low student to faculty ratio of 11:1 and the high percentage of freshmen who were ranked in the top quarter of their high school graduating class were key factors in St. Thomas’ ranking. About 2,047 undergraduate students attend St. Thomas. In sports, UST is part of NCAA, Div. III.