Let's Begin
We are the University of St. Thomas
Since 1947, the University of St. Thomas in Houston has helped students discover what they love, grow in their understanding of the world and themselves, and prepare for lives of purpose. As part of UST’s living legacy in Houston, you’ll join a vibrant community grounded in Catholic values and shaped by faith and reason.
Wherever you are in your journey—first-year, transfer, or graduate—our Admissions team is here to make your path to UST personal and straightforward. From your application through enrollment, we’ll be here to help you take the next step with confidence.
Start Your Undergraduate Journey
Admissions Process
At UST, we believe every person deserves to be known and treated with dignity from the very first step. Our Admissions team is here to make your experience simple and personal, with an easy application, streamlined review, and timely admission decision. Explore the steps to applying to UST.
- Start your free application online.
- Submit required documents. This may include transcripts, test scores (if applicable), and recommendation letters.
- Stay connected to your admissions counselor. They will keep you informed and help answer questions along the way.
- Track your application status.
- Application Decision sent.
- Take the next step. Confirm your enrollment, pay your enrollment deposit, and prepare for registration.
- You’re a Celt!
Houston's CAtholic University
Why UST?
At UST, we want every student to encounter the love of Jesus Christ and discover what it means to live a life rooted in goodness, discipline, knowledge, and community. We welcome students who are seeking something deeper—an education that forms not only the mind, but the whole person.
That formation begins in the classroom, especially through our Core Curriculum, which encourages a lifelong love of learning and the intellectual life. It continues beyond the classroom through opportunities to serve, lead, explore, and connect with the people and places that make Houston such a dynamic place to learn.
Through partnerships with leading Houston schools and organizations, UST students gain experiences that bring their education to life. Explore high-demand fields such as engineering, business, nursing, and education, where students are preparing for meaningful careers and lives of purpose. Tour the Houston Texans facility with Career Services and meet with executives. Serve the Houston community alongside our nursing students at Magnificat House. Cheer on UST Men’s Basketball with friends and professors. And for students discerning the priesthood or religious life, the School of Theology at St. Mary’s Seminary offers a place to explore that calling.
Whatever you’re dreaming about now—or whatever you have yet to discover—our dedicated Admissions counselors are here to get to know you, answer your questions, and guide you personally through every step of your journey to UST.
Honored by leading
Awards & Distinctions
The University of St. Thomas is nationally recognized for academic excellence, mission-driven education, and student success by leading accreditation and ranking organizations.
Studying at UST
Admissions FAQ
What is UST's Student-to-Faculty Ratio?
UST’s 15:1 student-to-faculty ratio means you won’t get lost in the crowd. Smaller class sizes give students more opportunities to ask questions, engage in hands-on learning, and build meaningful relationships with their professors and classmates.
Is this the only Catholic University in Houston?
YES! UST is Houston’s only Catholic university. Rooted in the Basilian tradition of goodness, discipline, and knowledge, we bring faith and learning together in a community where students are encouraged to grow intellectually, personally, and spiritually.
Since this is a private school, is there enough financial aid?
Absolutely. More than 98 percent of our students receive financial aid or scholarships, with $29 million in grants and scholarships awarded to help make a UST education more accessible. Through the generosity of our donors and responsible stewardship of resources, we are committed to helping students and families find a path to a UST education.
We believe a Catholic liberal arts education can shape a life of purpose—and we want more students to have the opportunity to experience it.
How is the career placement for UST graduates?
Should I apply as a first-year or transfer student?
Apply as a first-year student if you have not enrolled at a college or university after graduating from high school.
College credits completed while you were still in high school, including dual-credit courses, do not make you a transfer applicant.
Apply as a transfer student if you enrolled at another college or university after graduating from high school.
What is required to complete an undergraduate application?
Applicants must submit an undergraduate admission application, and the academic records required for their applicant type. Additional materials may be requested depending on the student’s academic history, selected program, or individual circumstances.
Students should regularly review their Application Portal for missing items and contact their admissions counselor with questions.
What are the important admissions deadlines?
Application deadlines may vary by entry term, applicant type, or academic program. Students are encouraged to apply early to allow sufficient time for application review, financial aid, academic advising, and registration.
Is an admission essay required?
No. The admission essay is optional for undergraduate applicants. However, applicants may submit an essay to provide additional context about their experiences, academic journey, goals, or interest in attending UST.
How are merit scholarships awarded?
Qualified incoming undergraduate students are automatically considered for merit scholarships at the time of admission. Awards are primarily based on the student’s application, academic record, and cumulative GPA. No separate merit scholarship application is required.
Can a parent contact Admissions about a student’s application?
Parents are welcome to ask general questions and support their student throughout the admissions process.
All application updates, missing-material notifications, and admission decisions are communicated directly to the student. Students should regularly check their email and application portal and contact their admissions counselor regarding their individual application.
What is the enrollment deposit?
Undergraduate admitted students must submit a $200 enrollment deposit to secure their place at UST.
The deposit is credited toward the student’s tuition and fees and must be paid before enrollment-related services, including academic advising and course registration, can move forward.
Can I defer my admission to a future semester?
Admission deferrals are limited and require review and approval by the Office of Admissions. Students may request a deferral only after paying the $200 enrollment deposit. If approved, the admission decision and deposit will move to the designated future term, and the deposit will remain credited toward the student’s tuition and fees. Additional or updated application materials may be required.
Any further questions?
Contact Us
Office of Admissions
- 3800 Montrose Blvd, Box #7, Houston, TX 77006
- admissions@stthom.edu
- 713-525-3500
Why choose UST
An Education Suited for You
Located in Houston, the University of St. Thomas offers students the resources of a major metropolitan city alongside a focused academic community committed to faith and reason. Admission reflects not only academic readiness, but a willingness to engage fully in the intellectual and ethical life of the University. We invite you to begin this excitinge process at UST.