St. Thomas Aquinas College
Sparkill, United States
St. Thomas Aquinas College
Sparkill, United States
Founded
1952
Institution Type
Private
Total Students
~2,000
Acceptance Rate
82%
Discover St. Thomas Aquinas College: History & Mission
Discover St. Thomas Aquinas College: History & Mission
St. Thomas Aquinas College (STAC) is a private liberal arts college founded in 1952 by the Dominican Sisters of Sparkill in Rockland County, New York. Named after the renowned medieval philosopher and theologian, the college was originally established as a teaching college to prepare young Sisters for careers in education. Today, STAC has grown into a comprehensive institution offering over 100 majors, minors, and specializations to a diverse student body of approximately 2,000 full- and part-time students.
Situated on a scenic 76-acre suburban campus just 15 miles north of New York City, STAC provides students with a peaceful learning environment while offering easy access to the cultural, internship, and career opportunities of the New York metropolitan area. The college is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, with additional accreditations for its School of Education (AAQEP) and School of Business (IACBE).
STAC is recognized by U.S. News and World Report as a top-tier Regional University in the North and has been named a Top Performer on Social Mobility. The college has also earned recognition as a College of Distinction and was named a Green College by The Princeton Review for its commitment to sustainability.
Key Milestones
- 1952: Founded by the Dominican Sisters of Sparkill as a teaching college for young Sisters seeking certification in education.
- 1968: Adopted coeducation, opening its doors to male students and expanding its academic programs beyond teacher preparation.
- 2000: Joined the NCAA Division II East Coast Conference (ECC), strengthening the college's intercollegiate athletics program.
- 2024: Ranked among the best Northern Regional Universities and recognized as a Top Performer on Social Mobility by U.S. News and World Report.
Academic Schools & Programs at STAC
Academic Schools & Programs at STAC
St. Thomas Aquinas College offers more than 100 majors, minors, and specializations organized across four distinct schools. Each school provides personalized attention, experiential learning opportunities, and close faculty mentorship in a small-class environment with a 16:1 student-faculty ratio.
School of Arts & Social Sciences
The School of Arts and Social Sciences offers programs in the humanities, social sciences, communication, and creative arts. Students benefit from hands-on experiences including internships at media companies, law firms, and nonprofit organizations in the greater New York City area.
- Communication Arts
- Psychology
- Criminal Justice
School of Business
Accredited by the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE), the School of Business prepares students for careers in finance, management, marketing, and accounting. The Bloomberg Professional Lab provides real-world financial data training.
- Business Administration
- Finance
- Marketing
School of Education
Accredited by the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP), the School of Education continues STAC's founding mission of preparing future teachers. Programs lead to New York State teaching certification at various levels.
- Childhood Education
- Special Education
- Adolescence Education
School of STEM
The School of STEM houses programs in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Students conduct research in state-of-the-art labs in Costello Hall and have access to the SKAE Astronomy Center featuring a powerful telescope and interactive technology.
- Biology
- Forensic Science
- Mathematics
Graduate Programs
STAC offers 20 graduate degree programs including master's degrees and post-graduate certificates. Programs are available through on-campus and distance learning formats, serving approximately 150 graduate students across various disciplines.
- Master of Science in Education (MSEd)
- Master of Business Administration (MBA)
- Master of Public Administration (MPA)
Honors Program
The STAC Honors Program offers high-achieving students an enriched academic experience with an honors-only core curriculum, volunteer activities, and educational outings to New York City. Honors students may also apply for specialty housing accommodations.
- Honors Core Curriculum
- Undergraduate Research
- Study Abroad Experiences
Admission Requirements for St. Thomas Aquinas College
Admission Requirements for St. Thomas Aquinas College
Undergraduate Admissions
- Application PlatformCommon Application accepted
- High School GPAConsidered an important academic factor
- SAT/ACT ScoresTest-optional policy; middle 50% SAT: 880-1085
- Letters of RecommendationConsidered in the admissions review
- Application FeeContact the admissions office for current fee details
Graduate Admissions
- Bachelor's DegreeRequired from an accredited institution
- GPA RequirementContact the graduate admissions office for program-specific requirements
- TranscriptsOfficial transcripts from all previous institutions
- Letters of RecommendationVaries by program; typically 2 required
- Personal StatementStatement of purpose or goals essay
STAC uses rolling admissions. Applications are reviewed on a continuous basis, with decisions sent approximately four weeks after a completed application is received.
Freshman applicants are encouraged to submit applications as early as possible during their senior year. February 15 is the priority deadline for maximum scholarship consideration.
Students should complete the FAFSA by June 30 to be considered for the full range of need-based financial aid packages.
Graduate program deadlines vary by department and term. Contact the graduate admissions office for specific program start dates and application windows.
Tuition, Fees & Scholarship Opportunities
Tuition, Fees & Scholarship Opportunities
As a private institution, St. Thomas Aquinas College offers a single tuition rate for all students regardless of state residency. Approximately 75% of first-year students receive need-based financial aid, and the college is recognized as a Yellow Ribbon Program institution for veterans.
| Cost Category | On-Campus (USD) | Off-Campus (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Fees (Annual) | USD 41,100 | USD 41,100 |
| Room & Board | USD 17,080 | N/A (off-campus varies) |
| Books & Supplies | USD 1,250 | USD 1,250 |
| Personal & Transportation | USD 2,200 | USD 7,200 |
| Total | USD 61,630 | USD 49,550 |
Merit-Based Academic Scholarships
STAC automatically reviews all admitted students for academic and merit scholarships with no separate application required. Awards are based on GPA, test scores, and overall academic achievement.
- Average Aid Amount: Approximately USD 23,954 per student
- Students Receiving Aid: 75% of first-year students
- Separate Application: Not required; automatic review upon admission
60-for-60 Scholarship Fund
Launched by President Ken Daly with a USD 60,000 lead gift, the 60-for-60 Scholarship Fund provides additional scholarship support to STAC students. The fund reflects the college's commitment to making education accessible and affordable.
- Type: Need-based and merit-based
- Average Net Price: Approximately USD 21,894 after aid
- Yellow Ribbon: STAC participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program for veterans
Campus & Facilities at STAC
Campus & Facilities at STAC
St. Thomas Aquinas College occupies a scenic 76-acre suburban campus in Sparkill, New York, featuring a blend of modern and historic buildings. The campus provides students with comprehensive academic, residential, and recreational facilities just 15 miles north of New York City.
Houses specialized laboratories for biology, chemistry, forensic science, and physics, along with STEM classrooms and the Azarian-McCullough Art Gallery.
The campus social hub featuring the Spartan Grille dining area, campus bookstore, a small stage, game lounge, and student service offices.
Features the Bloomberg Professional Lab, Digital Imaging Lab with iMacs, TV Studio, and the Ridgewood Savings Bank Data Lab for cutting-edge technology learning.
Housing & Dining
Residential Life
STAC offers on-campus housing for both freshmen and upperclassmen, with a total dormitory capacity of approximately 657 students. About 73% of first-year students and 52% of all undergraduates live on campus.
- Freshman residence halls with buffet-style cafeteria
- Upperclassmen apartments and residence dorms
- Specialty housing for honors students and athletic teams
Dining & Recreation
The campus offers multiple dining options and recreational facilities to support student wellness and community life. The Spartan Grille serves as the main casual dining venue in the Romano Center.
- Spartan Grille and buffet-style cafeteria
- Kraus Fitness Center and Aquinas Hall Gymnasium
- SKAE Astronomy Center with telescope and interactive tech
Student Life at St. Thomas Aquinas College
Student Life at St. Thomas Aquinas College
Student life at STAC blends a close-knit community atmosphere with diverse extracurricular opportunities. From campus clubs and Dominican Catholic traditions to NCAA Division II athletics, students enjoy a vibrant and supportive environment that extends learning beyond the classroom.
Sparkill, New York: Location & Surroundings
Sparkill, New York: Location & Surroundings
Life in Sparkill & the Hudson Valley
Sparkill is a small, quiet hamlet in the town of Orangetown, Rockland County, New York. Located just 15 miles north of the George Washington Bridge and 20 miles south of West Point, it offers students the best of both worlds: a safe, suburban campus environment with quick access to the vast cultural, professional, and entertainment resources of New York City and the scenic beauty of the Hudson Valley.
Proximity to New York City
Just 15 miles north of the George Washington Bridge, students can easily access Manhattan for internships, cultural events, career fairs, and entertainment.
Hudson Valley Scenery
The surrounding Hudson Valley offers stunning natural beauty, hiking trails, historic sites, and charming river towns perfect for weekend exploration.
Safe Suburban Community
Sparkill and the surrounding Rockland County area provide a safe, welcoming environment. STAC is ranked among the safest college campuses in America by Niche.
Accessible Transportation
The campus is easily accessible from all points in New Jersey and the entire New York City metro area via major highways and public transportation options.
Career Outcomes & Alumni Network
Career Outcomes & Alumni Network
Industries & Organizations Where STAC Alumni Thrive
Practical Information for Prospective Students
Practical Information for Prospective Students
For International Students
International students can apply through the Common Application. STAC's test-optional policy means SAT/ACT scores are not required. Contact the admissions office for information about English proficiency requirements and visa support.
The Career Center offers resume building, mock interviews through Big Interview, career fairs, the STAC Skills Immersion Program, and access to SpartanJobs for internship and employment listings.
Located in Spellman Hall, the Center for Academic Excellence provides free tutoring services for all STAC students, helping with coursework, writing, and academic skill development throughout the semester.
Key Contacts
- +90 5435286292
- +44 7868736984
- corporate@uni4edu.com
- info@uni4edu.com
St. Thomas Aquinas College Rankings
St. Thomas Aquinas College Rankings
St. Thomas Aquinas College has earned recognition from multiple national ranking organizations for its academic quality, commitment to social mobility, and student outcomes. As a smaller private institution, STAC is primarily ranked among regional universities in the northern United States.
| Subject | Ranking Body | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Education | College of Distinction | Recognized |
| Business | College of Distinction | Recognized |
| Sustainability | The Princeton Review | Green College |
| Value | Money Magazine | Best Colleges in America |
Features
St. Thomas Aquinas College is a private, Catholic liberal arts college located in Sparkill, New York. It offers undergraduate and graduate programs across arts, sciences, business, and education. The college emphasizes small class sizes, personalized attention, and a supportive campus community. It is known for its strong programs in nursing, education, and business, and encourages students to engage in experiential learning, internships, and community service.
Accommodation
Off-Campus Accommodations Students wishing to live off-campus need to research availability on their own, and should arrive well before the start of term to do so.
Work While Studying
See guidelines on working while studying here.
Co-op/Internship Participation
Even if you do NOT meet our minimum English requirement (IELTS or TOEFL), you still can get conditionally accepted in the program of your choice with the condition of completing our English program prior to starting your chosen program.
Featured Programmes
Average Time To Receive Acceptance Letter
August - December
Location
125 NY-340, Sparkill, NY 10976
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