500X330_StThomasPromise_IntroThe St. Thomas Promise at the University of St. Thomas allows UST to deliver the same excellent education that UST is recognized for to deserving college students who would not otherwise be able to afford college. This is a huge opportunity at no cost to eligible students that will change their lives and financial situations, and it is right in line with the University of St. Thomas Catholic mission.

Eligibility Requirements

  • Incoming, first-time college students with a 3.4 or higher GPA* who are from families with annual incomes of $50,000 or less may take advantage of this offer; OR
  • Incoming transfer students with a college GPA of 3.5 of higher who are from families with annual incomes of $50,000 or less may take advantage of this offer.
  • Eligible students must be a Texas resident and must file the FAFSA form and must be eligible for federal and state aid. UST’s FAFSA Code is 003654. This St. Thomas Promise of free tuition also includes free tutorial services plus a mentor for the first year to help ensure a successful transition to college.
  • The St. Thomas Promise is renewable for up to four years, providing family income remains in the same qualifying range.

The St. Thomas Promise Advantage

500X330_StThomasPromise_AdvantageAs economic and post-pandemic pressures continue to impact the University of St. Thomas’ largest population of students, the St. Thomas Promise is designed to provide an opportunity for more qualified students to attend UST.

Much has been written in higher education circles in the last few months about: lower college enrollments with more high school graduates opting out of college, a drop in Hispanic/Latino students continuing onto college by as much as 7%, 18% of Texas students who are Hispanic/Latino/Black and ranked in the top 10% of their graduating class do not enroll in college. Families are worried about taking on debt and many are without work. Students are being asked by families to contribute income and with many companies short in labor, they are offering attractive income to a young person.

UST is meeting a need for families who are struggling and seeking to secure a more stable future. The St. Thomas Promise places the American Dream in front of students who did not have a clear pathway. U.S. Catholic universities were founded to provide educational opportunities to hard-working families.


*3.4 or higher GPA is adjusted and based on a 4.0 scale.

**The St. Thomas Promise Program is not available to Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) students. At this time, students filing TASFA rather than FAFSA are not eligible.

***The St. Thomas Promise program is applicable to undergraduate coursework only, and cannot be used for graduate courses.