ST_THOMAS_UNIVERSITY_MACLEANS_UNIVERSITY_GUIDEBOOK_RANKINGS_St. Thomas University TM_20230905_4235
Photo courtesy of st. thomas university, photo by Trevor Morris

St. Thomas University

Founded 1826 | Fredericton

March 21, 2024

St. Thomas University is an exclusively undergraduate liberal arts institution with an innovative curriculum that emphasizes cross-disciplinary learning and strong teaching. The student population at STU is diverse—students come from 41 countries—and the school has the rare advantage of being a small university where it’s easy to recognize fellow students and professors. The cozy campus offers inspiring study spots, such as the Great Hall or the study hall in Margaret Norrie McCain Hall, complete with leather chairs and copper-domed lamps. Students also have access to social and academic amenities, including the library and student centre, at the nearby University of New Brunswick. “The knowledge and skills that will be valued most in the years to come will be those that are uniquely human: critical thinking, creativity, empathy, and adaptability—these are the strengths of a St. Thomas education,” says president Nauman Farooqi. “We combine these with academic subjects and practical experiences that prepare students for their future.” Classes and extracurricular opportunities focus on developing students’ sense of their social responsibilities; experiential learning opportunities expose students to social issues that they learn about in class and give students a chance to put that learning to the test. School spirit is strong and often on display as students cheer on their Tommies sports teams.

Campus buzz: A new online student orientation launched last year to help first-years prepare for university life. In addition to getting advice from current students and learning time management skills, students who participated got a chance to win an iPad or Xbox.

Quick facts

Tuition (includes compulsory ancillary fees)
$9,730

Minimum Entering Grades
Arts: 70%

Student Body
Undergraduates: Full-time: 1,569 | Part-time: 103
Graduates: Full-time: 29
International Students: First-year: 13%

Housing Facts
Residence Spaces: 452 (300 reserved for first-year students)
Cost of double room with meals: $11,376 to $11,805
Cost of single room with meals: $14,455 to $15,979
Cost of apartment-style: $5,216

Standout programs

Human Rights: This program explores the philosophical, political and legal foundation of human rights. Students in the moot court class can participate in international competitions.

Bachelor of Arts (Aviation Stream): One of few such programs in Canada, students begin their traditional studies—majoring in a discipline of their choice—at St. Thomas, then go on to ground and flight training with Moncton Flight College.

Social Entrepreneurship and Nonprofit Management: This interdisciplinary major focuses on social entrepreneurship and nonprofit management is business. Students study to combine business fundamentals with practical skills to promote social wellbeing and sustainability.