– Prestigious Recognition Achieved as College Enrolls Largest Freshman Class in a Dozen Years and Opens New SKAE Astronomy Center – 

St. Thomas Aquinas College has once again earned recognition in U.S. News & World Report’s 2026 Best Colleges rankings, affirming its place among New York’s higher education institutions. The College was also highlighted for its commitment to Social Mobility, reflecting its success in supporting students from all backgrounds in achieving their academic and career goals.

“We are proud to once again be recognized by U.S. News & World Report,” said Ken Daly, President of St. Thomas Aquinas College. “Of particular note is the growth we are experiencing — from welcoming our largest incoming freshman class in a dozen years to celebrating our largest class of graduate students. With last week’s grand opening of the SKAE Astronomy Center and the expansion of high-demand academic programs, St. Thomas Aquinas College is building a career-focused future for our students.”

This distinction comes at a time of tremendous momentum for the College, marked by record enrollment and major investments in academics, facilities, and community partnerships.

Recent Highlights Include:

  • Record Enrollment: The largest incoming freshman class in a dozen years and the largest graduate class in College history.
  • SKAE Astronomy Center: Newly opened last week, featuring a state-of-the-art telescope observatory and specialized classroom to inspire student learning and community engagement.
  • Spellman Technology Corridor Development: Home to the Ridgewood Savings Bank Data Lab and the George I. Alden Trust HyFlex Classroom, supporting hybrid learning with technology that enables in-person and remote students to fully engage.
  • New academic programs: Designed to meet today’s evolving workforce needs, St. Thomas Aquinas College has launched new academic programs that prepare students for high-growth careers — including a Supply Chain Management minor, and graduate programs in Artificial Intelligence (AI), Cybersecurity, Business Analytics, TESOL, Exercise Science, Healthcare Management & Informatics, and the Master of Public Administration (MPA) in Nonprofit Leadership.
  • Community Engagement: Now serving as the host site for the Lower Hudson Valley Small Business Development Center (SBDC), offering no-cost, confidential advisement and training to entrepreneurs throughout the region.
  • Enhanced Student Life & Athletics: Spartan Athletic Complex (opened Fall 2024) and a new outdoor track & field facility set to open in 2025/2026.

Experience St. Thomas Aquinas College at our upcoming Open Houses: