– National Honors from Money, Colleges of Distinction, and Newsweek Recognize The College’s Commitment to Excellence, Value, and Student Success –
St. Thomas Aquinas College is celebrating a year of significant institutional achievement, highlighted by the reaffirmation of its accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) and national recognition from Money, Colleges of Distinction, and Newsweek for its commitment to academic excellence, value, and student success.
“Together, these achievements tell a powerful story of growth and success,” said Ken Daly, President of St. Thomas Aquinas College. “The positive reaffirmation of our accreditation signifies the strength of our mission and our commitment to student success, while these national honors reflect the outstanding educational experience we deliver every day. As we advance our vision as a College of the Future, we are preparing graduates not only for today’s careers, but for the opportunities and challenges of tomorrow.”
In June 2026, MSCHE reaffirmed the College’s accreditation following a comprehensive review of its mission, academic programs, governance, strategic planning, student support services, and institutional effectiveness. The reaffirmation reflects the College’s unwavering commitment to continuous improvement and delivering a high-quality, mission-driven educational experience.
The College’s achievements this year also include several prestigious national recognitions. St. Thomas Aquinas College was once again named one of Money‘s Best Colleges in America for 2026, earned recognition as a College of Distinction for 2026-2027, and was named one of Newsweek‘s America’s Best Colleges for Women 2026.
Money’s annual Best Colleges list evaluates more than 2,400 public and private nonprofit colleges and universities nationwide, recognizing institutions that provide exceptional value through affordability, graduation rates, financial aid, and alumni outcomes. The College’s continued inclusion reflects its strong return on investment and commitment to student success.
For the 12th consecutive year, St. Thomas Aquinas College was recognized as a College of Distinction, honoring its commitment to engaged learning, exceptional teaching, a vibrant campus community, and strong student outcomes.
Further highlighting the College’s supportive and empowering learning environment, Newsweek also named St. Thomas Aquinas College one of America’s Best Colleges for Women 2026. The recognition honors institutions that provide exceptional opportunities for women to achieve academic success, develop as leaders, and thrive both on campus and beyond graduation.
These accomplishments reflect St. Thomas Aquinas College’s continued momentum as it advances its College of the Future initiative — launching new academic programs, strengthening workforce partnerships, integrating emerging technologies, and ensuring students receive a personalized, mission-based education that prepares them to lead and succeed in a rapidly changing world.
The College is still accepting applications for Fall 2026 for undergraduate and graduate programs. For more information about St. Thomas Aquinas College, visit: stac.edu.
About St. Thomas Aquinas College
St. Thomas Aquinas College is an independent liberal arts college located on 76 acres in Rockland County, NY, providing education at the undergraduate and graduate levels. The College’s diverse student body of approximately 2,000 full and part-time students can choose from over 100 majors, minors, and specializations across four Schools: Arts & Social Sciences, Business, Education, and STEM. The College is recognized by U.S. News & World Report in the Top-Tier for Regional Universities, and by Colleges of Distinction in its New York edition for Business, Education, and Career Development. The College is also recognized as a Yellow Ribbon Program institution. St. Thomas Aquinas College is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools; its School of Education is accredited by the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP), and its School of Business is accredited by the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE). For more information, visit www.stac.edu.