St. Thomas Aquinas College has been named among the Best Regional Universities in the North in U.S. News & World Report’s 2027 Best Colleges rankings. The recognition comes as the College advances its College of the Future vision through expanded academic programs, hands-on learning, and continued investment in student success, campus life, and career preparation. 

The College has also earned recent national recognition from Money’s Best Colleges in America 2026, Niche’s 2027 Best Colleges, and Newsweek’s America’s Best Colleges for Women 2026, along with designation as a College of Distinction for 2026–2027.

“This recognition reflects the quality of a St. Thomas Aquinas College education and the dedication of our faculty and staff to student success,” said Ken Daly, President of St. Thomas Aquinas College. “Our College of the Future vision is focused on preparing students to thrive in an ever-evolving world. Through innovative academic programs, hands-on learning and personal support, we are equipping graduates with the knowledge, skills and adaptability to build successful careers and meet the opportunities and challenges of tomorrow.” 

Recent academic and campus milestones include:

  • Middle States accreditation reaffirmed. The Middle States Commission on Higher Education reaffirmed the College’s accreditation this summer following a comprehensive review of its academic programs, student support, governance and institutional effectiveness.
  • More students earning their degrees. The College has seen a 30% increase in the number of students graduating, marking another milestone in its commitment to helping students reach their educational and career goals.
  • A new Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity. The program combines technical coursework with hands-on learning in network and systems security, digital forensics, ethical hacking, cloud security and risk management. Applications are open for students beginning in Spring or Fall 2027.
  • A redesigned MBA for the future of work. The 30-credit program offers seven concentrations, including Artificial Intelligence, Business Analytics and Cybersecurity. Each is also available as a standalone 12-credit Advanced Certificate. Overall graduate enrollment at the College has increased 55% over the past two years.
  • National Endowment for the Humanities grant and record fundraising. A $345,639 NEH grant will expand the work of the College’s Loyalist Studies Institute, supporting the preservation and study of Revolutionary War records while creating opportunities for students to work alongside faculty on digital history projects. The College also achieved a record $6 million in fundraising, further strengthening support for its mission and continued growth.
  • Continued expansion of the Spartan Athletic Complex. The College broke ground on a new Track & Field facility, advancing the next phase of the Complex’s development and strengthening opportunities for athletics, recreation and campus engagement. Spartan student-athletes also continue to excel in the classroom, achieving an Academic Success Rate of 87%—10 percentage points above the NCAA Division II average.

The College backs its commitment to access and opportunity through the STAC Pledge. All incoming first-year, full-time students receive at least $50,000 in scholarships and grants over four years, along with mentoring, internship opportunities and career development that connect an affordable education with preparation for the careers of the future. The College also earned recognition for social mobility in the U.S. News & World Report rankings, further reflecting its commitment to helping students earn their degrees.

Prospective students and families are invited to explore academic programs, meet faculty and admissions representatives, and tour campus at undergraduate Open Houses on Saturday, October 24, and Saturday, December 5, 2026, both beginning at 10:00 AM.

Graduate Open Houses and Information Sessions will take place on Thursday, October 22; Thursday, November 12; and Wednesday, December 2, 2026, each from 6:00–7:00 PM.

For details and registration, visit stac.edu/events-category/admissions.


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. Home to a diverse student body of approximately 2,000 full- and part-time students, the College provides over 100 undergraduate, graduate, and advanced certificate programs across four Schools: Arts & Social Sciences, Business, Education, and STEM. St. Thomas Aquinas College is also the host site for the Lower Hudson Valley Small Business Development Center (SBDC), which provides no-cost, confidential, one-on-one business advisement, training, and research to small businesses and entrepreneurs in our region. The College is ranked among the best Northern Regional Universities and recognized as a Top Performer on Social Mobility by U.S. News & World Report, highlighted in Colleges of Distinction for Business, Education, and Career Development, and designated as a Yellow Ribbon Program institution. St. Thomas Aquinas College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE); 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.