HOUSTON, TX (Catholic Online) - The University of St. Thomas was named among 22 U.S. Catholic colleges and universities recommended by the Cardinal Newman Society, and one of the top 28 Catholic colleges and universities worldwide. The 2012-2013 edition of "The Newman Guide to Choosing a Catholic College" features UST in its third time to be ranked by the Society for fidelity, excellence and the ability to help families navigate the college search and transition from high school to college.

Among the key points for UST's recognition in the Newman Guide are the University's strong Catholic identity influenced by the Basilian Fathers, the core curriculum focused on theology and philosophy, and Catholicism promoted through lecture series.

"We are proud that the Newman Guide has chosen the University of St. Thomas as a faithful Catholic university," Dr. Robert Ivany, University president, said. "Our academic programs and the spiritual life on campus reflect the values of our Basilian Fathers.  The integration of the Catholic intellectual tradition with all of our disciplines is a never-ending goal to which we remain happily committed."

The Guide is a unique resource for parents and students seeking a faithful Catholic education. It features university profiles and several essays to help families better understand the search for a strong Catholic college. It is the culmination of more than four years of research and interviews. The colleges profiled are recommended for strong Catholic identity and cover a wide range of institutions in terms of history, size, location and academic focus.

Dr. Dominic Aquila, vice president of Academic Affairs, said the Guide continues to be a well-researched resource for parents who want to make certain their sons and daughters receive a solid, Catholic liberal arts education.

"Our inclusion signifies St. Thomas' faithfulness to its Catholic mission, part of which is making sure a high quality Catholic university education remains affordable to families," Aquila said. "St. Thomas is unique in that it offers a rich liberal arts core curriculum as the basis for professional major programs, such as nursing, business and education, and an outstanding preparation for medical school."

The Guide features profiles of the 28 recommended institutions, including information on academics, residence life, student activities and spiritual life. The profiles are updated after extensive campus visits and/or interviews with faculty, staff, administrators, students and alumni.

"It's not enough that our Catholic sons and daughters survive college with their faith intact," said Patrick J. Reilly, president of The Cardinal Newman Society. "Catholic college graduates should be wise, pure, and ready to serve with distinction in any career and vocation. The colleges and universities in The Newman Guide provide this preparation for life."

This year, UST was named one of the Best College in the West for 2012 by The Princeton Review, and, for the 19th consecutive year, UST has been named to the top tier of the U.S. News & World Report's "America's Best Colleges" list of universities offering master's degrees in the Western region of the United States.

For more information, visit www.TheNewmanGuide.com.