STAC is a coeducational, independent, nonprofit institution of higher education founded by the Dominican Sisters of Sparkill, whose values and spirit continue to pervade the campus. Occupying a bucolic 60-acre campus in the historic Hudson Valley of New York, the College has the advantage of being located in close proximity to New York City and the major metropolitan area of northern New Jersey. The College serves both undergraduates and graduate students and offers a values-based education in the liberal arts and sciences, business, and education.
Total enrollment in fall 2019 was 1,700 undergraduates and 140 graduate students; transfer students numbered 130. The institution attracts a diverse student body (57% Caucasian, 19% Latinx, 9% African-American, 4% Asian-American); one-quarter of the student population is Pell eligible. Three-quarters of the students come from New York State. STAC has a robust dual enrollment program with local high schools and has close to 900 students enrolling in these programs each semester. Students of all backgrounds are attracted to STAC, including recent high school graduates and returning adult students, working professionals, and veterans of the armed services. First-year to second-year retention in fall 2018 was 81%, and the 6-year graduation rate of the 2012 cohort was 53%.
Approximately 45% of students live in college-owned, operated, or affiliated housing. The College sponsors 20 NCAA Division II athletic teams (10 for men, 10 for women), involving over 300 student athletes, and another 150 students participate in Club football and Club eSports. STAC hosts more than 30 student clubs --- from those with an academic, ministry, or cultural orientation, such as Future Leaders in Healthcare and Multicultural Student Association. The College conducts 1st Destination Survey the year after graduation. On the most recent survey, 90% of recent bachelors-level graduates are employed or engage in graduate studies.
