Biola University vs. Thomas Aquinas College

Comparable Facts

Compare Biola University in La Mirada, CA with Thomas Aquinas College in Santa Paula, CA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Biola University is larger than Thomas Aquinas College based on total student enrollment (5,434 students vs. 566 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Biola University is located in La Mirada, CA (Large Suburban setting); Thomas Aquinas College is in Santa Paula, CA (Distant Rural setting).
• Biola University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Thomas Aquinas College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Biola University 15:1; Thomas Aquinas College 11:1.

Biola University vs. Thomas Aquinas College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Biola University or Thomas Aquinas College? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Thomas Aquinas College than Biola University ($24,820 vs. $34,082).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Thomas Aquinas College are 14.7% lower than at Biola University ($11,200 vs. $13,130).
• Biola University is 62.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Thomas Aquinas College (about $18,784 more per year; $48,984.00 vs. $30,200.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 62.2% higher at Biola University than at Thomas Aquinas College (about $18,784 more per year; $48,984.00 vs. $30,200.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Biola University than at Thomas Aquinas College (99% vs. 73%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Biola University students is 54.9% larger than aid received by Thomas Aquinas College students ($28,817 vs. $18,606).

Biola University vs. Thomas Aquinas College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Biola University or Thomas Aquinas College? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Thomas Aquinas College and Biola University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Thomas Aquinas College (1310) is 40 points higher than at Biola University (1270).
• Incoming Thomas Aquinas College students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (30 vs. 26 at Biola University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Biola University 1160/1370; Thomas Aquinas College 1220/1400.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Biola University 24/29; Thomas Aquinas College 28/33.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Biola University - Test optional; Thomas Aquinas College - Required.
• Accepted freshman Thomas Aquinas College students have a 0.19 point higher average high school GPA (3.8) than students at Biola University (3.61).
• Thomas Aquinas College has a higher acceptance rate (83.1%) than Biola University (74.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 29.7% at Biola University vs. 67.7% at Thomas Aquinas College.

Biola University vs. Thomas Aquinas College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Biola University and Thomas Aquinas College? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Biola University's six-year graduation rate (71%) is higher than Thomas Aquinas College's (69%).
• Graduates from Biola University earn a median of about $3,200 more per year than Thomas Aquinas College graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,900 vs. $45,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Thomas Aquinas College graduates have a $7,500 lower median loan debt than Biola University graduates ($17,000 vs. $24,500).
• Among borrowers, Thomas Aquinas College graduates have an estimated $78 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Biola University graduates ($175 vs. $253).
• More Thomas Aquinas College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Biola University students, three years after graduation. (90% vs. 75%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.