SCU vs. Thomas Aquinas College

Comparable Facts

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

Santa Clara University is larger than Thomas Aquinas College based on total student enrollment (9,728 students vs. 566 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Santa Clara University is located in Santa Clara, CA (Midsize City setting); Thomas Aquinas College is in Santa Paula, CA (Distant Rural setting).
• Santa Clara University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Thomas Aquinas College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Santa Clara University 11:1; Thomas Aquinas College 11:1.

SCU vs. Thomas Aquinas College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, SCU 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 SCU ($24,820 vs. $53,883).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Thomas Aquinas College are 43.7% lower than at Santa Clara University ($11,200 vs. $19,893).
• Santa Clara University is 103% more expensive for in-state tuition than Thomas Aquinas College (about $31,093 more per year; $61,293.00 vs. $30,200.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 103% higher at SCU than at Thomas Aquinas College (about $31,093 more per year; $61,293.00 vs. $30,200.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Thomas Aquinas College than at Santa Clara University (73% vs. 71%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Santa Clara University students is 52.5% larger than aid received by Thomas Aquinas College students ($28,368 vs. $18,606).

SCU vs. Thomas Aquinas College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, SCU 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 SCU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Santa Clara University (1420) is 110 points higher than at Thomas Aquinas College (1310).
• Incoming SCU students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (32 vs. 30 at Thomas Aquinas College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Santa Clara University 1350/1490; Thomas Aquinas College 1220/1400.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Santa Clara University 31/33; Thomas Aquinas College 28/33.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: SCU - Test optional; Thomas Aquinas College - Required.
• Typical fall application deadline: SCU Jan 7, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Thomas Aquinas College students have a 0.13 point higher average high school GPA (3.8) than students at SCU (3.67).
• Thomas Aquinas College has a higher acceptance rate (83.1%) than SCU (48%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 17.7% at SCU vs. 67.7% at Thomas Aquinas College.

SCU vs. Thomas Aquinas College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for SCU 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).

• Santa Clara University's six-year graduation rate (85%) is higher than Thomas Aquinas College's (69%).
• Graduates from Santa Clara University earn a median of about $36,200 more per year than Thomas Aquinas College graduates about ten years after starting college ($81,900 vs. $45,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Thomas Aquinas College graduates have a $4,500 lower median loan debt than SCU graduates ($17,000 vs. $21,500).
• Among borrowers, Thomas Aquinas College graduates have an estimated $47 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than SCU graduates ($175 vs. $222).
• More Thomas Aquinas College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former SCU students, three years after graduation. (90% vs. 84%)

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.