Thomas Aquinas College vs. Houghton University

Comparable Facts

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

Houghton University is larger than Thomas Aquinas College based on total student enrollment (1,200 students vs. 566 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Thomas Aquinas College is located in Santa Paula, CA (Distant Rural setting); Houghton University is in Houghton, NY (Remote Rural setting).
• Thomas Aquinas College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Houghton University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Thomas Aquinas College 11:1; Houghton University 12:1.

Thomas Aquinas College vs. Houghton University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Thomas Aquinas College or Houghton University? 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 Houghton University than Thomas Aquinas College ($21,274 vs. $24,820).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Thomas Aquinas College are 1.4% lower than at Houghton University ($11,200 vs. $11,360).
• Thomas Aquinas College is 63.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Houghton University (about $11,770 more per year; $30,200.00 vs. $18,430.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 63.9% higher at Thomas Aquinas College than at Houghton University (about $11,770 more per year; $30,200.00 vs. $18,430.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Houghton University than at Thomas Aquinas College (100% vs. 73%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Thomas Aquinas College students is 87.9% larger than aid received by Houghton University students ($18,606 vs. $9,902).

Thomas Aquinas College vs. Houghton University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Thomas Aquinas College or Houghton University? 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 Houghton University and Thomas Aquinas College.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Thomas Aquinas College (1310) is 40 points higher than at Houghton University (1270).
• Incoming Thomas Aquinas College students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (30 vs. 28 at Houghton University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Thomas Aquinas College 1220/1400; Houghton University 1170/1375.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Thomas Aquinas College 28/33; Houghton University 26/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Thomas Aquinas College - Required; Houghton University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Thomas Aquinas College students have a 0.55 point higher average high school GPA (3.8) than students at Houghton University (3.25).
• Houghton University has a higher acceptance rate (88.7%) than Thomas Aquinas College (83.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 67.7% at Thomas Aquinas College vs. 23.2% at Houghton University.

Thomas Aquinas College vs. Houghton University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Thomas Aquinas College and Houghton University? 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).

• Thomas Aquinas College's six-year graduation rate (69%) is higher than Houghton University's (68%).
• Graduates from Thomas Aquinas College earn a median of about $1,400 more per year than Houghton University graduates about ten years after starting college ($45,700 vs. $44,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Thomas Aquinas College graduates have a $8,500 lower median loan debt than Houghton University graduates ($17,000 vs. $25,500).
• Among borrowers, Thomas Aquinas College graduates have an estimated $88 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Houghton University graduates ($175 vs. $263).
• More Thomas Aquinas College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Houghton University students, three years after graduation. (90% vs. 77%)

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.