Thomas Aquinas College vs. Union University

Comparable Facts

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

Union University is larger than Thomas Aquinas College based on total student enrollment (2,713 students vs. 566 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Thomas Aquinas College is located in Santa Paula, CA (Distant Rural setting); Union University is in Jackson, TN (Small City setting).
• Thomas Aquinas College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Union University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Thomas Aquinas College 11:1; Union University 9:1.

Thomas Aquinas College vs. Union University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Thomas Aquinas College or Union 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 Thomas Aquinas College than Union University ($24,820 vs. $28,452).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Thomas Aquinas College are 12.4% lower than at Union University ($11,200 vs. $12,780).
• Union University is 32.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Thomas Aquinas College (about $9,825 more per year; $40,025.00 vs. $30,200.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 32.5% higher at Union University than at Thomas Aquinas College (about $9,825 more per year; $40,025.00 vs. $30,200.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Union University than at Thomas Aquinas College (100% vs. 73%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Union University students is 61.9% larger than aid received by Thomas Aquinas College students ($30,120 vs. $18,606).

Thomas Aquinas College vs. Union University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Thomas Aquinas College (1310) is 30 points higher than at Union University (1280).
• Incoming Thomas Aquinas College students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (30 vs. 26 at Union University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Thomas Aquinas College 1220/1400; Union University 1160/1390.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Thomas Aquinas College 28/33; Union University 22/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Thomas Aquinas College - Required; Union University - Required.
• Accepted freshman Thomas Aquinas College students have the same average high school GPA (3.8) as students at Union University (3.8).
• Thomas Aquinas College has a higher acceptance rate (83.1%) than Union University (60.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 67.7% at Thomas Aquinas College vs. 30.1% at Union University.

Thomas Aquinas College vs. Union University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Thomas Aquinas College and Union 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 Union University's (61%).
• Graduates from Union University earn a median of about $2,500 more per year than Thomas Aquinas College graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,200 vs. $45,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Thomas Aquinas College graduates have a $7,840 lower median loan debt than Union University graduates ($17,000 vs. $24,840).
• Among borrowers, Thomas Aquinas College graduates have an estimated $81 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Union University graduates ($175 vs. $256).
• More Thomas Aquinas College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Union University students, three years after graduation. (90% vs. 66%)

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.