Thomas University vs. SWU

Comparable Facts

Compare Thomas University in Thomasville, GA with Southern Wesleyan University in Central, SC on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Thomas University is larger than SWU based on total student enrollment (1,471 students vs. 980 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Thomas University is located in Thomasville, GA (Distant Town setting); Southern Wesleyan University is in Central, SC (Distant Town setting).
• Thomas University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Southern Wesleyan University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Thomas University 12:1; Southern Wesleyan University 10:1.

Thomas University vs. SWU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Thomas University or SWU? 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 University than SWU ($17,823 vs. $20,134).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Thomas University are 19.6% lower than at Southern Wesleyan University ($8,140 vs. $10,126).
• Southern Wesleyan University is 156% more expensive for in-state tuition than Thomas University (about $18,160 more per year; $29,800.00 vs. $11,640.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 156% higher at SWU than at Thomas University (about $18,160 more per year; $29,800.00 vs. $11,640.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Thomas University as at Southern Wesleyan University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Southern Wesleyan University students is 271% larger than aid received by Thomas University students ($19,498 vs. $5,256).

Thomas University vs. SWU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Thomas University or SWU? 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 SWU and Thomas University.

• Thomas University reports an open admissions policy.
• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Southern Wesleyan University (1130) is 20 points higher than at Thomas University (1110).
• Incoming SWU students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (25 vs. 22 at Thomas University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Thomas University 990/1220; Southern Wesleyan University 1040/1210.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Thomas University 20/24; Southern Wesleyan University 22/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Thomas University - Open admission; SWU - Test optional.
• SWU has a higher acceptance rate (99.5%) than Thomas University (38.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 70.7% at Thomas University vs. 33.4% at SWU.

Thomas University vs. SWU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Thomas University and SWU? 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).

• Southern Wesleyan University's six-year graduation rate (42%) is higher than Thomas University's (8%).
• Graduates from Southern Wesleyan University earn a median of about $6,800 more per year than Thomas University graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,800 vs. $38,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Thomas University graduates have a $6,380 lower median loan debt than SWU graduates ($20,620 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Thomas University graduates have an estimated $66 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than SWU graduates ($213 vs. $279).
• More SWU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Thomas University students, three years after graduation. (50% vs. 36%)

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.