Thomas Aquinas College
Thomas Aquinas College — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Thomas Aquinas College at a Glance
Thomas Aquinas College is a private Catholic liberal arts college with two campuses, one in Santa Paula, California, and one in Northfield, Massachusetts, United States. A conservative college, it was established in 1971.
1971
55 years old
566
58
845 acres
Identity
Is Thomas Aquinas College Worth It?
Thomas Aquinas College offers moderate value at $26,196/year net price. Graduates earn a median of $55,619, which is near the national average. Students should research specific program outcomes before committing.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.9 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
The 83% graduation rate means roughly 17% of students leave without a degree — taking on debt without the earnings boost that completion brings.
How Thomas Aquinas College compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier in CA
Ranked #7 of 52 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Clarkson College | 57 | $19,241 | $64,876 |
| #2 | Goldey-Beacom College | 56 | $15,554 | $59,892 |
| #3 | Pillar College | 49 | $8,470 | $45,577 |
| #4 | Oakland City University | 48 | $15,210 | $43,283 |
| #5 | Nebraska Methodist College of Nursing & Allied Health | 47 | $21,863 | $65,071 |
| #6 | Cedar Crest College | 47 | $18,659 | $59,460 |
| #7 | Thomas Aquinas College | 44 | $26,196 | $55,619 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Thomas Aquinas College's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 3 in CA.
Best Programs at Thomas Aquinas College
The highest-earning program at Thomas Aquinas College is Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at $27,100/year (4 years after graduation).
Your major matters more than the school name — a Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities graduate from Thomas Aquinas College earns $27,100, while a Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities graduate earns $27,100. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities graduates carry $18,000 in median debt vs. $18,000 for Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $26,196/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities | $27,100 | $27,100 | $18,000 |
Similar Colleges in CA
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Santa Paula, CA
- Student Body
- 566 students
- Admission Rate
- 83%
- Graduation Rate
- 83%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $26,196
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $55,619
- Median Student Debt
- $18,000