Thomas More University
Thomas More University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Thomas More University at a Glance
Thomas More University is a private Catholic university in Crestview Hills, Kentucky, United States. It serves about 2,000 full and part-time students. The university was founded in 1921 by the local Benedictine Sisters as Villa Madonna College.
1921
105 years old
2,350
2,126 undergrad · 224 grad
Identity
Is Thomas More University Worth It?
At a value score of 27/100, Thomas More University is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $59,384 — 10% above average — while paying $21,835/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.5 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 40% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 4 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
With a 90% acceptance rate, admission is essentially open — the question isn't whether you'll get in, but whether the investment will pay off.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at Thomas More University has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Thomas More University compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #93 of 131 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 | Saint Mary's University of Minnesota | 83 | $11,704 | $58,170 |
| #2 | Andrews University | 73 | $12,547 | $53,187 |
| #3 | Trinity Washington University | 67 | $9,302 | $53,804 |
| #4 | Albion College | 61 | $14,301 | $58,799 |
| #5 | Goldey-Beacom College | 56 | $15,554 | $59,892 |
| #6 | D'Youville University | 51 | $20,433 | $66,942 |
| #93 | Thomas More University | 27 | $21,835 | $59,384 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Thomas More University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 2 in KY.
Best Programs at Thomas More University
The highest-earning program at Thomas More University is Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at $54,400/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Business Administration, Management and Operations at $46,800/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduate from Thomas More University earns $54,400, while a Business Administration, Management and Operations graduate earns $46,800. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduates carry $22,045 in median debt vs. $32,940 for Business Administration, Management and Operations.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $21,835/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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $54,400 | $54,400 | $22,045 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $46,800 | $46,800 | $32,940 |
Similar Colleges in KY
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Crestview Hills, KY
- Student Body
- 1,293 students
- Admission Rate
- 90%
- Graduation Rate
- 40%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $21,835
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $59,384
- Median Student Debt
- $26,236