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Thomas Aquinas College

Santa Paula, CA·Private nonprofit·539 students
Last updated: March 21, 2026

A good fit for students who want accessible admissions and students who want small classes and close faculty access. no major red flags in the data. strong 82% graduation rate.

79%
Accept
539
Students
$25,032
Net Price
82%
Grad Rate
$45,900
Earnings
10 yr
$18,000
Debt

About This School

Thomas Aquinas College is a private nonprofit institution located in Santa Paula, California with approximately 539 undergraduate students enrolled. Thomas Aquinas College has an open or accessible admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 79%. The average net price after financial aid is $25,032 per year. The graduation rate is 82%, and the typical graduate earns $45,900 within 10 years of enrollment.

Thomas Aquinas College is a private Catholic liberal arts college in Santa Paula, California, United States. A conservative college, it was established in 1971.

Worth considering if you're a committed Catholic seeking an immersive, Great Books education in a tight-knit community — the 92% freshman retention rate signals that students who enroll tend to genuinely love it here. That said, the median earnings of $45,900 a decade out are modest, so if career earnings are a priority, this highly specialized program may not be the best fit. The low debt ($18,000 median) and strong graduation rate (82%) are real positives, but go in clear-eyed that this college's value is deeply tied to its specific mission, not broad professional preparation.

Founded
1971
Setting
Distant rural

Notable Alumni

John Berg

Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average Composite1277
Reading 75th %ile690
Math 75th %ile640

ACT Scores

Midpoint Composite28

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$28,700
Out-of-State Tuition
$28,700
Avg Net Price
$25,032
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants20%
Median debt at graduation$18,000

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
82%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
92%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$45,900
after enrollment
Median Debt
$18,000
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$18,000
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$30,300
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$45,900
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 2.5x

Solid return. Earnings outpace debt, though major choice matters.

Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.

Student Body

White62%
Hispanic/Latino20%
Asian2%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (539 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

Thomas Aquinas College

10000 Ojai Road

Santa Paula, CA 93060

View on Google Maps →

Other Schools in California

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Sources & Methodology

Data

Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.

Contextual Enrichment

School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.

Important Caveats
  • Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
  • Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
  • Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
  • Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
Trademarks

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