Thomas Aquinas College vs. Muhlenberg College

Comparable Facts

Compare Thomas Aquinas College in Santa Paula, CA with Muhlenberg College in Allentown, PA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Muhlenberg College is larger than Thomas Aquinas College based on total student enrollment (1,788 students vs. 566 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Thomas Aquinas College is located in Santa Paula, CA (Distant Rural setting); Muhlenberg College is in Allentown, PA (Midsize City setting).
• Thomas Aquinas College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Muhlenberg College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Thomas Aquinas College 11:1; Muhlenberg College 9:1.

Thomas Aquinas College vs. Muhlenberg College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Thomas Aquinas College or Muhlenberg College? 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 Muhlenberg College ($24,820 vs. $34,739).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Thomas Aquinas College are 23% lower than at Muhlenberg College ($11,200 vs. $14,548).
• Muhlenberg College is 108% more expensive for in-state tuition than Thomas Aquinas College (about $32,605 more per year; $62,805.00 vs. $30,200.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 108% higher at Muhlenberg College than at Thomas Aquinas College (about $32,605 more per year; $62,805.00 vs. $30,200.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Muhlenberg College than at Thomas Aquinas College (99% vs. 73%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Muhlenberg College students is 128.7% larger than aid received by Thomas Aquinas College students ($42,545 vs. $18,606).

Thomas Aquinas College vs. Muhlenberg College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Thomas Aquinas College or Muhlenberg College? 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 Muhlenberg College and Thomas Aquinas College.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Muhlenberg College (1330) is 20 points higher than at Thomas Aquinas College (1310).
• Incoming Muhlenberg College students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (31 vs. 30 at Thomas Aquinas College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Thomas Aquinas College 1220/1400; Muhlenberg College 1250/1410.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Thomas Aquinas College 28/33; Muhlenberg College 29/33.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Thomas Aquinas College - Required; Muhlenberg College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Muhlenberg College Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Thomas Aquinas College students have a 0.36 point higher average high school GPA (3.8) than students at Muhlenberg College (3.44).
• Thomas Aquinas College has a higher acceptance rate (83.1%) than Muhlenberg College (72%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 67.7% at Thomas Aquinas College vs. 13% at Muhlenberg College.

Thomas Aquinas College vs. Muhlenberg College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Thomas Aquinas College and Muhlenberg College? 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).

• Muhlenberg College's six-year graduation rate (86%) is higher than Thomas Aquinas College's (69%).
• Graduates from Muhlenberg College earn a median of about $18,000 more per year than Thomas Aquinas College graduates about ten years after starting college ($63,700 vs. $45,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Thomas Aquinas College graduates have a $9,490 lower median loan debt than Muhlenberg College graduates ($17,000 vs. $26,490).
• Among borrowers, Thomas Aquinas College graduates have an estimated $98 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Muhlenberg College graduates ($175 vs. $273).
• More Thomas Aquinas College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Muhlenberg College students, three years after graduation. (90% vs. 84%)

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.