Thomas Aquinas College vs. University of Puget Sound

Comparable Facts

Compare Thomas Aquinas College in Santa Paula, CA with University of Puget Sound in Tacoma, WA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of Puget Sound is larger than Thomas Aquinas College based on total student enrollment (1,864 students vs. 566 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Thomas Aquinas College is located in Santa Paula, CA (Distant Rural setting); University of Puget Sound is in Tacoma, WA (Midsize City setting).
• Thomas Aquinas College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Puget Sound is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Thomas Aquinas College 11:1; University of Puget Sound 10:1.

Thomas Aquinas College vs. University of Puget Sound Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Thomas Aquinas College or University of Puget Sound? 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 University of Puget Sound ($24,820 vs. $43,188).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Thomas Aquinas College are 32.1% lower than at University of Puget Sound ($11,200 vs. $16,498).
• University of Puget Sound is 108.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Thomas Aquinas College (about $32,698 more per year; $62,898.00 vs. $30,200.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 108.3% higher at University of Puget Sound than at Thomas Aquinas College (about $32,698 more per year; $62,898.00 vs. $30,200.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Puget Sound than at Thomas Aquinas College (99% vs. 73%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Puget Sound students is 89.1% larger than aid received by Thomas Aquinas College students ($35,179 vs. $18,606).

Thomas Aquinas College vs. University of Puget Sound Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Thomas Aquinas College or University of Puget Sound? 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 University of Puget Sound and Thomas Aquinas College.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Thomas Aquinas College (1310) is 30 points higher than at University of Puget Sound (1280).
• Incoming Thomas Aquinas College students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (30 vs. 29 at University of Puget Sound).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Thomas Aquinas College 1220/1400; University of Puget Sound 1170/1380.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Thomas Aquinas College 28/33; University of Puget Sound 27/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Thomas Aquinas College - Required; University of Puget Sound - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: University of Puget Sound Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Thomas Aquinas College students have a 0.24 point higher average high school GPA (3.8) than students at University of Puget Sound (3.56).
• Thomas Aquinas College has a higher acceptance rate (83.1%) than University of Puget Sound (72.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 67.7% at Thomas Aquinas College vs. 11.4% at University of Puget Sound.

Thomas Aquinas College vs. University of Puget Sound Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Thomas Aquinas College and University of Puget Sound? 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).

• University of Puget Sound's six-year graduation rate (73%) is higher than Thomas Aquinas College's (69%).
• Graduates from University of Puget Sound earn a median of about $11,900 more per year than Thomas Aquinas College graduates about ten years after starting college ($57,600 vs. $45,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Thomas Aquinas College graduates have a $10,000 lower median loan debt than University of Puget Sound graduates ($17,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Thomas Aquinas College graduates have an estimated $104 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than University of Puget Sound graduates ($175 vs. $279).
• More Thomas Aquinas College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former University of Puget Sound 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.