Thomas Aquinas College vs. Willamette University

Comparable Facts

Compare Thomas Aquinas College in Santa Paula, CA with Willamette University in Salem, OR on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Willamette University is larger than Thomas Aquinas College based on total student enrollment (2,180 students vs. 566 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Thomas Aquinas College is located in Santa Paula, CA (Distant Rural setting); Willamette University is in Salem, OR (Midsize City setting).
• Thomas Aquinas College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Willamette University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Thomas Aquinas College 11:1; Willamette University 13:1.

Thomas Aquinas College vs. Willamette University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Thomas Aquinas College or Willamette University? 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 Willamette University ($24,820 vs. $29,421).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Thomas Aquinas College are 30.7% lower than at Willamette University ($11,200 vs. $16,150).
• Willamette University is 69.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Thomas Aquinas College (about $20,956 more per year; $51,156.00 vs. $30,200.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 69.4% higher at Willamette University than at Thomas Aquinas College (about $20,956 more per year; $51,156.00 vs. $30,200.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Willamette University than at Thomas Aquinas College (100% vs. 73%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Willamette University students is 104.7% larger than aid received by Thomas Aquinas College students ($38,080 vs. $18,606).

Thomas Aquinas College vs. Willamette University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Willamette University (1340) is 30 points higher than at Thomas Aquinas College (1310).
• Incoming Thomas Aquinas College students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 30) as students at Willamette University (30).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Thomas Aquinas College 1220/1400; Willamette University 1240/1440.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Thomas Aquinas College 28/33; Willamette University 28/33.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Thomas Aquinas College - Required; Willamette University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Willamette University Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Willamette University students have a 0.17 point higher average high school GPA (3.97) than students at Thomas Aquinas College (3.8).
• Thomas Aquinas College has a higher acceptance rate (83.1%) than Willamette University (77.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 67.7% at Thomas Aquinas College vs. 14.3% at Willamette University.

Thomas Aquinas College vs. Willamette University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Willamette University's six-year graduation rate (77%) is higher than Thomas Aquinas College's (69%).
• Graduates from Willamette University earn a median of about $8,600 more per year than Thomas Aquinas College graduates about ten years after starting college ($54,300 vs. $45,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Thomas Aquinas College graduates have a $9,000 lower median loan debt than Willamette University graduates ($17,000 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, Thomas Aquinas College graduates have an estimated $93 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Willamette University graduates ($175 vs. $268).
• More Thomas Aquinas College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Willamette University students, three years after graduation. (90% vs. 80%)

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.