Thomas University vs. USC Aiken

Comparable Facts

Compare Thomas University in Thomasville, GA with University of South Carolina Aiken in Aiken, SC on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of South Carolina Aiken is larger than Thomas University based on total student enrollment (4,022 students vs. 1,471 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Thomas University is located in Thomasville, GA (Distant Town setting); University of South Carolina Aiken is in Aiken, SC (Rural Fringe setting).
• Thomas University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. University of South Carolina Aiken is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Thomas University 12:1; University of South Carolina Aiken 16:1.

Thomas University vs. USC Aiken Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Thomas University or USC Aiken? 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 University of South Carolina Aiken than Thomas University ($12,236 vs. $17,823).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Thomas University are 11.3% lower than at University of South Carolina Aiken ($8,140 vs. $9,182).
• Thomas University is 8.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than USC Aiken (about $880 more per year; $11,640.00 vs. $10,760.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 82.3% higher at USC Aiken than at Thomas University (about $9,578 more per year; $21,218.00 vs. $11,640.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Thomas University than at University of South Carolina Aiken (100% vs. 93%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of South Carolina Aiken students is 69.4% larger than aid received by Thomas University students ($8,904 vs. $5,256).

Thomas University vs. USC Aiken Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Thomas University or USC Aiken? 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 USC Aiken and Thomas University.

• Thomas University reports an open admissions policy.
• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Thomas University (1110) is 10 points higher than at USC Aiken (1100).
• Incoming Thomas University students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 22) as students at USC Aiken (22).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Thomas University 990/1220; University of South Carolina Aiken 980/1220.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Thomas University 20/24; University of South Carolina Aiken 19/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Thomas University - Open admission; USC Aiken - Required.
• Typical fall application deadline: USC Aiken Aug 1, 2027.
• USC Aiken has a higher acceptance rate (78.5%) than Thomas University (38.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 70.7% at Thomas University vs. 28.2% at USC Aiken.

Thomas University vs. USC Aiken Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Thomas University and USC Aiken? 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 South Carolina Aiken's six-year graduation rate (41%) is higher than Thomas University's (8%).
• Graduates from University of South Carolina Aiken earn a median of about $1,600 more per year than Thomas University graduates about ten years after starting college ($39,600 vs. $38,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Thomas University graduates have a $5,380 lower median loan debt than USC Aiken graduates ($20,620 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, Thomas University graduates have an estimated $55 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than USC Aiken graduates ($213 vs. $268).
• More USC Aiken graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Thomas University students, three years after graduation. (54% vs. 36%)

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.