University of St Thomas vs. TLU

Comparable Facts

Compare University of St Thomas in Houston, TX with Texas Lutheran University in Seguin, TX on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of St Thomas is larger than TLU based on total student enrollment (4,301 students vs. 1,423 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of St Thomas is located in Houston, TX (Large City setting); Texas Lutheran University is in Seguin, TX (Distant Town setting).
• University of St Thomas is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Texas Lutheran University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of St Thomas 16:1; Texas Lutheran University 11:1.

University of St Thomas vs. TLU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, University of St Thomas or TLU? 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 St Thomas than TLU ($20,599 vs. $25,119).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of St Thomas are 12.2% lower than at Texas Lutheran University ($10,840 vs. $12,350).
• Texas Lutheran University is 4.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than University of St Thomas (about $1,596 more per year; $36,230.00 vs. $34,634.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 4.6% higher at TLU than at University of St Thomas (about $1,596 more per year; $36,230.00 vs. $34,634.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Texas Lutheran University than at University of St Thomas (100% vs. 93%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of St Thomas students is 0.2% larger than aid received by Texas Lutheran University students ($24,902 vs. $24,861).

University of St Thomas vs. TLU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, University of St Thomas or TLU? 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 TLU and University of St Thomas.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Texas Lutheran University (1130) is 30 points higher than at University of St Thomas (1100).
• Incoming TLU students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (25 vs. 21 at University of St Thomas).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of St Thomas 980/1210; Texas Lutheran University 1030/1230.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of St Thomas 18/25; Texas Lutheran University 22/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: University of St Thomas - Test optional; TLU - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: University of St Thomas Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman TLU students have a 0.37 point higher average high school GPA (3.9) than students at University of St Thomas (3.53).
• TLU has a higher acceptance rate (95.7%) than University of St Thomas (89.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 29.7% at University of St Thomas vs. 16.8% at TLU.

University of St Thomas vs. TLU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for University of St Thomas and TLU? 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).

• Texas Lutheran University's six-year graduation rate (49%) is higher than University of St Thomas's (44%).
• Graduates from University of St Thomas earn a median of about $7,600 more per year than TLU graduates about ten years after starting college ($57,200 vs. $49,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of St Thomas graduates have a $5,000 lower median loan debt than TLU graduates ($22,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, University of St Thomas graduates have an estimated $52 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than TLU graduates ($227 vs. $279).
• More TLU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former University of St Thomas students, three years after graduation. (67% vs. 59%)

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.