Ave Maria vs St. Thomas University (STU)

Ave Maria University and St. Thomas University, both esteemed institutions of higher learning, offer distinct educational experiences. Ave Maria, a private Catholic university, boasts a lower acceptance rate of 68% compared to St. Thomas's 79%. While St. Thomas enrolls a larger student body, Ave Maria fosters a more intimate learning environment with smaller class sizes. Both universities excel in different areas of study; Ave Maria is renowned for its strong programs in nursing, biology, and theology, while St. Thomas shines in business, education, and engineering. Explore the detailed comparison table to discover more about these universities' acceptance rates, popular majors, student demographics, and graduation rates, and make an informed decision that aligns with your academic aspirations and personal preferences.

	Ave Maria University	St. Thomas University
Overview
Location	Ave Maria, Florida	Miami Gardens, Florida
Campus setting	Rural: Distant	Suburb: Large
College type	4 year	4 year
Control/business model	Private (Non Profit)	Private (Non Profit)
Calendar system	Semester	Semester
Degrees offered	Undergraduate and Graduate	Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate	76.0%	56.0%
Common app member	Yes	Yes
Religious affiliation	Catholic	Catholic

Admission
Acceptance rate	64.0%	70.9%
Application fees
SAT range	N/A	860 - 1060
ACT range	N/A	16 - 21
Students submitting SAT score		24.0%
Students submitting ACT score		9.0%
Total number of applicants	3,705	6,737
Total number of admissions given out	2,373	4,774
Admitted students who chose to enroll	377	536
Yield rate	15.9%	11.2%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	N/A	N/A
High school GPA	Required	Required
Recommendation letters	Not required	Not required
High school transcript	Not required	Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	Required	Required

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	$41,977	$54,819
Average net price	$18,643	$28,550
Tuition	$23,521	$31,800
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $7,562 Meal plan: $5,528	$12,130
Available payment plans	Prepaid tuition plan Tuition payment plan	Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	100.0% Average amount $21,230	99.0% Average amount $22,021
Students receiving federal student loan	55.0% Average amount $5,696	64.0% Average amount $5,507
Students taking out private loans	9.0% Average amount $11,852	3.0% Average amount $13,176

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	1,259 Men 45.1% Women 54.9%	3,608 Men 47.3% Women 52.7%
Graduate students	43 Men 69.8% Women 30.2%	2,313 Men 35.9% Women 64.1%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Low	Moderate
Out-of-state students	N/A	N/A
International students	1.3%	6.0%
Campus local/setting	Rural: Distant	Suburb: Large
Dormitory capacity	1,244	575
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	N/A	N/A

Academics
Popular study areas	Health Professions Business Theology Social Sciences Education	Legal Profession Business Health Professions Education Law Enforcement and Firefighting
Students to faculty ratio	18:1	10:1
Institutional accreditation	Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges	Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Outcome
Graduation rate	60.9%	41.2%
Dropout rate	39.1%	16.0%
Transferred out	N/A	42.3%
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $32,648 Year 2: $33,993 Year 3: $36,766 Biology, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $29,250 Year 3: $34,401 Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $26,800 Year 2: $30,988 Year 3: $30,767 Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $31,762 Year 2: N/A Year 3: N/A Theological and Ministerial Studies (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $31,775 Year 2: $28,598 Year 3: N/A Economics (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $48,041 Year 3: N/A	Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $59,124 Year 3: $70,658 Educational Administration and Supervision (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $57,041 Year 2: $53,179 Year 3: $59,645 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $51,360 Year 2: $53,358 Year 3: $56,118 Law (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $45,055 Year 2: $42,146 Year 3: $52,911 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $41,622 Year 2: $41,565 Year 3: $42,180 Special Education and Teaching (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $42,869 Year 2: $48,849 Year 3: N/A Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $41,732 Year 2: N/A Year 3: N/A Legal Professions and Studies, Other (Graduate/Professional Certificates) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $53,358 Year 3: N/A Biology, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $25,194 Year 3: N/A Criminal Justice and Corrections (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $21,052 Year 3: N/A

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main differences in academic focus between Ave Maria University and St. Thomas University?

Ave Maria University emphasizes a classical liberal arts education rooted in Catholic intellectual tradition, with strong programs in philosophy, theology, and literature. St. Thomas University, while also Catholic, offers a broader range of professional programs, including law, business, and education, alongside its liberal arts offerings. St. Thomas has a greater emphasis on career-oriented studies.
How do the campus environments compare at Ave Maria University and St. Thomas University?

Ave Maria University is located in a master-planned town in Southwest Florida, offering a close-knit, faith-centered community. The campus is relatively new and designed to foster a strong sense of belonging. St. Thomas University, situated in Miami Gardens, Florida, provides a more urban campus environment with greater access to city amenities and cultural experiences. It's a more diverse and less insular setting.
What is the size difference between Ave Maria University and St. Thomas University?

Ave Maria University is significantly smaller than St. Thomas University. Ave Maria typically has an undergraduate enrollment of around 1,200 students, fostering a more intimate learning environment. St. Thomas University has a larger student body, including both undergraduate and graduate students, totaling around 6,000, offering a wider range of perspectives and experiences.
How do the religious affiliations impact student life at Ave Maria University and St. Thomas University?

Both universities are Catholic institutions, but the impact on student life differs. Ave Maria University's Catholic identity is deeply integrated into all aspects of campus life, with daily Mass, strong emphasis on Catholic social teaching, and a highly religious student body. St. Thomas University, while maintaining its Catholic identity, offers a more diverse religious environment, welcoming students of all faiths and backgrounds. Religious observance is present but less pervasive.
What types of extracurricular activities are available at each university?

Ave Maria University offers a range of extracurricular activities, including student government, campus ministry, athletic teams (NAIA), and various clubs focused on academic, cultural, and social interests. St. Thomas University provides a broader array of options, including NCAA Division II athletics, numerous student organizations, performing arts groups, and opportunities for community engagement in the Miami area.
How do the tuition costs and financial aid opportunities compare between Ave Maria University and St. Thomas University?

Tuition costs can vary, so it's best to check the universities' websites for the most up-to-date information. Both Ave Maria University and St. Thomas University offer financial aid packages, including scholarships, grants, and loans. The availability and amount of aid can depend on academic merit, financial need, and other factors. It's recommended to contact the financial aid offices at both institutions to discuss individual circumstances.
What are the career services and internship opportunities like at Ave Maria University and St. Thomas University?

Both universities offer career services to assist students with career exploration, resume writing, interview skills, and job placement. St. Thomas University, due to its location in Miami and its focus on professional programs, may offer a wider range of internship opportunities in fields like business, law, and communications. Ave Maria University provides career services tailored to its liberal arts focus, helping students connect their education to various career paths.
What is the surrounding community like for each university?

Ave Maria University is located in the town of Ave Maria, a planned community centered around the university. This provides a safe and supportive environment but offers fewer off-campus entertainment and cultural options compared to a larger city. St. Thomas University is located in Miami Gardens, a suburb of Miami, offering students access to the diverse cultural, entertainment, and professional opportunities of a major metropolitan area.
How do the athletic programs compare?

Ave Maria University competes in the NAIA, offering a range of sports including football, basketball, baseball, softball, and soccer. St. Thomas University competes in NCAA Division II, providing a higher level of competition and a wider variety of sports programs. If athletics are a major factor, consider the level of competition and the specific sports offered at each institution.
Which university is better for students seeking a strong Catholic identity?

While both are Catholic universities, Ave Maria University is generally considered to have a stronger and more pervasive Catholic identity integrated into all aspects of campus life. St. Thomas University maintains its Catholic identity but offers a more diverse and inclusive environment for students of all faiths.

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