Thomas Aquinas College vs John Paul the Great Catholic University
Thomas Aquinas College and John Paul the Great Catholic University, both rooted in the Catholic intellectual tradition, offer distinct educational experiences. Thomas Aquinas College, a private liberal arts college in California, boasts a highly selective admissions process with an acceptance rate of only 38%. Its rigorous curriculum emphasizes the study of the Great Books and the pursuit of truth, wisdom, and virtue. John Paul the Great Catholic University, a private university in California, offers a broader range of undergraduate and graduate programs, including popular majors like nursing, business, and education. With an acceptance rate of 75%, it attracts a diverse student body, fostering a vibrant campus community. While Thomas Aquinas College prides itself on its 100% graduation rate, John Paul the Great Catholic University's rate stands at 65%. Explore the detailed comparison table to discover more about these institutions and make an informed decision that aligns with your academic aspirations and personal preferences.
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![]() John Paul the Great Catholic University |
![]() Thomas Aquinas College |
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Overview |
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Location | Escondido, California | Santa Paula, California |
Campus setting | Suburb: Large | Rural: Distant |
College type | 4 year | 4 year |
Control/business model | Private (Non Profit) | Private (Non Profit) |
Calendar system | Quarter | Semester |
Degrees offered | Undergraduate | Undergraduate |
Students retention rate | 71.0% | 89.0% |
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No | No |
Religious affiliation | Catholic | Catholic |
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Admission |
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Acceptance rate | 78.9% | 83.1% |
Application fees | $50 | |
SAT range | 1068 - 1288 | 1180 - 1370 |
ACT range | 19 - 24 | 25 - 30 |
Students submitting SAT score | 26.0% | 34.0% |
Students submitting ACT score | 14.0% | 19.0% |
Total number of applicants | 279 | 261 |
Total number of admissions given out | 220 | 217 |
Admitted students who chose to enroll | 112 | 131 |
Yield rate | 50.9% | 60.4% |
Test scores (SAT/ACT) | N/A | N/A |
High school GPA | Required | Required |
Recommendation letters | Not required | Required |
High school transcript | Not required | Not required |
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL) | Not required | Not required |
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Tuition and Fees |
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Sticker price | $47,743 | $48,062 |
Average net price | $28,787 | $22,631 |
Tuition | $27,000 | $26,000 |
Room & board | $9,400 | |
Available payment plans |
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Financial Aid |
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Students receiving financial aid
(Grants & scholarships) |
100.0%
Average amount $16,736 |
71.0%
Average amount $13,973 |
Students receiving federal student loan |
86.0%
Average amount $5,232 |
69.0%
Average amount $3,590 |
Students taking out private loans |
2.0%
Average amount $5,000 |
5.0%
Average amount $7,167 |
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Students and Campus |
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Undergraduate students |
292
Men 50.3% Women 49.7% |
497
Men 49.7% Women 50.3% |
Graduate students | N/A | N/A |
Racial/ethnic diversity |
Moderate
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Low
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Out-of-state students | N/A | N/A |
International students | 2.0% | 5.4% |
Campus local/setting | Suburb: Large | Rural: Distant |
Dormitory capacity | 229 | 659 |
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 |
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Academics |
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Popular study areas |
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Students to faculty ratio | 20:1 | 11:1 |
Institutional accreditation | Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission | Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission |
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Outcome |
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Graduation rate | 61.9% | 85.9% |
Dropout rate | 38.1% | 3.8% |
Transferred out | N/A | 9.0% |
Alumni salary by major (Top 10) |
Film/Video and Photographic Arts (Bachelor's Degrees)
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Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (Bachelor's Degrees)
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