Thomas Aquinas College vs Marymount University
Thomas Aquinas College and Marymount University, two distinct institutions of higher learning, offer contrasting educational experiences. Thomas Aquinas College, a private Catholic 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 Catholic intellectual tradition. Marymount University, a private Catholic university in Virginia, offers a wider range of undergraduate and graduate programs, including popular majors like nursing, business, and education. With an acceptance rate of 75%, Marymount attracts a diverse student body, with over 40% of its undergraduates identifying as students of color. While Thomas Aquinas College prides itself on its 100% graduation rate, Marymount University's graduation rate stands at 68%. Explore the detailed comparison table below to discover more key differences between these two institutions and determine which one aligns best with your academic aspirations and personal preferences.
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![]() Marymount University |
![]() Thomas Aquinas College |
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Overview |
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Location | Arlington, Virginia | Santa Paula, California |
Campus setting | City: Midsize | Rural: Distant |
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 |
Students retention rate | 79.0% | 89.0% |
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Yes | No |
Religious affiliation | Catholic | Catholic |
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Admission |
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Acceptance rate | 83.7% | 83.1% |
Application fees | $50 | |
SAT range | N/A | 1180 - 1370 |
ACT range | N/A | 25 - 30 |
Students submitting SAT score | 34.0% | |
Students submitting ACT score | 19.0% | |
Total number of applicants | 2,375 | 261 |
Total number of admissions given out | 1,987 | 217 |
Admitted students who chose to enroll | 331 | 131 |
Yield rate | 16.7% | 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) | Required | Not required |
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Tuition and Fees |
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Sticker price | $57,028 | $48,062 |
Average net price | $26,717 | $22,631 |
Tuition | $34,400 | $26,000 |
Room & board |
Room/dormitory:
$9,486
Meal plan:
$5,200
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$9,400 |
Available payment plans |
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Financial Aid |
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Students receiving financial aid
(Grants & scholarships) |
97.0%
Average amount $22,448 |
71.0%
Average amount $13,973 |
Students receiving federal student loan |
48.0%
Average amount $5,345 |
69.0%
Average amount $3,590 |
Students taking out private loans |
7.0%
Average amount $16,856 |
5.0%
Average amount $7,167 |
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Students and Campus |
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Undergraduate students |
2,221
Men 43.5% Women 56.5% |
497
Men 49.7% Women 50.3% |
Graduate students |
1,334
Men 29.7% Women 70.3% |
N/A |
Racial/ethnic diversity |
Moderate
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Low
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Out-of-state students | 47.9% | N/A |
International students | 10.4% | 5.4% |
Campus local/setting | City: Midsize | Rural: Distant |
Dormitory capacity | 871 | 659 |
First year students are required to live on campus? | No | No |
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from | Virginia Maryland District of Columbia Pennsylvania New Jersey | N/A |
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Academics |
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Popular study areas |
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Students to faculty ratio | 14:1 | 11:1 |
Institutional accreditation | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges | Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission |
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Outcome |
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Graduation rate | 62.1% | 85.9% |
Dropout rate | 7.5% | 3.8% |
Transferred out | 28.6% | 9.0% |
Alumni salary by major (Top 10) |
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees)
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees)
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (Doctoral Degrees)
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees)
Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degrees)
Educational Administration and Supervision (Master's Degrees)
Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions (Master's Degrees)
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Master's Degrees)
Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology (Master's Degrees)
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Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (Bachelor's Degrees)
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