At $21,344/yr net price, St. Thomas Aquinas College graduates earn $62,909/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $28,909/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $21,344 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $85,376 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $62,909/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$28,909/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 62.6% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $23,198 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $13,977/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $18,169/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $20,644/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $27,309/yr |
| $110,001+ | $25,598/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $72,796 | |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Master | $62,012 | |
| Special Education and Teaching. | Master | $57,860 | |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $50,270 | $24,615 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Bachelor | $46,087 | |
| General Sales, Merchandising and Related Marketing Operations. | Bachelor | $42,435 | |
| Communication and Media Studies. | Bachelor | $39,009 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $36,992 | |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $36,141 | |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness. | Bachelor | $34,704 |
The Risk Factor
62.6% of students at St. Thomas Aquinas College graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 37% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
St. Thomas Aquinas College delivers mixed financial returns, with strong outcomes for business majors but concerning numbers for education students. The $21,344 annual net price creates a reasonable path to the $62,909 median earnings, though your success depends heavily on choosing the right major.
Business Administration graduates earn $72,796 annually, making this program the clear financial winner at STAC. Finance majors face a different reality, earning just $46,087 despite studying in the same business school. Education majors encounter the most challenging ROI picture, with special education teachers earning $57,860 and general education majors starting at $50,270 while carrying $24,615 in debt.
The 62.6% graduation rate creates significant financial risk since you only benefit from college if you finish. The 74.9% retention rate suggests many students struggle to stay enrolled, potentially leaving with debt but no degree. Your odds improve if you can stay focused and committed through all four years.
STAC works best for business-focused students who can access the stronger-paying programs and handle the completion challenge. Education majors should carefully consider whether the debt load makes sense given the modest teacher salaries in the Hudson Valley region. The school makes less financial sense if you're undecided about your major or drawn to the weaker-paying programs.
Only 18.4% of students receive need-based aid, suggesting limited financial assistance for middle-income families. You'll likely pay close to the full net price unless you qualify for merit scholarships, making affordability planning important before enrolling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is St. Thomas Aquinas College worth the debt?
With median debt of $23,198 and 10-year earnings of $62,909, graduates typically earn about 2.7 times their debt load. This ratio is reasonable, though earnings vary significantly by major.
What are the best paying majors at St. Thomas Aquinas College?
Business Administration graduates earn the highest at $72,796 annually, while education majors earn between $50,270-$62,012. Finance majors surprisingly earn less at $46,087, below the school average.
Does St. Thomas Aquinas College have good financial aid?
The net price of $21,344 per year is relatively affordable for a private college. However, with a 62.6% graduation rate, nearly 4 in 10 students don't finish their degree.
Is St. Thomas Aquinas College ROI better than other schools?
The 10-year earnings of $62,909 are below the national average for college graduates. The school works best for students interested in business or education who want smaller class sizes at a lower private school cost.