At $25,032/yr net price, Thomas Aquinas College graduates earn $55,619/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $21,619/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $25,032 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $100,128 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $55,619/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$21,619/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.6 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 82.0% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $18,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $16,761/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $18,508/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $19,464/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $25,048/yr |
| $110,001+ | $28,063/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Bachelor | $30,047 | $18,000 |
The Risk Factor
82.0% of students at Thomas Aquinas College graduate within 6 years. Most students who start here finish their degree.
Analysis
Thomas Aquinas College gives you a mixed financial return that depends heavily on what you do after graduation. The college runs a single-program model: everyone earns the same bachelor's degree in Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. That program's early-career earnings sit far below the school's overall median 10-year figure, which tells you the payoff comes later, not right out of school. If you need income in your first few years after graduation, this gap is the risk you're taking on.
The academic side holds up. A 92% retention rate and 82% graduation rate mean you're very likely to finish, and finishing is where most of the financial risk in higher education actually lives. Median debt of $18,000 is low, so you won't leave buried in loans even if your first job pays modestly.
Because there's only one major, there's no "which program pays off" question here. The degree is built as a foundation for graduate school, law, seminary, or teaching, and your return hinges on those next steps. If you already plan on more schooling or a vocation where a classical humanities degree fits, the low debt makes this a reasonable bet. If you want to walk into a well-paid job immediately with this credential alone, look elsewhere.
The net price tiers work in your favor if your family earns under $75k, where you'd pay well below the sticker figure. Above $110k, you pay close to full net price. For lower-income families, the combination of a manageable price, low debt, and a high graduation rate makes the math workable, provided you're committed to the single-track curriculum and the longer earnings timeline it requires.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Thomas Aquinas College worth the cost compared to other liberal arts schools?
Thomas Aquinas College graduates earn $55,619 ten years after graduation, which is below average for college graduates nationally. With a net price of $25,032 annually, the financial return is modest compared to most four-year colleges.
What is the job market like for Thomas Aquinas College graduates?
The school focuses entirely on liberal arts and humanities, with graduates in these fields earning around $30,047 early in their careers. This creates limited earning potential in a job market that typically rewards STEM and business degrees more highly.
How much debt do Thomas Aquinas College students typically graduate with?
The median debt load is $18,000, which is relatively low compared to national averages. This lower debt burden helps offset the school's below-average earning outcomes for graduates.
Does Thomas Aquinas College provide good financial aid to make it affordable?
With a net price of $25,032 after aid, the school offers some financial assistance but students still face significant costs. The 82% graduation rate suggests most students can complete their programs despite the financial commitment.