Thomas College: 97.2% Acceptance Rate

97.2%Acceptance

$30,896Tuition

688Students

51%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$44,991Earnings

#25 in MainePrivate nonprofit4-yearSAT/ACT Test BlindNCAA Division IIIStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About Thomas College

Thomas College trains students for immediate career success through hands-on business and technology programs. The college enrolls 688 students in rural Waterville, Maine, where practical skills take priority over theoretical study. With a 97% acceptance rate, Thomas welcomes motivated students ready to dive into career-focused coursework. The school has built its reputation around preparing graduates who can step directly into the workforce.

Students pay an average of $19,223 after financial aid, making this private college surprisingly affordable. Graduates earn a median of $45,000 ten years after graduation while carrying typical debt of $24,250. The math works in students' favor, with monthly loan payments averaging just $257. An impressive 98.5% employment rate shows employers value Thomas graduates.

The Terriers compete in 19 NCAA Division III sports with 324 student-athletes filling nearly half the student body. This creates an active campus culture where athletics matter. Students stick around at a 79% retention rate, though only 51% graduate within six years. The student body draws heavily from Maine, with 86% of students calling the state home. Small classes average 23 students per faculty member, ensuring personal attention in this tight-knit community.

Academics & Faculty

Thomas College focuses heavily on business and technology programs designed for immediate career entry. The school maintains a 23:1 student-faculty ratio, which means larger class sizes than typical small colleges but still allows for meaningful professor interaction. Only 51% of students graduate within six years, reflecting the practical, career-focused student body that often leaves early for job opportunities. The college emphasizes hands-on learning and internships over traditional liberal arts education. Business administration and computer science anchor the curriculum, with programs built around real-world applications rather than theoretical study. Students here prioritize job readiness over academic prestige, making Thomas ideal for those seeking direct pathways to employment in Maine's growing technology and business sectors.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 23:1
Full-Time Faculty: 47.8%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 50.6%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 51.4%
Retention Rate: 79.1%
Median Earnings (10 years): $44,991
Carnegie Classification: Master's University (Small)

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Master	$49,883

View all 35 programs →

Campus Life

Thomas College sits in small-town Waterville, about 20 minutes from Augusta and an hour from Portland. With 688 students and housing for 611, nearly everyone lives on campus in this tight-knit community. You'll need heavy winter coats for Maine's long, snowy winters that can last from November through March.

The 23:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name, especially in the business and technology programs that define this career-focused college. With 324 students playing varsity sports across 19 teams, the Terriers create a spirited athletic culture despite competing in Division III. Weekend life revolves around campus since 86% of students are from Maine and many stay local. Students often gather for games, outdoor activities when weather permits, and campus events that bring the small community together. The practical, hands-on approach to learning extends beyond classrooms into daily campus life, where students build professional networks that help achieve the impressive 98.5% employment rate after graduation.

Setting: Town-Remote
Housing Capacity: 611 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available
Founded: 1894

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 7°–28°F
July Avg: 58°–79°F
Annual Precipitation: 42.8"
Annual Snowfall: 64.3"

Student Demographics

Thomas College draws primarily from Maine, with 86% of students coming from in-state. This reflects the school's strong reputation within Maine as a practical choice for career preparation. The student body is 51% male and 49% female, a balanced split that aligns with the college's business and technology focus attracting students across traditional gender lines. Only 15% receive Pell Grants, indicating the school serves middle-class families seeking affordable career-oriented education. The local draw suggests Thomas has built trust among Maine families as a reliable pathway to employment in business and tech fields.

Men: 51.5%
Women: 48.6%
White: 78.2%
Black: 5.5%
Hispanic: 2.5%
Asian: 0.7%
In-State Students: 86.1%
Pell Grant Recipients: 15.3%

Location

Thomas College sits in Waterville, Maine, about 75 miles north of Portland and 20 miles from Augusta, the state capital. The campus occupies a small Maine town surrounded by lakes, forests, and rolling hills typical of central Maine. Waterville itself has around 16,000 residents and serves as a regional center for commerce and education. The area offers outdoor recreation like hiking, fishing, and skiing, reflecting Maine's reputation for natural beauty. With 86.12% of students coming from in-state, most are already familiar with Maine's rural character and seasonal rhythms. The setting provides a quiet environment for Thomas College's career-focused programs. Students considering colleges in Maine may also compare Thomas College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Waterville, Maine 04901-5097

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $44,991
Median Earnings (5 years): $53,158
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $31,700
Loan Repayment Rate: 64.7%
Monthly Loan Payment: $257/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $24,250

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Thomas College?

Thomas College accepts 97.24% of applicants, making it highly accessible for students seeking admission. The college focuses on career-oriented education in business and technology fields. With 688 students enrolled, the school maintains a small, close-knit community atmosphere.

How much does Thomas College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $19,223 annually, lower than the published tuition of $30,896. The college provides institutional grants averaging $20,732 to nearly 30% of students. Graduates typically leave with $24,250 in debt and monthly loan payments of $257.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Thomas College?

Thomas College maintains a 23:1 student-faculty ratio across its business and technology-focused programs. The college emphasizes practical career preparation through hands-on learning experiences. With its semester-based calendar system, students receive concentrated attention in their specialized fields of study.

What are the career outcomes for Thomas College graduates?

Graduates achieve a 98.5% employment rate, reflecting the college's strong career preparation focus. Ten years after graduation, alumni earn a median salary of $44,991. The college's emphasis on business and technology programs helps students transition effectively into the workforce.

Where is Thomas College located and what is campus life like?

The college sits in Waterville, Maine, a town-remote setting that houses 86.12% of students from within the state. Campus housing accommodates 611 students, creating a tight-knit residential community. The Terriers compete in 19 NCAA Division III sports with 324 total athletes participating.

How well do students persist at Thomas College?

Thomas College retains 79.06% of first-year students, indicating solid student satisfaction with the academic experience. The four-year graduation rate stands at 50.61%, while 51.40% complete their degrees within six years. The college's practical approach to business and technology education helps students stay engaged in their studies.