St. Thomas Aquinas College
St. Thomas Aquinas College is a private nonprofit university in Sparkill, NY ranked #1593 nationally by EDsmart, earning an overall grade of C+, enrolling about 972 undergraduates, and with an acceptance rate near 93.0%. Students most often pursue Finance and Financial Management Services and Communication and Media Studies.
Inside the classroom, students benefit from a 16:1 student-faculty ratio, 73.4% first-year retention, and 54.0% six-year graduation. Faculty pair challenging syllabi with intentional mentoring so learners keep momentum even as expectations rise.
Families typically invest $19,994, about $2,996 more than the national median. EDsmart calculates return on investment at -43.8%, roughly 129.1 points below typical outcomes. Six years after enrolling, alumni report median earnings of $44,908. That's about $1,220 higher than national results. Expect the strongest outcomes for students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.
St. Thomas Aquinas College has an acceptance rate of 93.0%, annual tuition of $39,450, average net price of $19,994, and a national rank of #1593 (Grade C+), with a 54.0% six-year graduation rate, about 972 undergraduates, and median earnings of $44,908 six years after enrollment. Figures come from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and EDsmart's 2026 rankings.
Who is St. Thomas Aquinas College Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
St. Thomas Aquinas College graduates 54.0% of students within six years and keeps 73.4% of first-year students. Affordability earns a B- compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use St. Thomas Aquinas College's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $39,450 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,250 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $18,080 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $2,850 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $53,370 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 21.6% of St. Thomas Aquinas College students receive Pell Grants — below the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Net prices range from $11,746 to $27,333 depending on family income. Use St. Thomas Aquinas College's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $23,907/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $27,333/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $44,908
- 10-Year Median Earnings $44,908
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $17,500
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 66.1%
- Employment Rate 53.0%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for St. Thomas Aquinas College graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
St. Thomas Aquinas College vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how St. Thomas Aquinas College's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes St. Thomas Aquinas College's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While St. Thomas Aquinas College graduates earn $44,908 median, the -43.8% ROI suggests the investment may take longer to pay off. Consider your major choice and career goals when evaluating value.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading 410-520
- SAT Math 470-565
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite Not reported
- SAT & ACT Required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 972
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate 73.4%
- Graduation Rate 54.0%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 16:1
How to Get Into St. Thomas Aquinas College
1. Meet Academic Requirements: St. Thomas Aquinas College requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 93.0%, St. Thomas Aquinas College is relatively open. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
EDsmart Insight: With a 93.0% acceptance rate, St. Thomas Aquinas College is more accessible than highly selective schools. Meeting the test score ranges and maintaining a solid GPA significantly improves admission chances. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 880 and 1085 on the SAT.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among St. Thomas Aquinas College undergraduates. Social Sciences, Biological Sciences, and Economics represent the largest concentrations of students.
- Criminal Justice and Corrections 11.2%
- Psychology, General 10.8%
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods 8.9%
- Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitnes 6.6%
- Social Sciences, General 5.4%
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions 5.4%
See more majors
- Communication and Media Studies 5.0%
- Business Administration, Management and Operations 5.0%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Finance and Financial Management Services $73,070
- 2. Communication and Media Studies $71,055
- 3. Biology, General $69,240
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods $64,284
- 5. Business Administration, Management and Operations $60,961
- 6. Health and Physical Education/Fitness $59,395
- 7. Psychology, General $57,928
- 8. Social Sciences, General $56,918
- 9. Criminal Justice and Corrections $55,907
- 10. Fine and Studio Arts $38,765
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Special Education and Teaching (Master's Degree) $78,429
- 2. Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degree) $73,005
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Finance and Financial Management Services grads earn $73,070—88% more than Fine and Studio Arts ($38,765). Graduate: Special Education and Teaching programs lead with $78,429 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for St. Thomas Aquinas College. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Criminal Justice and Corrections (Bachelor's Degree, 29 graduates)
- Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 28 graduates)
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Bachelor's Degree, 23 graduates)
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness (Bachelor's Degree, 17 graduates)
- Social Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degree, 14 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (31 programs)â–¼
- Criminal Justice and Corrections
- Psychology, General
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- Social Sciences, General
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
- Communication and Media Studies
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Biology, General
- Mathematics
- General Sales, Merchandising and Related Marketing Operations
- Finance and Financial Management Services
- Education, General
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Special Education and Teaching
- English Language and Literature, General
- History
- Design and Applied Arts
- Natural Sciences
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
- Visual and Performing Arts, General
- Accounting and Related Services
- Philosophy and Religious Studies, Other
- Security Science and Technology
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Marketing
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions
- Hospitality Administration/Management
Online Master's Degrees (4 programs)â–¼
- Criminal Justice and Corrections
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Educational Administration and Supervision
Online Graduate/Professional Certificates (3 programs)â–¼
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Educational Administration and Supervision
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 972
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 54.5%
- Female Students 45.5%
- Caucasian 42.0%
- Asian 2.2%
- Hispanic 21.5%
- Black 17.1%
- Pell Grant Recipients 21.6%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects St. Thomas Aquinas College's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of St. Thomas Aquinas College's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does St. Thomas Aquinas College support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at St. Thomas Aquinas College, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: St. Thomas Aquinas College has a diverse student body, with 42.0% identifying as White. About 21.6% receive Pell Grants, below the national average of 38%, suggesting a wealthier student body or generous institutional aid.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does St. Thomas Aquinas College support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at St. Thomas Aquinas College, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
St. Thomas Aquinas College offers a private university experience at a regional scale, combining smaller class sizes with -43.8% ROI. Ranked #1593 nationally, the institution balances personalized attention against higher costs than public alternatives.
The $19,994 annual net price is moderately higher than state schools, offset somewhat by $44,908 median earnings. With 54.0% graduating within six years and 73.4% returning for sophomore year, outcomes reflect the personalized support typical of smaller private institutions.
Private University Value: St. Thomas Aquinas College's Positioning
With a C+ grade and #1593 ranking, St. Thomas Aquinas College competes in the crowded regional private university market.
The Private University Premium: At $19,994 annually, St. Thomas Aquinas College charges more than public alternatives but typically offers smaller classes, more personalized advising, and tighter-knit campus communities. The 73.4% retention rate suggests students value this environment.
Who Benefits Most: Students who thrive in smaller, more intimate academic settings. Those seeking specific programs or values-based education aligned with the institution's mission. Students who receive merit scholarships that bring costs below $13,996 achieve particularly strong value.
Cost-Benefit Reality: The -43.8% ROI and $44,908 median earnings don't always justify the premium over public universities. Students paying full price should compare whether the personalized experience warrants $9,994+ in additional annual costs over state flagships.
Competitive Standing: St. Thomas Aquinas College ranks #1593 of 6101 institutions, with 834 schools achieving higher ROI. For students offered substantial merit aid or seeking specific programs unavailable at public universities, the value proposition strengthens significantly.
Key Takeaways
- 54.0% six-year graduation rate sits 8.5 points below the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 73.4% first-year retention is 3.4 points below the national norm of 76.8%.
- -43.8% return on investment is 129.1 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $44,908 run about 3% higher than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $19,994 is roughly $2,597 higher than the national median of $17,397.
Helpfulness for Students
- 16:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 73.4% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 53.0% employment rate within three years sits 15.2 points below national outcomes.
- Average net price of $19,994 is about $2,597 higher than comparable schools, so scholarship planning is key.
- Pell participation at 21.6% trails the national share by 17.5 points, so equity work remains important.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
EDsmart rates St. Thomas Aquinas College—a private nonprofit university in Sparkill, NY—at C+ overall. It is currently ranked #1593 nationally Grades by category break down as Completion B-, Support B-, Career Outcomes C, and Affordability B-.
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
About 73.4% of first-year students return, and roughly 54.0% finish within six years. The reported ROI is -43.8%, a figure families can weigh against cost and aid details above.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $19,994 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $53,370.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $33,376 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $17,500 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 21.6% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Six years in, alumni earn roughly $44,908 at the median. Compared with the national median, that's 3% higher.
Roughly 53.0% of graduates are employed three years out.
Plan around an ROI of about -43.8% according to the Scorecard data.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
93.0% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the St. Thomas Aquinas College admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is St. Thomas Aquinas College's acceptance rate?
St. Thomas Aquinas College's acceptance rate is 93.0%, based on U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard admissions data.
How much does St. Thomas Aquinas College cost?
At St. Thomas Aquinas College, listed tuition and fees are $39,450 per year, and the average net price after aid is $19,994. Use the net price calculator on this page for a personalized estimate.
What is St. Thomas Aquinas College's ranking?
St. Thomas Aquinas College ranks #1593 nationally in EDsmart's 2026 college rankings with an overall grade of C+, based on completion, affordability, support, and career outcomes.
What is St. Thomas Aquinas College's graduation rate?
At St. Thomas Aquinas College, the six-year graduation rate is 54.0%, and first-year retention is 73.4%.
What are St. Thomas Aquinas College's job outcomes?
Graduates of St. Thomas Aquinas College report median earnings of $44,908 six years after enrollment, according to College Scorecard federal outcome data. Outcomes vary by major.
What is St. Thomas Aquinas College's student population?
St. Thomas Aquinas College enrolls about 972 undergraduate students, per College Scorecard enrollment data.
Contact Information
- Address Sparkill, NY 10976-1050
- Website www.stac.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationMiddle States Commission on Higher Education (MSACHE)
- Endowment$43.2M
- Transfer Enrollment Rate28.3%