Thomas College
Thomas College is a private nonprofit university in Waterville, ME ranked #1848 nationally by EDsmart, earning an overall grade of C-, enrolling about 647 undergraduates, and with an acceptance rate near 96.3%. Students most often pursue Accounting and Related Services and Business Administration, Management and Operations.
Day to day, students benefit from a 20:1 student-faculty ratio, 77.5% first-year retention, and 53.7% six-year graduation. Coaches and faculty advisors weave in frequent check-ins, helping students translate ambition into steady progress.
Families typically invest $18,885, about $1,887 more than the national median. EDsmart calculates return on investment at -46.4%, roughly 131.7 points below typical outcomes. Six years after enrolling, alumni report median earnings of $40,495. That's about $3,193 below national results. It's well-suited to students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.
Thomas College has an acceptance rate of 96.3%, annual tuition of $31,824, average net price of $18,885, and a national rank of #1848 (Grade C-), with a 53.7% six-year graduation rate, about 647 undergraduates, and median earnings of $40,495 six years after enrollment. Figures come from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and EDsmart's 2026 rankings.
Who is Thomas College Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
Thomas College graduates 53.7% of students within six years and keeps 77.5% 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 Thomas 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 | $31,824 |
| Books and Supplies | $800 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $14,090 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $3,180 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $47,198 |
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 18.1% of Thomas 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 $12,655 to $26,770 depending on family income. Use Thomas College's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $18,145/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $26,770/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $40,495
- 10-Year Median Earnings $40,495
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $20,000
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 64.7%
- Employment Rate 8.0%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Thomas 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.
Thomas College vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Thomas College's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Thomas College's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While Thomas College graduates earn $40,495 median, the -46.4% 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 Not reported
- SAT Math Not reported
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite Not reported
- SAT & ACTNot required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 647
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate 77.5%
- Graduation Rate 53.7%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 20:1
How to Get Into Thomas College
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Thomas 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 96.3%, Thomas 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 96.3% acceptance rate, Thomas College is more accessible than highly selective schools. Meeting the test score ranges and maintaining a solid GPA significantly improves admission chances.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Thomas College undergraduates. Criminal Justice and Corrections, Business Administration, Management and Operations, and Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology draw the most students.
- Criminal Justice and Corrections 18.4%
- Business Administration, Management and Operations 14.5%
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology 9.5%
- Psychology, General 8.4%
- Accounting and Related Services 7.3%
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods 6.1%
See more majors
- Computer Science 5.6%
- Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitnes 4.5%
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. Accounting and Related Services $62,206
- 2. Business Administration, Management and Operations $55,814
- 3. Criminal Justice and Corrections $45,120
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Psychology, General $40,444
- 5. Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods $38,994
- 6. Health and Physical Education/Fitness $38,348
- 7. Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology $35,065
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degree) $69,007
- 2. Education, General (Master's Degree) $50,554
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Accounting and Related Services grads earn $62,206—77% more than Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology ($35,065). Graduate: Business Administration, Management and Operations programs lead with $69,007 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for Thomas 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, 33 graduates)
- Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degree, 26 graduates)
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology (Bachelor's Degree, 17 graduates)
- Education, General (Master's Degree, 16 graduates)
- Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 15 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 (23 programs)â–¼
- Criminal Justice and Corrections
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
- Psychology, General
- Accounting and Related Services
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Computer Science
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General
- Marketing
- Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication
- Political Science and Government
- Finance and Financial Management Services
- Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management
- Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations
- English Language and Literature, General
- International Business
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- Hospitality Administration/Management
- Human Resources Management and Services
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions
Online Master's Degrees (5 programs)â–¼
- Education, General
- Accounting and Related Services
- Criminology
- Educational Administration and Supervision
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 647
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 53.6%
- Female Students 46.4%
- Caucasian 68.2%
- Asian 0.9%
- Hispanic 1.7%
- Black 4.2%
- Pell Grant Recipients 18.1%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Thomas College's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Thomas College's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Thomas 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 Thomas College, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: About 18.1% 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 Thomas 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 Thomas College, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Thomas College offers a private university experience at a regional scale, combining smaller class sizes with -46.4% ROI. Ranked #1848 nationally, the institution balances personalized attention against higher costs than public alternatives.
The $18,885 annual net price is moderately higher than state schools, offset somewhat by $40,495 median earnings. With 53.7% graduating within six years and 77.5% returning for sophomore year, outcomes reflect the personalized support typical of smaller private institutions.
Private University Value: Thomas College's Positioning
With a C- grade and #1848 ranking, Thomas College competes in the crowded regional private university market.
The Private University Premium: At $18,885 annually, Thomas College charges more than public alternatives but typically offers smaller classes, more personalized advising, and tighter-knit campus communities. The 77.5% 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 $13,220 achieve particularly strong value.
Cost-Benefit Reality: The -46.4% ROI and $40,495 median earnings don't always justify the premium over public universities. Students paying full price should compare whether the personalized experience warrants $8,885+ in additional annual costs over state flagships.
Competitive Standing: Thomas College ranks #1848 of 6101 institutions, with 908 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
- 53.7% six-year graduation rate sits 8.8 points below the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 77.5% first-year retention is 0.7 points above the national norm of 76.8%.
- -46.4% return on investment is 131.7 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $40,495 run about 7% lower than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $18,885 is roughly $1,488 higher than the national median of $17,397.
Helpfulness for Students
- 20:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 77.5% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 8.0% employment rate within three years sits 60.2 points below national outcomes.
- Average net price of $18,885 is about $1,488 higher than comparable schools, so scholarship planning is key.
- Pell participation at 18.1% trails the national share by 21.0 points, so equity work remains important.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
Thomas College is a private nonprofit university based in Waterville, ME and earns a C- overall grade. It appears at #1848 in EDsmart's national list Grades by category break down as Completion B, Support C+, Career Outcomes D-, 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.
77.5% of learners come back after year one while 53.7% complete the degree within six years. The reported ROI is -46.4%, 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 $18,885 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $47,198.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $28,313 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $20,000 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 18.1% 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
Graduates report median earnings of about $40,495 six years after entry. Compared with the national median, that's 7% lower.
Employment outcomes report about 8.0% of alumni working within three years.
Plan around an ROI of about -46.4% 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
96.3% 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 Thomas 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
Similar Schools
Institutions with similar academic profiles, selectivity, and outcomes
Nearby Schools
Other campuses you might consider
Other Maine campuses you might consider
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Thomas College's acceptance rate?
Thomas College's acceptance rate is 96.3%, based on U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard admissions data.
How much does Thomas College cost?
At Thomas College, listed tuition and fees are $31,824 per year, and the average net price after aid is $18,885. Use the net price calculator on this page for a personalized estimate.
What is Thomas College's ranking?
Thomas College ranks #1848 nationally in EDsmart's 2026 college rankings with an overall grade of C-, based on completion, affordability, support, and career outcomes.
What is Thomas College's graduation rate?
At Thomas College, the six-year graduation rate is 53.7%, and first-year retention is 77.5%.
What are Thomas College's job outcomes?
Graduates of Thomas College report median earnings of $40,495 six years after enrollment, according to College Scorecard federal outcome data. Outcomes vary by major.
What is Thomas College's student population?
Thomas College enrolls about 647 undergraduate students, per College Scorecard enrollment data.
Contact Information
- Address Waterville, ME 04901-5097
- Website www.thomas.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationNew England Commission on Higher Education (NECHE)
- Endowment$21.0M