Academic Comparison between UC Santa Cruz and Thomas Aquinas

University of California-Santa Cruz and Thomas Aquinas College are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. UC Santa Cruz is a four-year, public school located in Santa Cruz, CA and Thomas Aquinas is a four-year, private (not-for-profit) school located in Santa Paula, CA.

The following list compares two colleges briefly in important perspectives. You can compare them with comprehensive information on full comparison page.

Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

University of California-Santa Cruzvs.Thomas Aquinas College
Santa Cruz, CaliforniaLocationSanta Paula, California
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Private (not-for-profit)
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedBachelor's degree
Research University (very high research activity)Carnegie ClassificationBaccalaureate College - Arts & Sciences
In-State$15,035
Out-Of-State$46,923
2025 Tuition & Fees$30,200
61%% Receiving Financial Aid66%
$21,866Average Amount of Financial Aid$17,516
65.79 %Acceptance Rates83.09 %
9.29 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)67.70 %
-SAT Score1,310
-ACT Score30
75 %Graduation Rate84 %
10 %Transfer-out Rate8 %
88 %Retention Rate92 %
19,938Student Population566
820Number of Faculties50
22 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio11 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), Study Abroad, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning Opportunities-
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, On-campus daycareOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service