Academic Comparison between Cal State LA and Thomas Aquinas

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

Comparison at a Glance

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

  • Cal State LA is a public and Thomas Aquinas is a private (not-for-profit) school and both are four-year schools.
  • Thomas Aquinas has more expensive tuition & fees ($30,200) than Cal State LA ($19,764).
  • It is harder to admit to Thomas Aquinas than Cal State LA.
  • Cal State LA has more students with 23,163 students while Thomas Aquinas has 566 students.
  • Thomas Aquinas has a lower number of students per faculty with 11 to 1 while Cal State LA's ratio is 21 to 1.
  • Cal State LA has more full-time faculties with 680 faculties while Thomas Aquinas has 50 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

California State University-Los Angelesvs.Thomas Aquinas College
Los Angeles, CaliforniaLocationSanta Paula, California
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Private (not-for-profit)
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedBachelor's degree
Master's College and University (larger programs)Carnegie ClassificationBaccalaureate College - Arts & Sciences
In-State$7,164
Out-Of-State$19,764
2025 Tuition & Fees$30,200
85%% Receiving Financial Aid66%
$12,761Average Amount of Financial Aid$17,516
91.25 %Acceptance Rates83.09 %
9.42 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)67.70 %
-SAT Score1,310
-ACT Score30
53 %Graduation Rate84 %
2 %Transfer-out Rate8 %
72 %Retention Rate92 %
23,163Student Population566
680Number of Faculties50
21 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio11 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning Opportunities-
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycareOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service