Academic Comparison between San Diego State and Thomas Aquinas

San Diego State University and Thomas Aquinas College are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. San Diego State is a four-year, public school located in San Diego, 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.

  • San Diego State 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 San Diego State ($21,328).
  • It is harder to admit to San Diego State than Thomas Aquinas.
  • San Diego State has more students with 41,137 students while Thomas Aquinas has 566 students.
  • Thomas Aquinas has a lower number of students per faculty with 11 to 1 while San Diego State's ratio is 27 to 1.
  • San Diego State has more full-time faculties with 1,012 faculties while Thomas Aquinas has 50 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

San Diego State Universityvs.Thomas Aquinas College
San Diego, CaliforniaLocationSanta Paula, California
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Private (not-for-profit)
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedBachelor's degree
Research University (high research activity)Carnegie ClassificationBaccalaureate College - Arts & Sciences
In-State$8,728
Out-Of-State$21,328
2025 Tuition & Fees$30,200
53%% Receiving Financial Aid66%
$11,851Average Amount of Financial Aid$17,516
36.19 %Acceptance Rates83.09 %
20.36 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)67.70 %
-SAT Score1,310
-ACT Score30
76 %Graduation Rate84 %
2 %Transfer-out Rate8 %
91 %Retention Rate92 %
41,137Student Population566
1,012Number of Faculties50
27 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio11 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning Opportunities-
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycareOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service