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John Paul the Great Catholic University and Thomas Aquinas College are both private nonprofit institutions — John Paul the Great Catholic University in Escondido, CA and Thomas Aquinas College in Santa Paula, CA. This page compares published admission, cost, and outcome data from federal sources so you can see the tradeoffs before you add either school to your list.
Escondido, CA · Private
Acceptance rate: 79.6%
Undergrad enrollment: 286
Tuition: $30,265/year
Student-faculty ratio: 15.0:1
Graduation rate: 63.9%
Top programs: Communication, Business and marketing, Visual and performing arts
Best for: Students who want a private campus in Escondido, CA with published program strength in Communication and Business and marketing.
Santa Paula, CA · Private
Acceptance rate: 83.1%
Undergrad enrollment: 566
Tuition: $30,200/year
Student-faculty ratio: 11.0:1
Graduation rate: 84.3%
Top programs: Program mix not reported
Best for: Students who want a private campus in Santa Paula, CA with published program strength in Program mix not reported.
| Factor | John Paul the Great Catholic University | Thomas Aquinas College |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rate | 79.6% | 83.1% |
| SAT range (middle 50%) |
| 975–1270 |
| 1220–1400 |
| ACT range (middle 50%) | 21–28 | 28–33 |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 286 | 566 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $30,265/year | $30,200/year |
| Average net price after aid | $34,666 | $26,196 |
| Graduation rate | 63.9% | 84.3% |
| Median earnings (10 years) | $56,930 | $55,619 |
| Student-faculty ratio | 15.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Institution type | Private nonprofit | Private nonprofit |
| Location | Escondido, CA | Santa Paula, CA |
| Largest program areas | Communication, Business and marketing, Visual and performing arts | Program mix not reported |
John Paul the Great Catholic University is more selective (79.6% vs 83.1% acceptance rate). Thomas Aquinas College has a lower average net price after grant aid ($26,196 vs $34,666). Thomas Aquinas College reports the higher graduation rate (84.3% vs 63.9%). Thomas Aquinas College is the larger undergraduate campus (566 students). Use the free side-by-side comparison tool to weigh cost, program fit, location, and outcomes for your own list — and verify deadlines and requirements with each college.
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Common questions when choosing between John Paul the Great Catholic University and Thomas Aquinas College
John Paul the Great Catholic University has an acceptance rate of 79.6%; Thomas Aquinas College is around 83.1%. Selectivity is only one factor — GPA, essays, major, and residency (for publics) all change the odds.
John Paul the Great Catholic University tuition is $30,265/year. Thomas Aquinas College is $30,200/year. Compare net price after aid, not sticker price — especially for private schools and out-of-state publics.
Use College Decider's free comparison tool at /compare — add both schools to see tuition, acceptance rates, graduation outcomes, and more in one table.
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