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Whittier College and Thomas Aquinas College are both private nonprofit institutions — Whittier College in Whittier, 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.
Whittier, CA · Private
Acceptance rate: 80.8%
Undergrad enrollment: 764
Tuition: $51,350/year
Student-faculty ratio: 8.0:1
Graduation rate: 60.0%
Top programs: Business and marketing, Psychology, Social sciences
Best for: Students who want a private campus in Whittier, CA with published program strength in Business and marketing and Psychology.
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 | Whittier College | Thomas Aquinas College |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rate | 80.8% | 83.1% |
| SAT range (middle 50%) | Not reported |
| 1220–1400 |
| ACT range (middle 50%) | 26 average | 28–33 |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 764 | 566 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $51,350/year | $30,200/year |
| Average net price after aid | $25,757 | $26,196 |
| Graduation rate | 60.0% | 84.3% |
| Median earnings (10 years) | $59,492 | $55,619 |
| Student-faculty ratio | 8.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Institution type | Private nonprofit | Private nonprofit |
| Location | Whittier, CA | Santa Paula, CA |
| Largest program areas | Business and marketing, Psychology, Social sciences | Program mix not reported |
Both schools admit a similar share of applicants (80.8% vs 83.1%). Whittier College has a lower average net price after grant aid ($25,757 vs $26,196). Thomas Aquinas College reports the higher graduation rate (84.3% vs 60.0%). Whittier College is the larger undergraduate campus (764 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 Whittier College and Thomas Aquinas College
Whittier College has an acceptance rate of 80.8%; Thomas Aquinas College is around 83.1%. Selectivity is only one factor — GPA, essays, major, and residency (for publics) all change the odds.
Whittier College tuition is $51,350/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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