Thomas Aquinas College, located in Santa Paula, California, is a distinguished institution known for its commitment to liberal education grounded in the Catholic tradition. The college stands out for its unique Great Books curriculum, which focuses on primary texts from the Western philosophical and theological traditions. This approach fosters critical thinking and a deep engagement with fundamental questions, encouraging students to explore subjects such as philosophy, theology, literature, and science in a holistic manner.

The college's mission is encapsulated in its motto, "Veritas," meaning "Truth." This reflects a dedication to intellectual and moral integrity, urging students not only to pursue knowledge but to live according to high ethical standards. The campus environment is vibrant, offering students an opportunity to grow academically, spiritually, and socially. In addition to its rigorous academic programs, Thomas Aquinas College places a strong emphasis on community life, with numerous extracurricular activities, student-led organizations, and a robust athletics program. Graduates of the college often find themselves well-prepared for successful careers, having developed both the analytical skills and moral grounding that employers value. With a strong network of alumni who excel in various fields, the college contributes significantly to fostering leaders who make a positive impact in society.

Tuition Trends and Student Engagement at Thomas Aquinas College

Over the years, Thomas Aquinas College has exhibited a noticeable increase in undergraduate tuition, rising from $24,500 in 2014 to an estimated $28,700 in 2024, marking an overall increase of approximately 17.9%. This upward trend in tuition costs is typical across many private institutions, reflecting the broader national trend of increasing college expenses driven by various factors including inflation, administrative costs, and enhanced campus facilities. Additionally, room and board expenses have also seen an increase, from $7,950 in 2014 to $10,700 in 2024, which adds to the financial burden on students and their families.

Despite the rising costs, student enrollment figures indicate a healthy growth trajectory for the college. The number of undergraduate students has increased significantly from 366 in 2014 to 539 projected in 2024. This growth suggests that the college continues to attract students, likely due to its robust academic offerings and unique educational philosophy. The retention rate, which remains competitive, fluctuated slightly but hovered around 91% in recent years, further underscoring student satisfaction and commitment.

Another noteworthy aspect is the gender ratio among undergraduates, which has seen fluctuations but has remained relatively balanced. The male-to-female ratio among undergraduates exhibited a slightly higher percentage of women in recent years, indicating a shift that could be reflecting broader societal changes in higher education enrollment patterns.

Moreover, graduation rates have exhibited stability, with around 79.8% of students expected to graduate on time and approximately 85.9% completing their degree within 150% of the expected time frame by 2024. This consistency in graduation performance reinforces the institution's effectiveness in supporting students through to their degree completion, a crucial metric for prospective students and their families when evaluating institutional quality.

In conclusion, while the financial costs of attending Thomas Aquinas College are on the rise, the stability in student enrollment and graduation rates indicates a resilient institution that continues to fulfill its academic mission and attract students despite the challenges associated with rising tuition.

Analysis of Graduation Data from Thomas Aquinas College

The data from the graduation statistics of Thomas Aquinas College for the year 2023 reveals significant trends, particularly within the Liberal Arts and Sciences curriculum. Notably, this field awarded 102 bachelor's degrees, with a small but indicative number of five international students earning their degrees, making up approximately 4.9% of the total graduates in this category.

Such a ratio highlights the college's appeal not just to domestic students but also to an international cohort, emphasizing the institution's welcoming environment and academic quality. Furthermore, the absence of master's and doctoral program graduates in this discipline suggests a focused undergraduate approach, potentially indicating that students may pursue graduate education elsewhere or choose to enter the workforce directly after completing their bachelor's degree.

The shift in educational trends, especially towards liberal arts careers, can also be observed nationally, as many students seek a well-rounded education that promotes critical thinking, communication skills, and creativity, qualities that are highly valued in today's diverse job market. The importance of this field becomes even more pronounced in the context of recent global discussions on the significance of humanities in navigating complex societal issues.

Overall, the data signals a robust interest in liberal arts education at Thomas Aquinas College while hinting at the need for more graduate offerings in this area to foster continued academic growth for students wishing to delve deeper into advanced studies.

Insight into Thomas Aquinas College Admission Trends

Thomas Aquinas College has witnessed a considerable fluctuation in its rankings and admission rates over the years. Notably, the latest ranking for 2025 stands at 63, a slight improvement from 67 in the previous year. This change may reflect a gradual reintegration of the college's reputation in a competitive academic landscape. Examining the admission rates, we see a high male acceptance rate of approximately 75% and a female acceptance rate around 82% in 2010. These figures have varied over the years, peaking in 2021 when male acceptance reached about 92% and female acceptance was around 80%. As of 2024, male acceptance dropped to 75%, while female acceptance remained relatively constant at 82%. The overall trend indicates a commitment to maintaining a balanced and inclusive admission process. The enrollment numbers also reveal the college's attractiveness to prospective students, with a peak enrollment of 143 in 2024. However, the number of denied applications has been fluctuating as well, suggesting that while more students are being accepted, competition may be intensifying, particularly for female applicants, who have experienced slight declines in their acceptance rates compared to their male counterparts in certain years. In conclusion, Thomas Aquinas College continues to navigate the challenges of maintaining its standing amidst shifting educational trends, while also focusing on a robust admissions strategy that appeals to a diverse student body. The slight rank improvement in 2025 could signify positive advancements in this endeavor.

Analysis of Admission Scores and Trends at Thomas Aquinas College

The admission data for Thomas Aquinas College from 2007 to 2024 reveals notable trends in standardized test scores and submission rates. The SAT reading scores for admitted students show a general upward trajectory, indicating that the institution continues attracting students with increasingly strong academic backgrounds. For instance, the 25th percentile for SAT reading went from 600 in 2007 to 640 in 2023, reflecting a positive shift in applicant quality.

However, it's noteworthy that the percentage of admitted students submitting SAT scores fluctuated over the years. In 2022, only 34% of applicants provided their scores, the lowest in this dataset. This decline might reflect broader trends in higher education, particularly the growing number of colleges adopting test-optional policies, which have emerged as a response to debates about equity in college admissions.

Moreover, the number of students submitting scores has decreased, peaking at 94 in 2009 and later showing a significant reduction, particularly in 2022 and 2024, where only 60 applicants submitted SAT scores. This trend could signify that students are increasingly relying on other aspects of their applications, such as essays and extracurricular achievements, to enhance their candidacy.

These shifts highlight the changing landscape of college admissions, where test scores are just one component of a holistic review process. As universities continue to adapt to these changes, it will be essential for institutions like Thomas Aquinas College to evaluate how these trends affect their future admissions strategies and academic profile. Ultimately, the evolution of these scores may serve as a bellwether for broader shifts in higher education dynamics.

2024 Student Demographics at Thomas Aquinas College

The student demographic data from Thomas Aquinas College for the year 2024 reveals interesting trends in enrollment patterns, gender distribution, and ethnic diversity among its students. The college's total enrollment includes a substantial number of new undergraduates, existing undergraduates, and transfer students.

The breakdown shows that new undergraduates make up 143 students, with a notable gender distribution of 46.9% males and 53.1% females, reflecting a slightly higher female presence among first-year students. For existing undergraduates, the enrollment is significantly higher at 381 students, with a near even gender distribution, where 49.9% are male and 50.1% are female. This indicates a balanced representation among older students, suggesting that the institution maintains an inclusive environment for both genders.

However, transfer students represent a smaller fraction of the student body, totaling just 15 individuals. The gender distribution among these students shows a predominately male population, with 73.3% being male and only 26.7% female, which may reflect trends in transfer admissions or differences in the demographics of students switching colleges.

The ethnic composition, while detailed in the data for new undergraduates, indicates that 90 new undergraduates are white, along with a variety of other ethnicities, including Asian, Latino, and other groups, demonstrating the college's effort to foster a diverse student body. The existing undergraduate demographic data, however, remains incomplete for 2024, making it challenging to draw comprehensive conclusions about trends over time.

Overall, the data suggests that Thomas Aquinas College is attracting a diverse array of students. The progressive gender balance and the ongoing commitment to ethnic diversification are essential facets that reflect broader societal trends in higher education.

Analysis of Student Age Composition at Thomas Aquinas College in 2024

The age distribution among students at Thomas Aquinas College in 2024 offers some insightful observations regarding the demographics of the student body. A significant portion of the undergraduate population is concentrated among students aged 18-19, comprising 47% of total male students and a striking 56% of total female students. This trend indicates a strong influx of fresh high school graduates pursuing their college education right after completion, aligning with broader trends seen across many universities, particularly in the U.S.

It is also noteworthy that the 20-21 age group houses a majority of students, with male representation at 48% and female representation at 43%. This suggests that students are progressing through their academic journeys within the traditional timeline, further emphasizing the college’s appeal among young adults seeking a classic undergraduate experience.

However, as we look at older age categories, the numbers dwindle significantly. For students aged 22-24, there is a noticeable decline in enrollment, indicating that fewer students gravitate towards the college after their early twenties. The almost nonexistent participation from students aged 25 and above might highlight either a lack of appeal of this college for non-traditional students or the need for colleges to cater more effectively to mature learners.

In conclusion, the data reflects a youthful student body concentrated primarily at the beginning of the college age spectrum, with implications for how the college might develop programs or supports for older students in the future, especially as trends in education continue to evolve post-pandemic.

Trends in International Student Enrollment at Thomas Aquinas College

The data on international student enrollment at Thomas Aquinas College reveals a notable trend over the years. Throughout the years 2005 to 2024, the percentage of undergraduate international students began at a modest level and witnessed a significant decline until it reached an all-time low of 2.21% in 2019. This drop can be attributed to various factors, including stricter immigration policies and the global uncertainties that have affected student mobility.

However, the college appears to have made strides in recent years, especially from 2020 onward. The numbers indicate a rebound in both the total undergraduate student population and the representation of international students, climbing back to 6.49% by 2024. This resurgence is promising and could suggest that Thomas Aquinas College is actively working to attract a more diverse student body, possibly in response to the increasing value placed on global perspectives in education.

It’s also important to consider the broader context of higher education in the United States. Many institutions are striving to enhance their international outreach and affiliations, driven by the need to foster diverse academic environments. The return of international students to Thomas Aquinas College may also correlate with the overall recovery of global travel and educational pursuits post-pandemic, as countries adapt to new norms in educational exchange.

In conclusion, while the historical data reflects challenges in maintaining international enrollment, the recent trend suggests a positive shift that aligns with the global movement towards inclusivity in education. This can not only enrich the learning experience on campus but also prepare all students for an increasingly interconnected world.

Here are some notable schools near Thomas Aquinas College:

• The Master's University and Seminary: Ranked 296 in the 2025 US News rankings, this institution offers a Christian-based education emphasizing biblical principles.

• Pepperdine University: A prestigious university known for its scenic campus and strong commitment to liberal arts education, ranked 80 nationally.

• University of California-Santa Barbara: Located on the coast, this research university is ranked 39 and offers a diverse range of academic programs.

• University of California-Los Angeles: A top-ranked public university (ranked 15) known for its academic rigor and vibrant campus life.

• University of Southern California: Ranked 27, USC is renowned for its research initiatives and strong alumni network.

• California Institute of Technology: One of the leading science and engineering universities in the world, ranked 6.

• Claremont McKenna College: A liberal arts college ranked 8, known for its emphasis on economics and government.

• Pomona College: Ranked 5, Pomona is one of the most prestigious liberal arts colleges in the United States, known for its rigorous academics and beautiful campus.

• Scripps College: A women's liberal arts college ranked 44, Scripps is known for its distinctive curriculum and commitment to the arts.

These institutions provide a variety of educational opportunities, from liberal arts to specialized fields, all while being close to Thomas Aquinas College.

Crime Trends at Thomas Aquinas College: An Analysis

The crime statistics from Thomas Aquinas College provide a glimpse into the safety and security of the campus over the past decade. From a total absence of crime in 2013 and 2020 to a peak in 2015 with a rate of 10.58 incidents per 1,000 students, the data reflects a fluctuating pattern of criminal activity. Notably, the college recorded various offenses, including arrests related to firearms and drugs, and incidents of domestic violence and theft.

Interestingly, in the years following this peak, the crime rate significantly declined, showing 0.00 in several years (2013, 2020, 2021, and 2023). This decline could be attributed to enhanced security measures, increased awareness campaigns, or community engagement strategies that universities commonly adopt to foster a safer campus environment.

The fact that there were only minor incidents reported in other years, such as a 1.8 average in 2022, suggests that the college has worked effectively to mitigate risks. As colleges and universities across the nation grapple with rising crime rates and the impact of social unrest, a steady reduction in crime at Thomas Aquinas College serves as a positive indicator of campus safety.

Such data not only helps current students and parents assess the safety of the institution but also informs future policies and preventive strategies on campus. Overall, Thomas Aquinas College appears to have cultivated a healthy and secure environment, making it a desirable location for students seeking a peaceful educational experience. For more information on how crime rates are calculated, you can refer to this link: Crime Rate Calculation.