St. Thomas Aquinas College

Based on the provided data, the negative ROI score of -60 suggests that graduates, on average, do not earn enough to justify the cost of attendance and debt incurred within a reasonable timeframe. Prospective students should carefully weigh this against potential career goals and alternative institutions.

The graduation rate at St. Thomas Aquinas College is 58.1%.

The median debt at graduation is $23,198, while the median earnings 10 years after entry are $62,909. This results in a negative ROI score, indicating that earnings do not significantly outpace the debt.

No, St. Thomas Aquinas College has a high admission rate of 93.0%, indicating low admission selectivity.

As a small institution with a student body of 972, St. Thomas Aquinas College likely offers an intimate campus environment. However, the overall value is impacted by its academic and financial outcomes.

St. Thomas Aquinas College (STAC) has a high admission rate of 93.0%, indicating that it is not highly selective. This suggests that the college is accessible to a broad range of students who meet basic academic requirements. While the high acceptance rate means it's generally not difficult to gain admission, prospective students should still focus on submitting a complete application with strong academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a compelling personal essay. Meeting the minimum GPA and course requirements is essential, but the college likely values a holistic review of applications. For students aiming for specific competitive programs within STAC, such as nursing or business, demonstrating a strong interest and relevant coursework can be beneficial. The high acceptance rate positions STAC as an institution focused on providing educational opportunities to a wide demographic, rather than admitting a small, elite cohort.

Based on the provided financial metrics, St. Thomas Aquinas College presents a questionable value proposition. The annual tuition of $39,450 is substantial, and the median 10-year earnings of $62,909, coupled with median debt of $23,198, result in a negative ROI score of -60. This indicates that, on average, graduates may struggle to recoup their educational investment within a reasonable timeframe. To put it in perspective, paying off the median debt of $23,198 at a 6% interest rate over 10 years would require monthly payments of approximately $245. If a graduate saves $500 per month towards debt, it would take nearly 4 years to clear. Considering the median salary, this leaves limited disposable income. While STAC offers a supportive environment and access to the New York metropolitan job market, prospective students must carefully consider their chosen major's earning potential and actively seek scholarships and financial aid to mitigate the high cost. It is not a clear 'hidden gem' from a purely financial standpoint.

While 'best' is subjective and depends on individual career goals, St. Thomas Aquinas College (STAC) has historically seen strong enrollment and positive outcomes in its Health Sciences programs, particularly Nursing. Given the consistent demand for healthcare professionals in the New York metropolitan area, a degree in Nursing from STAC can lead to stable employment and competitive salaries. The Education department also typically produces graduates well-prepared for teaching roles in local school districts. Business programs, including Management and Marketing, are also popular and can provide a solid foundation for entry-level positions in the region's diverse economy. Students interested in fields with potentially higher earning ceilings might consider exploring business analytics or finance if offered. It's crucial for prospective students to research specific program accreditation, faculty expertise, and internship opportunities within their intended major to ensure it aligns with their long-term career aspirations and earning potential.

Student life at St. Thomas Aquinas College (STAC) is characterized by its intimate, close-knit community atmosphere, fostered by its relatively small student body of under 1,000. Located in Sparkill, NY, the campus offers a suburban setting with opportunities for engagement through various student clubs, organizations, and athletic teams (the STAC Spartans). The college emphasizes a supportive environment where students can build strong relationships with peers and faculty. While it may not offer the vast array of social events found at larger universities, STAC provides a more personalized experience. Campus events, cultural activities, and opportunities for spiritual development (reflecting its Aquinas heritage) are common. Proximity to New York City allows students to easily access the vibrant cultural, entertainment, and dining scenes of the city for weekend excursions, balancing campus life with broader metropolitan experiences.

St. Thomas Aquinas College (STAC) provides financial aid to a significant portion of its students, aiming to make its education more accessible. According to available data, approximately 99% of full-time undergraduate students receive some form of financial aid. This aid typically comes in the form of grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study programs. While the average institutional aid package is not always explicitly detailed, the high percentage of aid recipients suggests a strong institutional commitment to supporting students financially. Prospective students are encouraged to complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) and any institutional aid applications promptly. It is crucial for students to understand the breakdown of their aid package – distinguishing between grants/scholarships (which do not need to be repaid) and loans (which do). Given the high sticker price, maximizing institutional scholarships and grants is vital for managing the overall cost of attendance.

The median earnings for St. Thomas Aquinas College (STAC) graduates 10 years after enrollment is reported as $62,909. However, this is a general median and actual salaries can vary significantly based on the student's major, academic performance, internship experiences, and the specific industry and geographic location of employment. For instance, graduates from the Nursing program are likely to command higher starting salaries in the competitive healthcare market of the New York metropolitan area, potentially ranging from $70,000 to $90,000 or more depending on the facility and experience. Graduates in education might start in the $50,000-$65,000 range, depending on the school district and state salary schedules. Business graduates' salaries can range widely, from entry-level marketing or administrative roles around $45,000-$55,000 to more specialized finance or management positions potentially starting higher. It is essential for prospective students to research salary expectations for their specific intended major within the New York/New Jersey/Connecticut region.

St. Thomas Aquinas College (STAC) offers on-campus housing options designed to provide a residential experience for its students. The college typically features traditional dormitory-style living arrangements, often with shared rooms and common living areas. Specific residence halls may include Aquinas Hall and Siena Hall, providing a community atmosphere for undergraduate students. These halls are generally equipped with basic amenities such as beds, desks, and closets, with shared bathrooms on each floor or wing. The college aims to create a safe and supportive living environment, often with Resident Assistants (RAs) available to assist students. While STAC is a smaller institution, its residential life program seeks to foster community engagement, academic support, and social interaction among students living on campus. Students seeking a vibrant, bustling campus life might find it more subdued compared to larger universities, but the focus is on a close-knit community feel.

St. Thomas Aquinas College (STAC), as a smaller liberal arts institution, offers research opportunities primarily focused on undergraduate engagement rather than large-scale, independent graduate research. Students, particularly in science-related fields like Biology and Chemistry, and potentially in Psychology or Education, may have opportunities to participate in faculty-led research projects. These experiences often involve assisting professors with data collection, analysis, or literature reviews. While STAC may not have the extensive research infrastructure of a major R1 university, these undergraduate research experiences can be invaluable for developing critical thinking, analytical skills, and a deeper understanding of a subject. They can also be beneficial for students planning to pursue graduate studies, providing them with relevant experience to include in their applications. Students interested in research should proactively connect with faculty members whose work aligns with their interests.

St. Thomas Aquinas College (STAC) is often compared to other private, smaller liberal arts colleges in the greater New York metropolitan area, such as Iona University, Pace University (especially its Pleasantville campus), Manhattanville College, and Dominican University New York. STAC's key differentiator is its relatively smaller size and potentially more intimate campus environment compared to larger universities like Pace or Iona. Its location in Rockland County offers a more suburban setting than campuses directly in Westchester or NYC. In terms of academic offerings, STAC often has strong programs in nursing and education, similar to some of its peers. However, its median earnings and ROI score are generally lower than some of these comparable institutions, suggesting a potentially less robust return on investment. While STAC provides a nurturing environment, its peers might offer broader alumni networks, more extensive internship opportunities due to their size and location, and potentially higher national recognition.

Employer perception of a degree from St. Thomas Aquinas College (STAC) is largely shaped by the college's regional focus and the specific programs from which graduates emerge. Employers within the New York metropolitan area, particularly in healthcare and education sectors, are likely familiar with STAC and value graduates from its accredited programs, such as Nursing and Education. The college's emphasis on practical skills and internship preparation aims to produce job-ready graduates. However, STAC does not possess the widespread national brand recognition of larger, more prestigious universities. This means that outside the immediate tri-state area, employers may have less familiarity with the institution. The success of STAC graduates often depends more on their individual performance, internships, and the strength of their specific major's reputation within its industry, rather than a universally recognized 'brand value' associated with the college itself. Networking and demonstrating tangible skills are crucial for STAC alumni seeking employment.