Columbia vs Thomas
Side by side: Mass and confession times, faith grades, academics, cost after aid and outcomes.
Columbia CollegeColumbia, SCCatholic life on campusThomas CollegeWaterville, MECatholic life on campus
At a glance
- Thomas has the higher graduation rate: 54% against 37% at Columbia.
- For families earning up to $30,000, Thomas has the lower price after aid: $12,655 a year, against $17,541 at Columbia.
- Median earnings ten years after entry are higher at Thomas: $44,991, against $41,338 at Columbia.
The college
Control
Private nonprofit
Private nonprofit
Location
Columbia, SC
Waterville, ME
Setting
City
Town
Students
1,572
1,669
Academics
Academic Excellence grade
DAcademic Excellence: Limited (grade D): 40 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.
DAcademic Excellence: Limited (grade D): 40 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.
Admission rate
94%
96%
Graduation rate
37%
54%
First-year retention
60%
77%
Cost and outcomes
Average net price a year
$18,408
$18,885
Net price, up to $30,000 income
$17,541
$12,655
Net price, $30,001–$48,000 income
$17,017
$11,904
Net price, $48,001–$75,000 income
$16,816
$16,227
Net price, $75,001–$110,000 income
$22,928
$18,145
Net price, over $110,000 income
$20,399
$26,770
Median debt
$22,750
$24,250
Median earnings 10 years after entry
$41,338
$44,991
The grades and the Compass Score are Catholic School Compass ratings from documented sources; each college’s page lists its sources. Cost, admission, graduation, earnings and debt are federal data. This page does not rank the two colleges.