Thomas Aquinas College

  • Thomas Aquinas College

    Santa Paula, CA
    Northfield, MA

  • Thomas Aquinas College

    Santa Paula, CA
    Northfield, MA

  • Thomas Aquinas College

    Santa Paula, CA
    Northfield, MA

  • Thomas Aquinas College

    Santa Paula, CA
    Northfield, MA

  • Thomas Aquinas College

    Santa Paula, CA
    Northfield, MA

  • Thomas Aquinas College

    Santa Paula, CA
    Northfield, MA

355/159

Undergrads – CA campus
Undergrads – MA campus

98%/100%

Catholic Faculty – CA campus
Catholic Faculty – MA campus

97%/100%

Catholic Students – CA campus
Catholic Student – MA campus

Thomas Aquinas College

Thomas Aquinas College was founded in 1971 by Catholic professors devoted to the Catholic Faith and study of original writings by the greatest minds of Western culture. No majors, no academic departments, no textbooks, no lectures—only Catholic formation, Great Books, and Socratic discussion.

The beautiful campus nestled in the hills east of Los Angeles has capped enrollment to preserve the small-college environment—so, faced with growing interest, a second campus was opened in the hills of Northfield, Massachusetts, in 2019.

All students learn in a discussion-style class format and progress through the same liberal arts degree: roughly equivalent to a double major in theology and philosophy and a minor in mathematics, which is very impressive. All professors are Catholic, take the Oath of Fidelity, and make the Catholic Profession of Faith.

Nearly all students are Catholic and enjoy a strong spiritual life on campus, including daily Masses when classes are not scheduled and even Extraordinary Form Mass on most days. There is daily Confession, Rosary, and Liturgy of the Hours. More than 10 percent of alumni have entered religious life.

All student residence halls are appropriately single-sex with no opposite-sex visitation to private rooms, and there is a nighttime curfew. Both campus locations offer options for many outdoor activities—hiking and skiing in New England and hiking and beaches in California. There are also student-led clubs and athletic facilities, including intramural sports, and the College promotes theater and music performances.

With a good net price, Thomas Aquinas College is an outstanding choice for the serious student eager for a top-ranked, intellectually rigorous, and deeply faithful Catholic college experience.

What we really like:

The opportunity to delve into the Great Books with a community of brilliant tutors and fellow Catholic students, while enjoying beautiful Masses and prayer, seems to us a great opportunity. Thomas Aquinas College’s emphasis on theology and philosophy is admirable, but we also like the readings in science and math from the masters.

Visit Campus

Get in touch with Thomas Aquinas College to schedule your campus visit:

800-634-9797
admissions@thomasaquinas.edu

10,000 Ojai Road
Santa Paula, CA 93060

thomasaquinas.edu

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Catholic Identity Special Recognition for Thomas Aquinas College in The Newman Guide:

  • GOLD: Catholic Trustees

    100% of trustees are Catholic.

  • GOLD: Profession of Faith

    All Catholic faculty and president make the Profession of Faith at least once upon hiring, and all theology faculty have the mandatum.

  • GOLD: Theology and Philosophy

    At least 24 credits of study in Catholic theology and philosophy required for all undergraduates.

  • GOLD: Honors and Speakers

    Has policy prohibiting honors and speaking invitations to those who publicly oppose Catholic moral teaching and ensures that speakers do not call into question Catholic moral teaching.

  • GOLD: Spiritual Life

    Mass is offered every day on campus and there are scheduled opportunities at least three times/week for Confession & Adoration.

  • GOLD: Student Residences

    Student residences are single sex, and there is never opposite sex visitation in student residences.

  • GOLD: Catholic Students

    At least 95% of students are Catholic.

  • SILVER: Catholic Faculty

    At least 85% of faculty is Catholic.

All of the colleges recognized in The Newman Guide are serious about faithful Catholic formation and education, but they are quite different in many important respects. Explore their websites, talk to faculty and admissions counselors, and visit their campuses to determine which is right for you!