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. Nearly all professors are Catholic, take the Oath of Fidelity, and make the Catholic Profession of Faith.

Nearly all students are also 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 4 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.