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University of St Thomas vs Nelson University

University of St Thomas is a private university in Houston, TX, and Nelson University is a private university in Waxahachie, TX. Nelson University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 89% of applicants against 90% at University of St Thomas. University of St Thomas is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $19,359 a year against $21,662 at Nelson University. About 69% of students graduate at University of St Thomas, compared with 39% at Nelson University. Ten years after enrolling, University of St Thomas alumni earn a median of about $59,224, against $46,238 for Nelson University.

University of St Thomas

Houston, TX · Private

Nelson University

Waxahachie, TX · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Houston, TX
Waxahachie, TX
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
3,220
1,479
Acceptance rate
90%
89%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.22–3.72
3.18–3.68
SAT (middle 50%)
980–1210
890–1090
ACT (middle 50%)
18–25
17–22
Test policy
Test optional
Considered
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$19,359
$21,662
Full cost / yr
$45,672
$34,504
In-state tuition
$34,634
$25,064
Out-of-state tuition
$34,634
$25,064
Application fee
Not reported
$35
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$18,441
$17,583
$30k - $48k
$17,453
$18,396
$48k - $75k
$17,972
$21,731
$75k - $110k
$21,543
$23,883
Over $110k
$26,086
$25,474
Outcomes
Graduation rate
69%
39%
Freshman retention
78%
75%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$49,971
$37,425
Median earnings (10 yr)
$59,224
$46,238
Median debt at graduation
$19,928
$24,725
Student body
Pell grant recipients
42%
48%
First-generation students
38%
38%
International students
4%
1%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Jan 15
Not reported

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is University of St Thomas or Nelson University harder to get into?
Nelson University is harder to get into. It admits about 89% of applicants, compared with 90% at University of St Thomas. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, University of St Thomas or Nelson University?
University of St Thomas is cheaper on average. Students pay about $19,359 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $21,662 at Nelson University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at University of St Thomas and Nelson University?
Before aid, Nelson University costs about $34,504 a year and University of St Thomas about $45,672. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, University of St Thomas or Nelson University?
Nelson University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $17,583 there, against about $18,441 at University of St Thomas. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, University of St Thomas or Nelson University?
University of St Thomas is the larger of the two, with about 3,220 undergraduates against 1,479 at Nelson University.
Does University of St Thomas or Nelson University have a better graduation rate?
University of St Thomas has the higher graduation rate, at about 69% against 39% at Nelson University.
Do graduates of University of St Thomas or Nelson University earn more?
University of St Thomas alumni earn more on average: a median of about $59,224 ten years after enrolling, against about $46,238 for Nelson University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do University of St Thomas and Nelson University require SAT or ACT scores?
University of St Thomas is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Nelson University considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them.
What SAT scores do University of St Thomas and Nelson University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 980–1210 at University of St Thomas and 890–1090 at Nelson University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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