What Verdica's 753 score means for Thomas Aquinas College
Thomas Aquinas College's composite score of 753 places it in the "strong" band (740–799), indicating a provider with solid institutional and regulatory standing. This score reflects a weighted assessment of accreditation status, student outcome metrics, and compliance posture tracked across federal and state oversight frameworks.
For a prospective student, employer, or partner evaluating the college, a 753 score suggests the institution meets core regulatory requirements and demonstrates measurable student progression. It is not a mark of excellence across all dimensions—the college does not reach the "excellent" band (800–850)—but it does signal lower risk relative to providers in the "acceptable" or "elevated" bands. The score is based on data sources used by federal regulators and accreditors, meaning it reflects third-party oversight rather than institutional self-reporting alone.
Readers should interpret this score as a starting point, not a final verdict. The college has clear strengths (notably in accreditation and compliance), but student outcome performance trails the other sub-scores, which warrants closer examination if outcomes matter most to your decision.
How the sub-scores break down
Accreditation: 820 — This score places the college in the "excellent" range for accreditation standing. In practice, this means the college holds current, unrestricted regional or national accreditation, has passed reviews without major sanctions, and meets the standards set by its accrediting body. A high accreditation score is the foundation of institutional credibility; it signals the college has undergone rigorous third-party review and is authorized to award degrees recognized across most employment and further-education contexts.
Student Outcomes: 620 — This score falls into the "elevated risk" band, the lowest of the three sub-scores. Student outcomes typically reflect metrics such as graduation rates, persistence rates, employment placement, and earnings data drawn from federal IPEDS reporting and state labor-market databases. A score of 620 suggests the college's outcomes are measurable and reported, but do not exceed peer benchmarks or show consistent strength. This does not mean the college is failing; it means prospective students should request specific outcome data for their program of interest before enrolling.
Compliance: 830 — The college scores in the "excellent" range for compliance, indicating consistent adherence to federal Title IV regulations (student aid), state licensing requirements, and reporting standards. High compliance scores typically reflect no open investigations, timely submission of required data, and resolution of any historical infractions. This is a critical metric for institutions that receive federal student aid, as violations in this area can jeopardize accreditation and aid eligibility.
What regulators in CA track for education providers
California's oversight of higher education providers, working with federal agencies, centers on three dimensions reflected in Verdica's scoring:
Accreditation is managed by recognized regional bodies (such as WASC) and subject-specific accreditors. Regulators monitor whether institutions maintain current status, respond to accreditation recommendations, and undergo periodic review cycles.
Title IV compliance is enforced by the U.S. Department of Education. It covers correct administration of federal student loans and grants, accurate disclosure of costs and outcomes, and avoidance of predatory practices. Violations can range from reporting errors to misuse of aid funds, and may trigger financial penalties, loss of eligibility, or closure.
IPEDS data (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System) is a mandatory federal reporting framework covering enrollment, completion, costs, and employment. States and employers use this data to benchmark institutional performance. Low or missing data can indicate reporting lapses, which some regulators treat as a compliance risk.
Institutions that score well across all three dimensions have demonstrated institutional integrity and regulatory reliability.
Bottom line
Thomas Aquinas College presents a strong compliance and accreditation profile, but potential students should scrutinize published student outcome data to confirm the college delivers results aligned with their goals. The 753 composite score reflects regulatory soundness, not guaranteed outcomes; confirm graduation rates, job placement, and earnings for your specific program before deciding.