Head-to-Head Analysis
This analysis was generated using Azimuth's proprietary framework. Our data model transforms federal education data into actionable insights. Learn about founder Daniel Rogers, explore our research methodology, or see how we think about this data.
Updated January 2026 • Waukesha, WI & Miami Gardens, FL
When students choose between St. Thomas University in Miami Gardens and Carroll University in Waukesha, Wisconsin, they're comparing two private institutions with similar sticker prices but dramatically different completion outcomes.
Both charge around $24,300 annually in net price, yet Carroll graduates 70% of its students while St. Thomas graduates just 43%.
This completion gap transforms what appears to be a straightforward comparison into a fundamental question about educational risk and investment security.
Median Student Debt at Graduation
$27,000
federal loans
$19,125
federal loans
Median Parent PLUS Loans
$32,186
borrowed by parents
$13,272
borrowed by parents
St. Thomas University is predominantly business-focused, with 35% of graduates earning degrees in business fields.
The largest programs include Registered Nursing (92 graduates), Business Administration (57), and Criminal Justice (20). Carroll University has a health-focused orientation with a more balanced program mix: 14% Business and 7% Education.
Carroll's top programs include Registered Nursing (92 graduates), Sports and Kinesiology (86), and Psychology (55). Both schools emphasize nursing, but their overall academic profiles serve different career trajectories and student interests.
For students confident in their ability to persist through completion, St. Thomas University offers strong value — lower debt burdens and earnings that exceed expectations for its student demographics.
Carroll University provides a more structured environment with higher completion rates, making it the safer choice for students who need additional support to reach graduation. The data points to Carroll as the lower-risk investment despite higher costs, but St.
Thomas delivers superior value for self-directed students who complete their degrees. The right choice depends on your academic preparation, support needs, and tolerance for completion risk versus debt burden.
Key Takeaway
The numbers are close, but the best school depends on your goals, values, and career aspirations.
This comparison was generated using Azimuth's proprietary ROI framework, developed by founder Daniel Rogers. Our methodology transforms federal education data into actionable insights for families.
This comparison uses Azimuth's proprietary ROI model based on U.S. Dept. of Education data. View Full Methodology.
This content is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, investment, or professional advice. Consult a qualified advisor before making any financial decisions.
College Azimuth is a private research initiative and is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Education or Federal Student Aid.
