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 • Lakeland, FL & Miami Gardens, FL
When students choose between St. Thomas University and Florida Southern College, they're comparing two Florida private colleges where completion rates tell the real story.
Both schools focus on business programs and serve similar populations, but Florida Southern graduates 69% of students while St. Thomas graduates just 43%.
At St. Thomas, nearly 6 in 10 students who enroll don't finish — making the lower sticker price potentially misleading for families focused purely on cost.
Median Student Debt at Graduation
$25,000
federal loans
$19,125
federal loans
Median Parent PLUS Loans
$33,294
borrowed by parents
$13,272
borrowed by parents
St. Thomas is predominantly business-focused, with 35% of graduates earning degrees in business fields.
Florida Southern has a more balanced mix: 21% Business, 10% Arts, 7% Education. St.
Thomas's largest programs include Nursing (92 graduates annually) and Business Administration (57). Florida Southern's top programs include Business Administration (117), Nursing (57), and Public Relations (49).
Both schools offer nursing and business as core strengths, though Florida Southern provides broader program diversity.
For students prioritizing graduation likelihood, Florida Southern College delivers a 69% completion rate that justifies its higher cost through actual degree completion. St.
Thomas offers lower annual costs and strong earnings for graduates, making it the better choice for highly motivated students confident in their ability to complete despite institutional challenges. The data points to Florida Southern as the safer investment — paying more upfront but with much higher odds of actually finishing your degree.
If cost is a major concern but you're academically prepared and self-motivated, St. Thomas could work.
But for most families, Florida Southern's completion advantage outweighs St. Thomas's price savings.
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.
