Aquinas College
Aquinas College is a private nonprofit university in Grand Rapids, MI ranked #834 nationally by EDsmart, earning an overall grade of B, enrolling about 1,201 undergraduates, and with an acceptance rate near 71.1%. Students most often pursue Sustainability Studies and Accounting and Related Services.
Day to day, students benefit from a 11:1 student-faculty ratio, 73.6% first-year retention, and 62.5% six-year graduation. Coaches and faculty advisors weave in frequent check-ins, helping students translate ambition into steady progress.
Families typically invest $18,902, about $1,904 more than the national median. EDsmart calculates return on investment at -46.9%, roughly 132.2 points below typical outcomes. Six years after enrolling, alumni report median earnings of $40,161. That's about $3,527 below national results. It's well-suited to students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.
Who is Aquinas College Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
Aquinas College graduates 62.5% of students within six years and keeps 73.6% of first-year students. Affordability earns a B- compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use Aquinas College's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $38,520 |
| Books and Supplies | $2,098 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $10,994 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $2,098 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $49,018 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 23.0% of Aquinas College students receive Pell Grants — below the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Net prices range from $12,141 to $23,349 depending on family income. Use Aquinas College's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $20,544/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $23,349/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $40,161
- 10-Year Median Earnings $40,161
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $17,992
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 62.0%
- Employment Rate 92.0%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Aquinas College graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
Aquinas College vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Aquinas College's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Aquinas College's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While Aquinas College graduates earn $40,161 median, the -46.9% ROI suggests the investment may take longer to pay off. Consider your major choice and career goals when evaluating value.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading 490-620
- SAT Math 500-590
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite 20-25
- SAT & ACT Required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 1,201
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate 73.6%
- Graduation Rate 62.5%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 11:1
How to Get Into Aquinas College
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Aquinas College requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 71.1%, Aquinas College is relatively open. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
EDsmart Insight: With a 71.1% acceptance rate, Aquinas College is more accessible than highly selective schools. Meeting the test score ranges and maintaining a solid GPA significantly improves admission chances. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 990 and 1210 on the SAT.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Aquinas College undergraduates. Business Administration, Management and Operations, Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods, and Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Hum draw the most students.
- Business Administration, Management and Operations 11.7%
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods 8.4%
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Hum 6.8%
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness 6.2%
- Psychology, General 5.7%
- Accounting and Related Services 4.6%
See more majors
- Business/Corporate Communications 4.3%
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics 3.8%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Sustainability Studies $69,211
- 2. Accounting and Related Services $63,311
- 3. Business Administration, Management and Operations $60,996
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Health and Physical Education/Fitness $60,813
- 5. Business/Corporate Communications $56,041
- 6. Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics $53,158
- 7. Political Science and Government $52,667
- 8. Biology, General $51,870
- 9. Psychology, General $48,393
- 10. Communication and Media Studies $48,014
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other (Master's Degree) $79,917
- 2. Education, General (Master's Degree) $62,596
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Sustainability Studies grads earn $69,211—44% more than Communication and Media Studies ($48,014). Graduate: Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other programs lead with $79,917 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for Aquinas College. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degree, 43 graduates)
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Bachelor's Degree, 31 graduates)
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (Bachelor's Degree, 25 graduates)
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness (Bachelor's Degree, 23 graduates)
- Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 21 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (57 programs)▼
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- Psychology, General
- Accounting and Related Services
- Business/Corporate Communications
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Biology, General
- Communication and Media Studies
- History
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
- Mathematics
- Theological and Ministerial Studies
- Sustainability Studies
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services
- English Language and Literature, General
- Special Education and Teaching
- Political Science and Government
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Community Organization and Advocacy
- Sociology
- Music
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Germanic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Economics
- Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
- Geography and Cartography
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Arts, Entertainment,and Media Management
- Management Information Systems and Services
- International Relations and National Security Studies
- International Business
- Health/Medical Preparatory Programs
- Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General
- Chemistry
- Philosophy
- Urban Studies/Affairs
- Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language
- Social Sciences, General
- Religious/Sacred Music
- Religion/Religious Studies
- Physics
- Journalism
- International/Global Studies
- Human Resources Management and Services
- Film/Video and Photographic Arts
- Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
- Education, General
- East Asian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Computer Software and Media Applications
- Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other
- Bilingual, Multilingual, and Multicultural Education
- Business/Managerial Economics
Online Master's Degrees (9 programs)▼
- Education, General
- Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other
- Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions
- Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Sustainability Studies
- Special Education and Teaching
- Educational/Instructional Media Design
- Bilingual, Multilingual, and Multicultural Education
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 1,201
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 42.0%
- Female Students 58.0%
- Caucasian 74.9%
- Asian 1.8%
- Hispanic 8.3%
- Black 2.2%
- Pell Grant Recipients 23.0%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Aquinas College's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Aquinas College's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Aquinas College support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Aquinas College, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: The student body is 74.9% White, reflecting less racial diversity than the national average. About 23.0% receive Pell Grants, below the national average of 38%, suggesting a wealthier student body or generous institutional aid.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Aquinas College support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Aquinas College, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Aquinas College offers a private university experience at a regional scale, combining smaller class sizes with -46.9% ROI. Ranked #834 nationally, the institution balances personalized attention against higher costs than public alternatives.
The $18,902 annual net price is moderately higher than state schools, offset somewhat by $40,161 median earnings. With 62.5% graduating within six years and 73.6% returning for sophomore year, outcomes reflect the personalized support typical of smaller private institutions.
Private University Value: Aquinas College's Positioning
With a B grade and #834 ranking, Aquinas College competes in the crowded regional private university market.
The Private University Premium: At $18,902 annually, Aquinas College charges more than public alternatives but typically offers smaller classes, more personalized advising, and tighter-knit campus communities. The 73.6% retention rate suggests students value this environment.
Who Benefits Most: Students who thrive in smaller, more intimate academic settings. Those seeking specific programs or values-based education aligned with the institution's mission. Students who receive merit scholarships that bring costs below $13,231 achieve particularly strong value.
Cost-Benefit Reality: The -46.9% ROI and $40,161 median earnings don't always justify the premium over public universities. Students paying full price should compare whether the personalized experience warrants $8,902+ in additional annual costs over state flagships.
Competitive Standing: Aquinas College ranks #834 of 6272 institutions, with 941 schools achieving higher ROI. For students offered substantial merit aid or seeking specific programs unavailable at public universities, the value proposition strengthens significantly.
Key Takeaways
- 62.5% six-year graduation rate sits 0.0 points above the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 73.6% first-year retention is 3.2 points below the national norm of 76.8%.
- -46.9% return on investment is 132.2 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $40,161 run about 8% lower than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $18,902 is roughly $1,784 higher than the national median of $17,118.
Helpfulness for Students
- 11:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 73.6% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 92.0% employment rate within three years sits 23.8 points above national outcomes.
- Average net price of $18,902 is about $1,784 higher than comparable schools, so scholarship planning is key.
- Pell participation at 23.0% trails the national share by 15.8 points, so equity work remains important.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
Aquinas College is a private nonprofit university based in Grand Rapids, MI and earns a B overall grade. It holds a #834 national ranking Grades by category break down as Completion B, Support B, Career Outcomes B, and Affordability B-.
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
73.6% of learners come back after year one while 62.5% complete the degree within six years. The reported ROI is -46.9%, a figure families can weigh against cost and aid details above.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $18,902 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $49,018.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $30,116 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $17,992 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 23.0% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Median earnings come in near $40,161 six years after enrollment. That sits about 8% below the national median.
Roughly 92.0% of graduates are employed three years out.
Plan around an ROI of about -46.9% according to the Scorecard data.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
71.1% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the Aquinas College admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
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Contact Information
- Address Grand Rapids, MI 49506-1801
- Website www.aquinas.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationHigher Learning Commission (NCACHE)
- Endowment$41.3M
- Transfer Enrollment Rate25.6%