About Aquinas College
Students pay an average net price of $18,902 after aid, making this private education surprisingly affordable. Graduates earn a median of $49,584 ten years after graduation, while carrying typical debt loads of $23,000. The monthly loan payment of $244 represents a manageable burden given the earning potential. With 98.1% of graduates finding employment, the investment pays dividends in career outcomes.
The 11:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personal attention in small classes. Nearly 87% of students come from Michigan, creating a regional feel despite the diverse academic offerings. The 73.62% retention rate reflects students who find their fit, though the 62.50% six-year graduation rate suggests some struggle to finish. Campus housing accommodates 698 students, fostering the close community that defines the Aquinas experience.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 11:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 59.3%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 61.8%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 62.5%
- Retention Rate
- 73.6%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $49,584
- Carnegie Classification
- Liberal Arts College
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other. | Master | $54,869 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $41,338 |
| Business/Corporate Communications. | Bachelor | $41,193 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $40,821 |
| Sustainability Studies. | Bachelor | $38,871 |
| Community Organization and Advocacy. | Bachelor | $37,568 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness. | Bachelor | $33,993 |
| Communication and Media Studies. | Bachelor | $33,281 |
| Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics. | Bachelor | $33,281 |
| Fine and Studio Arts. | Bachelor | $28,816 |
Campus Life
Michigan winters mean heavy coats and snow boots from November through March, while spring and fall offer comfortable walking weather around the wooded 117-acre campus. The Saints compete in 24 varsity sports with 602 total athletes, making athletics a visible part of campus culture. With 86.79% of students from Michigan, weekends often involve exploring Grand Rapids' growing food and arts scene downtown. The college's sustainability focus shows in campus gardens and environmental initiatives that students actively support. Social life centers around residence halls, intramural sports, and service projects that reflect the school's social justice mission. The 73.62% retention rate suggests students find their community here, though the small size means limited party options compared to larger universities.
- Setting
- City-Midsize
- Housing Capacity
- 698 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1956
Campus Safety (2023)
16 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dating Violence | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Rape | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Burglary | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Robbery | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 17°–30°F
- July Avg
- 60°–82°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 39.6"
- Annual Snowfall
- 74.9"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 42.0%
- Women
- 58.0%
- White
- 74.9%
- Black
- 2.3%
- Hispanic
- 8.3%
- Asian
- 1.8%
- In-State Students
- 86.8%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 23.0%
Location
- Address
- Grand Rapids, Michigan 49506-1801
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $49,584
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $52,194
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $32,000
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 62.0%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $244/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $23,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Aquinas College?
Aquinas College accepts 90.78% of applicants with an average SAT score of 1090. This Catholic liberal arts college in Grand Rapids takes a well-rounded approach to admissions, welcoming students who align with their mission of sustainability and social justice education.
How much does Aquinas College cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $18,902 despite a sticker price of $51,612 for total attendance. The college provides substantial institutional grants averaging $28,549 to 17.90% of students, making this private education more accessible to middle-class families.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Aquinas College?
Aquinas College maintains an 11:1 student-faculty ratio with only 1,201 total students. This small liberal arts environment allows for personalized attention and close mentoring relationships that support the college's emphasis on developing ethical leaders.
What are employment outcomes like for Aquinas College graduates?
Graduates achieve a 98.1% employment rate with median earnings of $49,584 ten years after graduation. The 62.50% six-year graduation rate reflects the college's supportive but academically rigorous approach to liberal arts education.
Where do Aquinas College students live and what is campus life like?
The college houses 698 students on campus with a 73.62% retention rate indicating strong student satisfaction. Located in midsize Grand Rapids, students benefit from both a close-knit campus community and access to internships and cultural opportunities in Michigan's second-largest city.
How strong is athletics at Aquinas College?
Aquinas College fields 24 varsity sports teams with 602 total athletes competing at the NJCAA level. The Saints distribute $3,269,848 in athletic scholarships, demonstrating significant investment in both competitive athletics and student-athlete financial support.
