Student Outcomes
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 61.8%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 62.5%
- Retention Rate
- 73.6%
- Median Earnings (10 years after entry)
- $49,584
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $23,000
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 11:1
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 62.0%
- Estimated Monthly Loan Payment
- $244/mo
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other. | Master | $54,869 | |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $41,338 | |
| Business/Corporate Communications. | Bachelor | $41,193 | $21,500 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $40,821 | $20,000 |
| Sustainability Studies. | Bachelor | $38,871 | |
| Community Organization and Advocacy. | Bachelor | $37,568 | |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness. | Bachelor | $33,993 | $21,000 |
| Communication and Media Studies. | Bachelor | $33,281 | $20,457 |
| Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics. | Bachelor | $33,281 | |
| Fine and Studio Arts. | Bachelor | $28,816 | |
| Biology, General. | Bachelor | $28,236 | $24,451 |
| History. | Bachelor | $27,476 | |
| English Language and Literature, General. | Bachelor | $26,007 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Bachelor | $25,596 | $27,000 |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $21,894 | $27,000 |
Outcomes Overview
Aquinas graduates earn a median of $49,584 ten years after graduation, putting their debt-to-earnings ratio at a manageable 46%. Monthly loan payments of $244 consume about 6% of typical graduate income, well below the recommended 10% threshold. The college's strong liberal arts foundation and emphasis on sustainability prepare students for careers in education, social work, and nonprofit management. Nearly all graduates find employment within six months, with the 98.1% employment rate reflecting Grand Rapids' diverse job market. While starting salaries average $37,757, the trajectory shows steady income growth over time. Given the reasonable debt burden and consistent employment outcomes, Aquinas offers an average return on investment for students seeking purpose-driven careers.