At $18,902/yr net price, Aquinas College graduates earn $49,584/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $15,584/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $18,902 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $75,608 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $49,584/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$15,584/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.9 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 62.5% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $23,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $12,141/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $12,131/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $15,423/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $20,544/yr |
| $110,001+ | $23,349/yr |
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 |
The Risk Factor
62.5% of students at Aquinas College graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 38% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Aquinas College delivers modest financial returns that fall short of what you'd expect from a $19,000 annual investment. The median graduate earns $49,584 ten years out, which barely justifies the debt load when you factor in opportunity costs and loan interest.
Your major choice makes or breaks the financial equation here. Business programs offer the strongest returns, with general business fields reaching $54,869 and accounting hitting $41,338. These numbers work with the typical $23,000 debt load. However, sustainability studies graduates earn just $38,871, making loan repayment more challenging on a monthly budget.
The college's 62.5% graduation rate creates significant financial risk. Nearly four in ten students leave without a degree but often with debt, making this a poor bet if you're not confident about finishing. The 74% retention rate suggests many students struggle with the academic or financial demands by sophomore year.
Aquinas works financially if you're targeting business programs and can minimize borrowing through the college's merit aid opportunities. The relatively low percentage of students receiving aid suggests either limited need-based assistance or higher family incomes among the student body.
Skip Aquinas if you're considering liberal arts majors with weak earning potential or if you're unsure about your academic commitment. The combination of moderate costs, modest returns, and concerning graduation rates makes this a risky choice for students who might struggle academically or financially. You'll find better ROI at Michigan's public universities or stronger private colleges with more generous aid packages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Aquinas College worth the money?
Aquinas College graduates earn a median of $49,584 ten years after graduation, which is below average for a four-year degree. With a net price of $18,902 per year and typical debt of $23,000, the return on investment is modest but manageable for most students.
What are the best paying majors at Aquinas College?
Business, Management, and Marketing majors at Aquinas College earn the highest salaries at $54,869 annually. Accounting graduates earn $41,338, while other business programs typically pay around $40,000-41,000 per year.
How much debt do Aquinas College students typically graduate with?
The median debt for Aquinas College graduates is $23,000, which is relatively manageable compared to national averages. However, only 62.5% of students graduate within six years, meaning many students may accumulate debt without completing their degree.
Does Aquinas College have good financial aid?
Aquinas College reduces costs to a net price of $18,902 per year through financial aid, making it more affordable than many private colleges. The relatively low debt levels suggest the school provides decent aid packages for most students.