Acceptance Rate
90%
Avg. SAT
1140
75th percentile
“Catholic liberal arts hub fostering faith-driven service and hands-on majors amid Grand Rapids' riverside energy.”
Grand Rapids, MI
Location
Midsize City
Campus Setting
Aquinas College traces its roots to 1886, when Dominican Sisters established it in Grand Rapids as a women's teacher-training school; it evolved into a coeducational liberal arts college by the 1940s, rooted in the Catholic intellectual tradition of St. Thomas Aquinas. Students who thrive here value a close-knit community where faith integrates with daily life through chapel services, service projects, and ethical discussions in classes. The campus sits on 107 acres split by the Grand River, blending green spaces with urban access, though the small size limits course variety compared to larger universities.
Grand Rapids surrounds the campus with a mix of revitalized breweries, art museums, and corporate headquarters like Steelcase and Amway, offering internships without big-city chaos. You'll find a supportive vibe for Midwesterners who prefer personal connections over anonymity, but those seeking diverse nightlife or coastal weather might feel the long winters more acutely. Tradeoffs include higher tuition typical of privates alongside Michigan's moderate cost of living, making it feasible yet not the cheapest option.
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Admissions
Acceptance Rate
Test Policy
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Average GPA
Application Fee
Academics
Student-Faculty Ratio
Programs Offered
Full-Time Faculty
Women Faculty
Research Spending
Degree Levels Offered
Classes emphasize discussion and mentorship in small groups, drawing from a core curriculum that weaves philosophy, theology, and ethics into every major. Strengths shine in physical therapy—one of the program's draws—with hands-on clinical rotations starting early; education, business, and nursing also prepare students directly for certifications and jobs. Faculty often lead community-based research, like sustainability projects tied to local rivers, though pure research opportunities pale next to bigger schools.
You'll tackle interdisciplinary options like sustainable business or peace studies, but popular tracks like health sciences fill quickly, sometimes delaying entry. Large lectures stay rare thanks to the 1,300 undergrads, fostering real student-faculty bonds for recommendations and advice.
Student Body
Total Enrollment
1,088 undergrad • 69 grad
Undergraduate
Graduate
International
White
75%
Black / African American
2%
Hispanic / Latino
8%
Asian
2%
Other / Multi-racial
13%
Campus Life
Campus Setting
Grand Rapids, MI
Varsity Athletics
Campus hums with NAIA Saints athletics, drawing crowds to hockey and basketball games, alongside 60-plus clubs from ultimate frisbee to service groups organizing urban cleanups. A typical week mixes morning classes, afternoon intramurals or river kayaking, evening study sessions in cozy residence halls, and weekend city explorations like Frederik Meijer Gardens' sculptures. Traditions include opening Masses and honors convocations celebrating academic grit, creating a purposeful rather than raucous social scene.
Housing guarantees spots for freshmen in traditional dorms with resident mentors, easing the transition, but upperclassmen apartments fill fast. Grand Rapids integrates seamlessly—students bike to breweries or festivals—yet harsh winters push activities indoors, and the tame party culture suits focused types over extroverted revelers.
Housing
On-Campus Housing
Housing Capacity
Meal Plan Available
Average Room & Board
Athletics
Athletic Association
NCAA
ROTC & Veteran Support
Veteran’s Programs Available
Yellow Ribbon Program (Post-9/11 GI Bill)
Yes
Dedicated point of contact for veteran support services
Yes
Cost & Aid
In-State Tuition
Out-of-State Tuition
Room & Board
Estimated Cost
Financial Aid
Students Receiving Aid
Receiving Pell Grants
Average Grant
Average Federal Loan
Net Annual Cost by Household Income
Household Income
Avg. Net Cost
$0 – $30K
$11,620
$30K – $48K
$14,723
$48K – $75K
$14,045
$75K – $110K
$18,557
$110K+
$22,452
Apply for Financial Aid
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Costs shown are before financial aid. Most students receive some form of aid. Complete the FAFSA to see what you qualify for.
Outcomes & Earnings
Retention Rate
78%
4 Years Graduation Rate
44%
6 Years Graduation Rate
63%
Median 10-Year Earnings
$49,584
78% of first-time, full-time students complete their freshman year at Aquinas College and return in the fall. 44% of first-time, full-time students graduate in 4 years, and 63% graduate within 6 years.
Graduation Rate
4-year grads
44%
4-6 years
19%
Non-grad
37%
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Key Statistics
Type
Private
Tuition
$36,480
Acceptance
90%
Undergrads
1,088
4-Year Grad Rate
44%
Endowment
$56M
Grand Rapids, MI 49506-1801