Grand Rapids, MIprivate nonprofitaquinas.edu
Admit rate has ranged 69%–93% over the last 5 years — notably volatile. Source: IPEDS via Urban Institute.
Acceptance & SAT from Common Data Set / IPEDS; net price, earnings & graduation from the U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard. Figures lag ~1–2 years — verify with the school.
Aquinas College in Grand Rapids, MI, is a small, accessible liberal arts school with a strong emphasis on sustainability and social justice. Known for its supportive community and hands-on learning, it boasts a 99% post-graduation employment rate and a net cost significantly below the national average.
Test-optional — scores considered if submitted
Source: IPEDS Admissions survey (2022) via Urban Institute. Covers formal factors only — it does not reflect essays, extracurriculars, or other holistic criteria.
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Outcomes & value
U.S. Dept. of Education Financial Responsibility Composite Score (FY2022-23). Scale −1.0 to 3.0; ≥1.5 meets the standard. Reported for private nonprofit & for-profit institutions only — public universities are state-backed and not scored, so this is a stability signal, not a ranking.
Median earnings by field of study (highest credential), ~2 years after completion.
Campus & location
On-campus criminal offenses classed as violent (murder/non-negligent manslaughter, rape, robbery, aggravated assault) for the most recent reported year. Source: U.S. Dept. of Education Campus Safety and Security (Clery Act). Counts reflect what’s reported to the school, and urban campuses often report more partly due to non-student incidents nearby — read alongside campus size and setting, not as a standalone safety verdict.
Pleasant days counts days per year with a mean temperature of 55–75°F, a high at or below 90°F, a low at or above 45°F, and little precipitation — a transparent comfort measure, not a weighting we invented. Computed from Open-Meteo ERA5 daily history (2019–2023). Natural-hazard risk is the county’s composite rating from the FEMA National Risk Index.
Mobility rate = the share of students who both start in the bottom household-income quintile and reach the top quintile; bottom → top is that chance conditional on starting at the bottom. Source: Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Cards (Chetty, Friedman, Saez, Turner & Yagan). Reflects 1980–82 birth cohorts, so it’s directional, not current.
Aquinas College is notably accessible, with an Acceptance rateThe share of applicants a college admits in a given year. A 10% acceptance rate means it admits about 1 in 10 applicants. of 90.78%. Admitted students typically have SAT scores between 920–1130 or ACT scores in the mid-range. The college accepts the Common Application and offers deferred admission options, though it does not have binding Early Decision plans. High school completion is the baseline requirement, with no explicit mention of minimum GPA thresholds.
Aquinas emphasizes a liberal arts education with a focus on 'employment, lifelong learning, critical thinking, leadership, and service.' Popular majors include Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Visual and Performing Arts, and Social Sciences, each comprising about 6% of degrees. The college promotes experiential learning and flexibility, allowing students to tailor their education. Unique programs integrate sustainability and social justice themes across disciplines.
Earnings = median of students working ~10 years after entry; debt = median of graduates. Value divides 10-yr earnings by one year’s net price — read it as earnings per dollar of annual cost, not a full lifetime ROI; it favors lower-cost schools. Source: U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard. Figures lag ~2 years and reflect all students, not your intended major.
Source: U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard (field-of-study earnings). Figures cover graduates who received federal aid and lag ~2 years; not all programs report data.
With 55% of students living on campus, Aquinas fosters a tight-knit community. The Student Activities and Orientation (SAO) team organizes events to ease the transition to college life. The suburban campus offers a balance of quiet study spaces and engagement opportunities, though specifics about clubs or athletics aren’t detailed in the provided sources. Housing costs average $12,498 annually.
Aquinas reports impressive outcomes: 99% of 2025 graduates were employed or in graduate school within six months. The overall graduation rate is 63%, with 61% finishing within six years. Median earnings for recent graduates aren’t specified, but the college emphasizes strong alumni networks and career support.
The average net cost at Aquinas is $4,000 below comparable institutions, with 100% of first-year students receiving grants or scholarships (average award: $11,464). The FAFSA priority deadline is May 1 (school code: 002238). The Net priceWhat a family actually pays after grants and scholarships are subtracted from the sticker price — usually far less than the published cost. calculator suggests personalized estimates, though specific tuition figures aren’t provided in the sources.
Aquinas distinguishes itself with a mission-driven focus on sustainability and social justice, woven into both academics and campus culture. Its near-perfect post-grad employment rate and below-average net cost make it a practical choice for students seeking value. The small size and suburban setting appeal to those wanting personalized attention without urban distractions.