Anderson University vs. AQ

Comparable Facts

Compare Anderson University in Anderson, IN with Aquinas College in Grand Rapids, MI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Anderson University is larger than AQ based on total student enrollment (1,228 students vs. 1,157 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Anderson University is located in Anderson, IN (Small City setting); Aquinas College is in Grand Rapids, MI (Midsize City setting).
• Anderson University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Aquinas College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Anderson University 10:1; Aquinas College 10:1.

Anderson University vs. AQ Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Anderson University or AQ? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Aquinas College than Anderson University ($18,018 vs. $25,332).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Aquinas College are 8.8% lower than at Anderson University ($11,680 vs. $12,800).
• Aquinas College is 8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Anderson University (about $2,978 more per year; $40,218.00 vs. $37,240.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 8% higher at AQ than at Anderson University (about $2,978 more per year; $40,218.00 vs. $37,240.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Anderson University as at Aquinas College (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Aquinas College students is 29.2% larger than aid received by Anderson University students ($33,535 vs. $25,946).

Anderson University vs. AQ Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Anderson University or AQ? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between AQ and Anderson University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Anderson University (1030) is the same as at AQ (1030).
• Incoming AQ students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (23 vs. 20 at Anderson University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Anderson University 900/1150; Aquinas College 910/1140.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Anderson University 17/24; Aquinas College 20/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Anderson University - Test optional; AQ - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman AQ students have a 0.12 point higher average high school GPA (3.52) than students at Anderson University (3.4).
• AQ has a higher acceptance rate (89.9%) than Anderson University (79.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 8.3% at Anderson University vs. 11.8% at AQ.

Anderson University vs. AQ Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Anderson University and AQ? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Anderson University's six-year graduation rate (63%) is higher than Aquinas College's (52%).
• Graduates from Anderson University earn a median of about $400 more per year than AQ graduates about ten years after starting college ($40,400 vs. $40,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Aquinas College graduates have a $1,000 lower median loan debt than Anderson University graduates ($26,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, AQ graduates have an estimated $11 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Anderson University graduates ($268 vs. $279).
• More Anderson University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former AQ students, three years after graduation. (64% vs. 60%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.