AQ vs. Capital University

Comparable Facts

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

Capital University is larger than AQ based on total student enrollment (2,263 students vs. 1,157 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Aquinas College is located in Grand Rapids, MI (Midsize City setting); Capital University is in Columbus, OH (Large Suburban setting).
• Aquinas College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Capital University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Aquinas College 10:1; Capital University 9:1.

AQ vs. Capital University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, AQ or Capital University? 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 Capital University ($18,018 vs. $22,395).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Aquinas College are 10% lower than at Capital University ($11,680 vs. $12,984).
• Capital University is 7.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than AQ (about $3,016 more per year; $43,234.00 vs. $40,218.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 7.5% higher at Capital University than at Aquinas College (about $3,016 more per year; $43,234.00 vs. $40,218.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Aquinas College than at Capital University (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Capital University students is 2.8% larger than aid received by Aquinas College students ($34,471 vs. $33,535).

AQ vs. Capital University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, AQ or Capital University? 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 Capital University and AQ.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Capital University (1050) is 20 points higher than at AQ (1030).
• Incoming AQ students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (23 vs. 21 at Capital University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Aquinas College 910/1140; Capital University 910/1180.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Aquinas College 20/26; Capital University 18/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: AQ - Test optional; Capital University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Capital University May 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Capital University students have a 0.11 point higher average high school GPA (3.63) than students at AQ (3.52).
• AQ has a higher acceptance rate (89.9%) than Capital University (70.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.8% at AQ vs. 11.8% at Capital University.

AQ vs. Capital University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for AQ and Capital University? 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).

• Capital University's six-year graduation rate (61%) is higher than Aquinas College's (52%).
• Graduates from Capital University earn a median of about $7,300 more per year than AQ graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,300 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 Capital University graduates ($26,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, AQ graduates have an estimated $11 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Capital University graduates ($268 vs. $279).
• More Capital 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.