AQ vs. Carlow University

Comparable Facts

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

Carlow University is larger than AQ based on total student enrollment (2,416 students vs. 1,157 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Aquinas College is located in Grand Rapids, MI (Midsize City setting); Carlow University is in Pittsburgh, PA (Large City setting).
• Aquinas College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Carlow University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Aquinas College 10:1; Carlow University 12:1.

AQ vs. Carlow University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, AQ or Carlow 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 Carlow University ($18,018 vs. $21,002).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Aquinas College are 15.4% lower than at Carlow University ($11,680 vs. $13,808).
• Aquinas College is 12.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Carlow University (about $4,344 more per year; $40,218.00 vs. $35,874.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 12.1% higher at AQ than at Carlow University (about $4,344 more per year; $40,218.00 vs. $35,874.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Aquinas College than at Carlow University (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Aquinas College students is 18.8% larger than aid received by Carlow University students ($33,535 vs. $28,233).

AQ vs. Carlow University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Carlow University (1060) is 30 points higher than at AQ (1030).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Aquinas College 910/1140; Carlow University 960/1168.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Aquinas College 20/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: AQ - Test optional; Carlow University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Carlow University students have a 0.08 point higher average high school GPA (3.6) than students at AQ (3.52).
• AQ has a higher acceptance rate (89.9%) than Carlow University (86.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.8% at AQ vs. 15.7% at Carlow University.

AQ vs. Carlow University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for AQ and Carlow 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).

• Aquinas College's six-year graduation rate (52%) is higher than Carlow University's (51%).
• Graduates from Carlow University earn a median of about $1,900 more per year than AQ graduates about ten years after starting college ($41,900 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 Carlow University graduates ($26,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, AQ graduates have an estimated $11 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Carlow University graduates ($268 vs. $279).
• More AQ graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Carlow University students, three years after graduation. (60% vs. 59%)

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.