AQ vs. Eastern Michigan University

Comparable Facts

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

Eastern Michigan University is larger than AQ based on total student enrollment (12,631 students vs. 1,157 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Aquinas College is located in Grand Rapids, MI (Midsize City setting); Eastern Michigan University is in Ypsilanti, MI (Large Suburban setting).
• Aquinas College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Eastern Michigan University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Aquinas College 10:1; Eastern Michigan University 14:1.

AQ vs. Eastern Michigan University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, AQ or Eastern Michigan 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 Eastern Michigan University than AQ ($15,742 vs. $18,018).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Aquinas College are 14.4% lower than at Eastern Michigan University ($11,680 vs. $13,652).
• Aquinas College is 147.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Eastern Michigan University (about $23,978 more per year; $40,218.00 vs. $16,240.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 147.6% higher at AQ than at Eastern Michigan University (about $23,978 more per year; $40,218.00 vs. $16,240.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Aquinas College than at Eastern Michigan University (100% vs. 93%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Aquinas College students is 150.8% larger than aid received by Eastern Michigan University students ($33,535 vs. $13,370).

AQ vs. Eastern Michigan University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Eastern Michigan University (1050) is 20 points higher than at AQ (1030).
• Incoming AQ students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (23 vs. 22 at Eastern Michigan University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Aquinas College 910/1140; Eastern Michigan University 920/1170.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Aquinas College 20/26; Eastern Michigan University 18/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: AQ - Test optional; Eastern Michigan University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman AQ students have a 0.15 point higher average high school GPA (3.52) than students at Eastern Michigan University (3.37).
• AQ has a higher acceptance rate (89.9%) than Eastern Michigan University (79.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.8% at AQ vs. 9.7% at Eastern Michigan University.

AQ vs. Eastern Michigan University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for AQ and Eastern Michigan 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 Eastern Michigan University's (40%).
• Graduates from Eastern Michigan University earn a median of about $1,600 more per year than AQ graduates about ten years after starting college ($41,600 vs. $40,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Eastern Michigan University graduates have a $500 lower median loan debt than AQ graduates ($25,500 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, Eastern Michigan University graduates have an estimated $5 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than AQ graduates ($263 vs. $268).
• More AQ graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Eastern Michigan University students, three years after graduation. (60% vs. 45%)

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.