AQ vs. GVSU

Comparable Facts

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

Grand Valley State University is larger than AQ based on total student enrollment (22,011 students vs. 1,157 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Aquinas College is located in Grand Rapids, MI (Midsize City setting); Grand Valley State University is in Allendale, MI (Large Suburban setting).
• Aquinas College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Grand Valley State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Aquinas College 10:1; Grand Valley State University 15:1.

AQ vs. GVSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, AQ or GVSU? 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 Grand Valley State University than AQ ($17,198 vs. $18,018).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Grand Valley State University are 1.1% lower than at Aquinas College ($11,550 vs. $11,680).
• Aquinas College is 165.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than GVSU (about $25,078 more per year; $40,218.00 vs. $15,140.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 86.6% higher at AQ than at Grand Valley State University (about $18,670 more per year; $40,218.00 vs. $21,548.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Aquinas College than at Grand Valley State University (100% vs. 90%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Aquinas College students is 199.7% larger than aid received by Grand Valley State University students ($33,535 vs. $11,188).

AQ vs. GVSU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Grand Valley State University (1070) is 40 points higher than at AQ (1030).
• Incoming GVSU students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (26 vs. 23 at AQ).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Aquinas College 910/1140; Grand Valley State University 940/1190.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Aquinas College 20/26; Grand Valley State University 22/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: AQ - Test optional; GVSU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: GVSU May 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman GVSU students have a 0.13 point higher average high school GPA (3.65) than students at AQ (3.52).
• AQ has a higher acceptance rate (89.9%) than GVSU (83%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.8% at AQ vs. 18.6% at GVSU.

AQ vs. GVSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for AQ and GVSU? 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).

• Grand Valley State University's six-year graduation rate (63%) is higher than Aquinas College's (52%).
• Graduates from Grand Valley State University earn a median of about $4,600 more per year than AQ graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,600 vs. $40,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Grand Valley State University graduates have a $1,000 lower median loan debt than AQ graduates ($25,000 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, GVSU graduates have an estimated $10 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than AQ graduates ($258 vs. $268).
• More GVSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former AQ students, three years after graduation. (62% 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.