AQ vs. Lake Superior State University

Comparable Facts

Compare Aquinas College in Grand Rapids, MI with Lake Superior State University in Sault Ste Marie, MI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Lake Superior State University is larger than AQ based on total student enrollment (1,567 students vs. 1,157 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Aquinas College is located in Grand Rapids, MI (Midsize City setting); Lake Superior State University is in Sault Ste Marie, MI (Remote Town setting).
• Aquinas College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Lake Superior State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Aquinas College 10:1; Lake Superior State University 13:1.

AQ vs. Lake Superior State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, AQ or Lake Superior State 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 Lake Superior State University than AQ ($12,339 vs. $18,018).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Lake Superior State University are 1.9% lower than at Aquinas College ($11,459 vs. $11,680).
• Aquinas College is 170.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Lake Superior State University (about $25,328 more per year; $40,218.00 vs. $14,890.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 170.1% higher at AQ than at Lake Superior State University (about $25,328 more per year; $40,218.00 vs. $14,890.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Aquinas College than at Lake Superior State University (100% vs. 91%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Aquinas College students is 129.2% larger than aid received by Lake Superior State University students ($33,535 vs. $14,632).

AQ vs. Lake Superior State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, AQ or Lake Superior State 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 Lake Superior State University and AQ.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Lake Superior State University (1110) is 80 points higher than at AQ (1030).
• Incoming AQ students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (23 vs. 22 at Lake Superior State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Aquinas College 910/1140; Lake Superior State University 1000/1225.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Aquinas College 20/26; Lake Superior State University 19/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: AQ - Test optional; Lake Superior State University - Not reported.
• Accepted freshman AQ students have a 0.32 point higher average high school GPA (3.52) than students at Lake Superior State University (3.2).

AQ vs. Lake Superior State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for AQ and Lake Superior State 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 Lake Superior State University's (35%).
• Graduates from Lake Superior State University earn a median of about $300 more per year than AQ graduates about ten years after starting college ($40,300 vs. $40,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Lake Superior State University graduates have a $2,750 lower median loan debt than AQ graduates ($23,250 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, Lake Superior State University graduates have an estimated $28 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than AQ graduates ($240 vs. $268).
• More AQ graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Lake Superior State University students, three years after graduation. (60% vs. 57%)

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.