AQ vs. Limestone University

Comparable Facts

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

Limestone University is larger than AQ based on total student enrollment (1,807 students vs. 1,157 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Aquinas College is located in Grand Rapids, MI (Midsize City setting); Limestone University is in Gaffney, SC (Distant Town setting).
• Aquinas College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Limestone University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Aquinas College 10:1; Limestone University 11:1.

AQ vs. Limestone University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, AQ or Limestone 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 Limestone University ($18,018 vs. $19,369).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Limestone University are 4% lower than at Aquinas College ($11,210 vs. $11,680).
• Aquinas College is 44.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Limestone University (about $12,418 more per year; $40,218.00 vs. $27,800.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 44.7% higher at AQ than at Limestone University (about $12,418 more per year; $40,218.00 vs. $27,800.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Aquinas College than at Limestone University (100% vs. 96%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Aquinas College students is 55.9% larger than aid received by Limestone University students ($33,535 vs. $21,504).

AQ vs. Limestone University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Limestone University (1070) is 40 points higher than at AQ (1030).
• Incoming AQ students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (23 vs. 22 at Limestone University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Aquinas College 910/1140; Limestone University 980/1160.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Aquinas College 20/26; Limestone University 19/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: AQ - Test optional; Limestone University - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman AQ students have a 0.1 point higher average high school GPA (3.52) than students at Limestone University (3.42).
• Limestone University has a higher acceptance rate (97.3%) than AQ (89.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.8% at AQ vs. 11.4% at Limestone University.

AQ vs. Limestone University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for AQ and Limestone 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 Limestone University's (39%).
• Graduates from Limestone University earn a median of about $500 more per year than AQ graduates about ten years after starting college ($40,500 vs. $40,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Aquinas College graduates have a $1,250 lower median loan debt than Limestone University graduates ($26,000 vs. $27,250).
• Among borrowers, AQ graduates have an estimated $13 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Limestone University graduates ($268 vs. $281).
• More AQ graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Limestone University students, three years after graduation. (60% vs. 36%)

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.