AQ vs. Madonna University

Comparable Facts

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

Madonna University is larger than AQ based on total student enrollment (2,124 students vs. 1,157 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

AQ vs. Madonna University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, AQ or Madonna 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 Madonna University ($18,018 vs. $18,373).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Aquinas College are 9% lower than at Madonna University ($11,680 vs. $12,840).
• Aquinas College is 41.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Madonna University (about $11,778 more per year; $40,218.00 vs. $28,440.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 41.4% higher at AQ than at Madonna University (about $11,778 more per year; $40,218.00 vs. $28,440.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Aquinas College than at Madonna University (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Aquinas College students is 49.2% larger than aid received by Madonna University students ($33,535 vs. $22,471).

AQ vs. Madonna University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Aquinas College (1030) is 50 points higher than at Madonna University (980).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Aquinas College 910/1140; Madonna University 880/1080.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Aquinas College 20/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: AQ - Test optional; Madonna University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman AQ students have a 0.17 point higher average high school GPA (3.52) than students at Madonna University (3.35).
• AQ has a higher acceptance rate (89.9%) than Madonna University (63.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.8% at AQ vs. 25.2% at Madonna University.

AQ vs. Madonna University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for AQ and Madonna 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 Madonna University's (42%).
• Graduates from Madonna University earn a median of about $2,400 more per year than AQ graduates about ten years after starting college ($42,400 vs. $40,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Madonna University graduates have a $1,000 lower median loan debt than AQ graduates ($25,000 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, Madonna University graduates have an estimated $10 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than AQ graduates ($258 vs. $268).
• More AQ graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Madonna University students, three years after graduation. (60% vs. 48%)

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.