AQ vs. North Central University

Comparable Facts

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

Aquinas College is larger than North Central University based on total student enrollment (1,157 students vs. 852 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Aquinas College is located in Grand Rapids, MI (Midsize City setting); North Central University is in Minneapolis, MN (Large City setting).
• Aquinas College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. North Central University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Aquinas College 10:1; North Central University 14:1.

AQ vs. North Central University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, AQ or North Central 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 North Central University ($18,018 vs. $26,363).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at North Central University are 13.9% lower than at Aquinas College ($10,054 vs. $11,680).
• Aquinas College is 24.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than North Central University (about $7,998 more per year; $40,218.00 vs. $32,220.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 24.8% higher at AQ than at North Central University (about $7,998 more per year; $40,218.00 vs. $32,220.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Aquinas College than at North Central University (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Aquinas College students is 85.2% larger than aid received by North Central University students ($33,535 vs. $18,112).

AQ vs. North Central University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at North Central University (1050) is 20 points higher than at AQ (1030).
• Incoming AQ students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (23 vs. 21 at North Central University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Aquinas College 910/1140; North Central University 950/1148.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Aquinas College 20/26; North Central University 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: AQ - Test optional; North Central University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: North Central University Jun 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman AQ students have a 0.12 point higher average high school GPA (3.52) than students at North Central University (3.4).
• North Central University has a higher acceptance rate (99%) than AQ (89.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.8% at AQ vs. 29.6% at North Central University.

AQ vs. North Central University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for AQ and North Central 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 North Central University's (40%).
• Graduates from Aquinas College earn a median of about $6,700 more per year than North Central University graduates about ten years after starting college ($40,000 vs. $33,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, North Central University graduates have a $1,000 lower median loan debt than AQ graduates ($25,000 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, North Central University graduates have an estimated $10 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than AQ graduates ($258 vs. $268).
• More North Central University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former AQ students, three years after graduation. (68% 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.