CSU vs. AQ

Comparable Facts

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

Chicago State University is larger than AQ based on total student enrollment (2,238 students vs. 1,157 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Chicago State University is located in Chicago, IL (Large City setting); Aquinas College is in Grand Rapids, MI (Midsize City setting).
• Chicago State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Aquinas College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Chicago State University 9:1; Aquinas College 10:1.

CSU vs. AQ Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, CSU or AQ? 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 Chicago State University than AQ ($10,441 vs. $18,018).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Chicago State University are 1.1% lower than at Aquinas College ($11,550 vs. $11,680).
• Aquinas College is 215.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than CSU (about $27,464 more per year; $40,218.00 vs. $12,754.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 215.3% higher at AQ than at Chicago State University (about $27,464 more per year; $40,218.00 vs. $12,754.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Aquinas College than at Chicago State University (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Aquinas College students is 84.3% larger than aid received by Chicago State University students ($33,535 vs. $18,194).

CSU vs. AQ Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Aquinas College (1030) is 170 points higher than at CSU (860).
• Incoming AQ students have a 6 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (23 vs. 17 at CSU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Chicago State University 750/963; Aquinas College 910/1140.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Chicago State University 15/19; Aquinas College 20/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: CSU - Test-free; AQ - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman AQ students have a 0.34 point higher average high school GPA (3.52) than students at CSU (3.18).
• AQ has a higher acceptance rate (89.9%) than CSU (43.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 3.8% at CSU vs. 11.8% at AQ.

CSU vs. AQ Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for CSU and AQ? 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 Chicago State University's (21%).
• Graduates from Aquinas College earn a median of about $1,700 more per year than CSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($40,000 vs. $38,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Aquinas College graduates have a $5,250 lower median loan debt than CSU graduates ($26,000 vs. $31,250).
• Among borrowers, AQ graduates have an estimated $55 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than CSU graduates ($268 vs. $323).
• More AQ graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former CSU students, three years after graduation. (60% vs. 25%)

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.