Rockford University vs. AQ

Comparable Facts

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

Rockford University is larger than AQ based on total student enrollment (1,241 students vs. 1,157 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Rockford University vs. AQ Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Rockford University 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 Aquinas College than Rockford University ($18,018 vs. $23,642).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Rockford University are 2.2% lower than at Aquinas College ($11,420 vs. $11,680).
• Aquinas College is 6.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Rockford University (about $2,438 more per year; $40,218.00 vs. $37,780.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 6.5% higher at AQ than at Rockford University (about $2,438 more per year; $40,218.00 vs. $37,780.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Aquinas College than at Rockford University (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Aquinas College students is 30.6% larger than aid received by Rockford University students ($33,535 vs. $25,671).

Rockford University vs. AQ Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Rockford University 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 Rockford University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Aquinas College (1030) is 70 points higher than at Rockford University (960).
• Incoming AQ students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (23 vs. 20 at Rockford University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Rockford University 850/1070; Aquinas College 910/1140.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Rockford University 17/23; Aquinas College 20/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Rockford University - Test optional; AQ - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman AQ students have a 0.27 point higher average high school GPA (3.52) than students at Rockford University (3.25).
• Rockford University has a higher acceptance rate (92.9%) than AQ (89.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.4% at Rockford University vs. 11.8% at AQ.

Rockford University vs. AQ Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Rockford University 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 Rockford University's (31%).
• Graduates from Rockford University earn a median of about $4,600 more per year than AQ graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,600 vs. $40,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Rockford University graduates have a $1,000 lower median loan debt than AQ graduates ($25,000 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, Rockford 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 Rockford University students, three years after graduation. (60% 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.