AQ vs. Central State University

Comparable Facts

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

Central State University is larger than AQ based on total student enrollment (2,708 students vs. 1,157 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Aquinas College is located in Grand Rapids, MI (Midsize City setting); Central State University is in Wilberforce, OH (Rural Fringe setting).
• Aquinas College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Central State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Aquinas College 10:1; Central State University 16:1.

AQ vs. Central State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, AQ or Central State 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 Central State University than AQ ($11,398 vs. $18,018).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Aquinas College are 2.9% lower than at Central State University ($11,680 vs. $12,026).
• Aquinas College is 399.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Central State University (about $32,160 more per year; $40,218.00 vs. $8,058.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 299.9% higher at AQ than at Central State University (about $30,160 more per year; $40,218.00 vs. $10,058.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Aquinas College than at Central State University (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Aquinas College students is 79.8% larger than aid received by Central State University students ($33,535 vs. $18,654).

AQ vs. Central State University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Aquinas College (1030) is 170 points higher than at Central State University (860).
• Incoming AQ students have a 7 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (23 vs. 16 at Central State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Aquinas College 910/1140; Central State University 770/950.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Aquinas College 20/26; Central State University 14/18.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: AQ - Test optional; Central State University - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman AQ students have a 0.72 point higher average high school GPA (3.52) than students at Central State University (2.8).
• Central State University has a higher acceptance rate (98.6%) than AQ (89.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.8% at AQ vs. 19.4% at Central State University.

AQ vs. Central State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for AQ and Central State 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 Central State University's (24%).
• Graduates from Aquinas College earn a median of about $12,800 more per year than Central State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($40,000 vs. $27,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Aquinas College graduates have a $13,000 lower median loan debt than Central State University graduates ($26,000 vs. $39,000).
• Among borrowers, AQ graduates have an estimated $135 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Central State University graduates ($268 vs. $403).
• More AQ graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Central State University students, three years after graduation. (60% vs. 16%)

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.