AQ vs. Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte

Comparable Facts

Compare Aquinas College in Grand Rapids, MI with Johnson & Wales University Charlotte in Charlotte, NC on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Johnson & Wales University Charlotte is larger than AQ based on total student enrollment (1,184 students vs. 1,157 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Aquinas College is located in Grand Rapids, MI (Midsize City setting); Johnson & Wales University Charlotte is in Charlotte, NC (Large City setting).
• Aquinas College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Johnson & Wales University Charlotte is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Aquinas College 10:1; Johnson & Wales University Charlotte 14:1.

AQ vs. Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, AQ or Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte? 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 Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte ($18,018 vs. $28,084).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Aquinas College are 21.1% lower than at Johnson & Wales University Charlotte ($11,680 vs. $14,800).
• Johnson & Wales University Charlotte is 5.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than AQ (about $2,201 more per year; $42,419.00 vs. $40,218.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 5.5% higher at Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte than at Aquinas College (about $2,201 more per year; $42,419.00 vs. $40,218.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Aquinas College as at Johnson & Wales University Charlotte (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Aquinas College students is 11.7% larger than aid received by Johnson & Wales University Charlotte students ($33,535 vs. $30,033).

AQ vs. Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, AQ or Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte? 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 Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte and AQ.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Aquinas College (1030) is 20 points higher than at Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte (1010).
• Incoming AQ students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (23 vs. 19 at Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Aquinas College 910/1140; Johnson & Wales University Charlotte 880/1130.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Aquinas College 20/26; Johnson & Wales University Charlotte 16/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: AQ - Test optional; Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte - Test optional.
• AQ has a higher acceptance rate (89.9%) than Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte (79.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.8% at AQ vs. 13.7% at Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte.

AQ vs. Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for AQ and Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte? 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 Johnson & Wales University Charlotte's (49%).
• Graduates from Johnson & Wales University Charlotte earn a median of about $100 more per year than AQ graduates about ten years after starting college ($40,100 vs. $40,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Aquinas College graduates have a $900 lower median loan debt than Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte graduates ($26,000 vs. $26,900).
• Among borrowers, AQ graduates have an estimated $10 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte graduates ($268 vs. $278).
• More Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former AQ students, three years after graduation. (66% 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.