AQ vs. Marian University

Comparable Facts

Compare Aquinas College in Grand Rapids, MI with Marian University in Fond Du Lac, WI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Marian University is larger than AQ based on total student enrollment (1,246 students vs. 1,157 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Aquinas College is located in Grand Rapids, MI (Midsize City setting); Marian University is in Fond Du Lac, WI (Small City setting).
• Aquinas College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Marian University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Aquinas College 10:1; Marian University 11:1.

AQ vs. Marian University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, AQ or Marian 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 Marian University ($18,018 vs. $22,697).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Marian University are 15.7% lower than at Aquinas College ($9,849 vs. $11,680).
• Aquinas College is 14.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Marian University (about $5,040 more per year; $40,218.00 vs. $35,178.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 14.3% higher at AQ than at Marian University (about $5,040 more per year; $40,218.00 vs. $35,178.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Aquinas College as at Marian University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Aquinas College students is 53.8% larger than aid received by Marian University students ($33,535 vs. $21,805).

AQ vs. Marian University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Aquinas College (1030) is 90 points higher than at Marian University (940).
• Incoming AQ students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (23 vs. 20 at Marian University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Aquinas College 910/1140; Marian University 800/1080.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Aquinas College 20/26; Marian University 18/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: AQ - Test optional; Marian University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman AQ students have a 0.36 point higher average high school GPA (3.52) than students at Marian University (3.16).
• AQ has a higher acceptance rate (89.9%) than Marian University (75%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.8% at AQ vs. 18% at Marian University.

AQ vs. Marian University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for AQ and Marian 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).

• The graduation rate at AQ is the same as at Marian University (52% vs. 52%).
• Graduates from Marian University earn a median of about $3,500 more per year than AQ graduates about ten years after starting college ($43,500 vs. $40,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Aquinas College graduates have a $1,000 lower median loan debt than Marian University graduates ($26,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, AQ graduates have an estimated $11 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Marian University graduates ($268 vs. $279).
• More Marian University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former AQ students, three years after graduation. (63% 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.