AQ vs. Rochester University

Comparable Facts

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

Rochester University is larger than AQ based on total student enrollment (1,193 students vs. 1,157 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Aquinas College is located in Grand Rapids, MI (Midsize City setting); Rochester University is in Rochester Hills, MI (Large Suburban setting).
• Aquinas College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Rochester University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Aquinas College 10:1; Rochester University 13:1.

AQ vs. Rochester University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, AQ or Rochester 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 Rochester University ($18,018 vs. $21,611).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Rochester University are 10.2% lower than at Aquinas College ($10,486 vs. $11,680).
• Aquinas College is 37.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Rochester University (about $11,022 more per year; $40,218.00 vs. $29,196.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 37.8% higher at AQ than at Rochester University (about $11,022 more per year; $40,218.00 vs. $29,196.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Aquinas College as at Rochester University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Aquinas College students is 70.5% larger than aid received by Rochester University students ($33,535 vs. $19,674).

AQ vs. Rochester University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Aquinas College (1030) is 80 points higher than at Rochester University (950).
• Incoming AQ students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (23 vs. 20 at Rochester University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Aquinas College 910/1140; Rochester University 840/1060.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Aquinas College 20/26; Rochester University 17/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: AQ - Test optional; Rochester University - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman AQ students have a 0.39 point higher average high school GPA (3.52) than students at Rochester University (3.13).
• Rochester University has a higher acceptance rate (97.6%) than AQ (89.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.8% at AQ vs. 22.2% at Rochester University.

AQ vs. Rochester University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for AQ and Rochester 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 Rochester University's (42%).
• Graduates from Aquinas College earn a median of about $1,900 more per year than Rochester University graduates about ten years after starting college ($40,000 vs. $38,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Rochester University graduates have a $1,597 lower median loan debt than AQ graduates ($24,403 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, Rochester University graduates have an estimated $16 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than AQ graduates ($252 vs. $268).
• More AQ graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Rochester University students, three years after graduation. (60% vs. 45%)

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.