AQ vs. West Liberty University

Comparable Facts

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

West Liberty University is larger than AQ based on total student enrollment (2,299 students vs. 1,157 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Aquinas College is located in Grand Rapids, MI (Midsize City setting); West Liberty University is in West Liberty, WV (Rural Fringe setting).
• Aquinas College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. West Liberty University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Aquinas College 10:1; West Liberty University 12:1.

AQ vs. West Liberty University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, AQ or West Liberty 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 West Liberty University than AQ ($13,655 vs. $18,018).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Aquinas College are 8.2% lower than at West Liberty University ($11,680 vs. $12,728).
• Aquinas College is 352.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than West Liberty University (about $31,325 more per year; $40,218.00 vs. $8,893.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 130.6% higher at AQ than at West Liberty University (about $22,776 more per year; $40,218.00 vs. $17,442.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Aquinas College than at West Liberty University (100% vs. 87%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Aquinas College students is 362.7% larger than aid received by West Liberty University students ($33,535 vs. $7,248).

AQ vs. West Liberty University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Aquinas College (1030) is 20 points higher than at West Liberty University (1010).
• Incoming AQ students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (23 vs. 21 at West Liberty University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Aquinas College 910/1140; West Liberty University 890/1123.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Aquinas College 20/26; West Liberty University 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: AQ - Test optional; West Liberty University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman West Liberty University students have a 0.01 point higher average high school GPA (3.53) than students at AQ (3.52).
• West Liberty University has a higher acceptance rate (97.3%) than AQ (89.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.8% at AQ vs. 31.5% at West Liberty University.

AQ vs. West Liberty University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for AQ and West Liberty 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 West Liberty University's (46%).
• Graduates from Aquinas College earn a median of about $2,100 more per year than West Liberty University graduates about ten years after starting college ($40,000 vs. $37,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, West Liberty University graduates have a $1,383 lower median loan debt than AQ graduates ($24,617 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, West Liberty University graduates have an estimated $14 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than AQ graduates ($254 vs. $268).
• More AQ graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former West Liberty University students, three years after graduation. (60% vs. 49%)

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.