Aquinas College vs Central Michigan University
Aquinas College is a private college in Grand Rapids, MI, and Central Michigan University is a public university in Mount Pleasant, MI. Both admit about 90% of applicants. Aquinas College is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $16,626 a year against $17,597 at Central Michigan University. About 64% of students graduate at Aquinas College, compared with 60% at Central Michigan University. Ten years after enrolling, Central Michigan University alumni earn a median of about $55,874, against $49,584 for Aquinas College.
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Grand Rapids, MI
Mount Pleasant, MI
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
1,083
10,035
Acceptance rate
90%
90%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.22–3.72
3.22–3.72
SAT (middle 50%)
910–1140
960–1200
ACT (middle 50%)
20–26
21–27
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$16,626
$17,597
Full cost / yr
$51,652
$30,681
In-state tuition
$40,218
$14,760
Out-of-state tuition
$40,218
$14,760
Application fee
$0
$40
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$10,725
$12,185
$30k - $48k
$11,222
$12,139
$48k - $75k
$13,594
$13,601
$75k - $110k
$15,468
$16,269
Over $110k
$21,093
$21,403
Outcomes
Graduation rate
64%
60%
Freshman retention
78%
75%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$40,161
$46,567
Median earnings (10 yr)
$49,584
$55,874
Median debt at graduation
$23,000
$27,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
24%
31%
First-generation students
22%
29%
International students
4%
3%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Rolling
Rolling
Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.
- Is Aquinas College or Central Michigan University harder to get into?
- They are about equally selective: both admit around 90% of applicants. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
- Which is cheaper, Aquinas College or Central Michigan University?
- Aquinas College is cheaper on average. Students pay about $16,626 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $17,597 at Central Michigan University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
- What is the full cost of attendance at Aquinas College and Central Michigan University?
- Before aid, Central Michigan University costs about $30,681 a year and Aquinas College about $51,652. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
- Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Aquinas College or Central Michigan University?
- Aquinas College. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $10,725 there, against about $12,185 at Central Michigan University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
- Which is bigger, Aquinas College or Central Michigan University?
- Central Michigan University is the larger of the two, with about 10,035 undergraduates against 1,083 at Aquinas College.
- Does Aquinas College or Central Michigan University have a better graduation rate?
- Aquinas College has the higher graduation rate, at about 64% against 60% at Central Michigan University.
- Do graduates of Aquinas College or Central Michigan University earn more?
- Central Michigan University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $55,874 ten years after enrolling, against about $49,584 for Aquinas College. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
- Do Aquinas College and Central Michigan University require SAT or ACT scores?
- Aquinas College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Central Michigan University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
- What SAT scores do Aquinas College and Central Michigan University look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 910–1140 at Aquinas College and 960–1200 at Central Michigan University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.
Related comparisons
Aquinas College vs Hillsdale CollegeAquinas College vs Spring Arbor UniversityAquinas College vs Lawrence Technological UniversityCentral Michigan University vs University of Michigan-DearbornCentral Michigan University vs Saginaw Valley State UniversityCentral Michigan University vs Eastern Michigan University
Which of these is the better fit for you?
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