Aquinas College vs Michigan State University
Aquinas College is a private college in Grand Rapids, MI, and Michigan State University is a public university in East Lansing, MI. Michigan State University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 85% of applicants against 90% at Aquinas College. Aquinas College is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $16,626 a year against $19,680 at Michigan State University. About 81% of students graduate at Michigan State University, compared with 64% at Aquinas College. Ten years after enrolling, Michigan State University alumni earn a median of about $67,253, against $49,584 for Aquinas College.
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Grand Rapids, MI
East Lansing, MI
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
1,083
40,922
Acceptance rate
90%
85%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.22–3.72
~3.74 avg
SAT (middle 50%)
910–1140
1180–1360
ACT (middle 50%)
20–26
25–31
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$16,626
$19,680
Full cost / yr
$51,652
$32,198
In-state tuition
$40,218
$16,458
Out-of-state tuition
$40,218
$43,842
Application fee
$0
$65
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$10,725
$7,068
$30k - $48k
$11,222
$10,830
$48k - $75k
$13,594
$16,521
$75k - $110k
$15,468
$22,703
Over $110k
$21,093
$28,546
Outcomes
Graduation rate
64%
81%
Freshman retention
78%
90%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$40,161
$55,084
Median earnings (10 yr)
$49,584
$67,253
Median debt at graduation
$23,000
$23,250
Student body
Pell grant recipients
24%
20%
First-generation students
22%
21%
International students
4%
5%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Nov 1
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 Michigan State University harder to get into?
- Michigan State University is harder to get into. It admits about 85% of applicants, compared with 90% at Aquinas College. 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 Michigan State University?
- Aquinas College is cheaper on average. Students pay about $16,626 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $19,680 at Michigan State 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 Michigan State University?
- Before aid, Michigan State University costs about $32,198 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 Michigan State University?
- Michigan State University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $7,068 there, against about $10,725 at Aquinas College. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
- Which is bigger, Aquinas College or Michigan State University?
- Michigan State University is the larger of the two, with about 40,922 undergraduates against 1,083 at Aquinas College.
- Does Aquinas College or Michigan State University have a better graduation rate?
- Michigan State University has the higher graduation rate, at about 81% against 64% at Aquinas College.
- Do graduates of Aquinas College or Michigan State University earn more?
- Michigan State University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $67,253 ten years after enrolling, against about $49,584 for Aquinas College. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
- Do Aquinas College and Michigan State University require SAT or ACT scores?
- Aquinas College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Michigan State University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
- What SAT scores do Aquinas College and Michigan State University look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 910–1140 at Aquinas College and 1180–1360 at Michigan State University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.
Related comparisons
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Which of these is the better fit for you?
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