Overview of Aquinas College
As of my last knowledge update in January 2022, Aquinas College is a private Catholic liberal arts college located in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Established in 1886 by the Dominican Sisters of Grand Rapids, the college is committed to providing a holistic education rooted in the Catholic intellectual tradition. Please note that there may have been changes or developments since then.
Catholic Identity and Dominican Tradition:
Aquinas College is deeply rooted in its Catholic identity and the Dominican tradition. The college is sponsored by the Dominican Sisters of Grand Rapids, and its educational philosophy is influenced by the teachings of St. Dominic, who emphasized the pursuit of truth and the integration of faith and reason. The Catholic intellectual tradition serves as a foundation for the college’s mission and values.
Academic Programs:
Aquinas College offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs through its various academic departments and schools. These include programs in arts and sciences, business, education, health, and nursing. The college’s academic offerings are designed to provide students with a well-rounded liberal arts education, emphasizing critical thinking, communication skills, and ethical decision-making.
Small Class Sizes and Personalized Learning:
A distinctive feature of Aquinas College is its commitment to small class sizes, fostering an environment of personalized learning. The college emphasizes close interactions between students and faculty, allowing for meaningful discussions and individualized attention. This approach contributes to a supportive academic community where students can engage deeply with their coursework.
Catholic Faith Integration:
At Aquinas, the Catholic faith is integrated into the academic experience. The college encourages students to explore their faith through theology courses, campus ministry programs, and service opportunities. The Catholic intellectual tradition serves as a guiding framework, promoting a deep understanding of the relationship between faith and reason.
Campus Life:
The Aquinas College campus provides a welcoming and community-oriented atmosphere. Facilities include classrooms, science laboratories, libraries, and recreational spaces. The Holmdene Mansion, a historic building on campus, serves as a center for student activities, providing spaces for socializing, studying, and participating in various events.
Extracurricular activities and student organizations contribute to the vibrant campus life at Aquinas. Students have the opportunity to engage in clubs, service organizations, and cultural events, fostering a sense of community and connection.
Service-Learning and Social Justice:
Consistent with its Catholic and Dominican values, Aquinas College places a strong emphasis on service-learning and social justice. Students are encouraged to participate in service projects, both locally and globally, to address issues related to poverty, inequality, and social justice. The college’s commitment to service aligns with its mission to educate students to become responsible and ethical leaders in their communities.
Global Perspectives:
Aquinas College encourages students to embrace a global perspective. Study abroad programs, international partnerships, and a diverse student body contribute to a broader understanding of global issues and cultures. The college aims to prepare students for a world that is interconnected and interdependent.
Athletics:
Aquinas College fields athletic teams known as the Saints, competing in the Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference (WHAC) at the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) level. The athletic program contributes to school spirit and provides student-athletes with opportunities for physical fitness, teamwork, and competition.
Graduate Programs:
In addition to its undergraduate programs, Aquinas College offers various graduate programs to provide advanced education in fields such as education and management. These programs are designed to cater to the needs of professionals seeking further specialization and career advancement.
Alumni Success:
Aquinas College has a network of successful alumni who have made contributions in various fields, including business, education, healthcare, and the arts. The college maintains connections with its alumni, providing networking opportunities and showcasing the achievements of graduates.
Conclusion:
Aquinas College, grounded in its Catholic and Dominican heritage, stands as an institution committed to providing a transformative education that integrates faith, reason, and service. With a focus on small class sizes, personalized learning, and a commitment to social justice, the college aims to prepare students to lead purposeful lives and contribute to the common good. The vibrant campus life, emphasis on global perspectives, and dedication to the principles of the Catholic intellectual tradition contribute to the distinctive character of Aquinas College.
1607 Robinson Road SE Grand Rapids, MI 49506-1799
Phone: (616) 732-4460
Email: admissions@aquinas.edu
Web site: http://www.aquinas.edu
Rankings: Aquinas College
Located in Grand Rapids, MI, Aquinas College is one of the best universities in the state of Michigan. On this page, you will find in-depth rankings for Aquinas College in the following areas: graduation rates, teaching resources, financing opportunities, and alumni donations. Latest acceptance rate is also given to show how competitive is Aquinas College.
Aquinas College is consistently ranked among the top institutions of higher education in the United States. The college has been recognized for its academic excellence, diverse student body, and commitment to service in the community. In U.S. News & World Report’s 2021 list of “Best Colleges,” Aquinas College was ranked #90 nationally and #1 among Midwest Regional Universities. Furthermore, in Forbes’ 2021 rankings of America’s Top Colleges, Aquinas College was rated as one of the top 150 universities in the country. Additionally, Aquinas College was also ranked among the top 50 universities for student success by The Princeton Review and has been named a “Best Value School” by Kiplinger’s Personal Finance Magazine for several years running.
The college has also earned recognition for its impressive faculty and successful alumni network. According to The Princeton Review’s Guide to Green Colleges, Aquinas College is one of only three Michigan colleges to be recognized as an environmentally conscious institution. Furthermore, research conducted by PayScale found that graduates from Aquinas College have a median mid-career salary of $87,400 which ranks it near the top of all other Michigan schools surveyed. Finally, many Aquinas College alumni have gone on to become successful business leaders and entrepreneurs with some even receiving national recognition such as National Science Foundation fellowships or Fulbright Scholarships.
| Rankings, Ratings, and Admissions Statistics | |
| Overall Ranking: | 57 |
| Score: | 42 |
| Peer college rating (out of 5) | 2.6 |
| Graduation and retention ranking: | 65 |
| Average freshman retention rate: | 74.5% |
| 6-year graduation rate: | 51.8% |
| Predicted graduation rate: | N/A |
| Overperformance(+)/Underperformance(-): | N/A |
| Faculty resources ranking: | 111 |
| Classes with under 20 students (2020): | 55.2% |
| Classes with 50 or more students (2020): | 0.5% |
| Student faculty ratio (2020): | 13:1 |
| Percent of faculty who are full-time (2020) | 67.3% |
| Student selectivity ranking: | 46 |
| SAT/ACT 25th-75th percentile (2020) | 20-26 |
| 2020 Freshmen in top 10 percent of high school class: | 15% |
| Freshmen in top 25 percent of high school class (2020): | 42% |
| Fall 2020 Acceptance rate: | 82.5% |
| Financial resources rank: | 56 |
| Alumni giving rank: | 24 |
| Average alumni giving rate (2020): | 17.0% |
Essential Facts: Aquinas College
- Aquinas College has been extremely successful and have recently won the league and knockout competition.
- Aquinas College is a private institution that was founded in 1886. Aquinas College’s ranking in the 2020 edition of Best Colleges is National Liberal Arts Colleges, #164-#215.
- St. Thomas Aquinas College’s Spartan Athletics Department is proud to announce the addition of four new sports: Sprint Football, E-Sports, Women’s Bowling, and Women’s Triathlon.
Rules and regulations Sports Activities
| General Information | |
| Percent of undergraduate students who live in college-owned, operated, or affiliated housing: | 51% |
| Percent of undergraduates who are members of a fraternity: | N/A |
| Percent of student body who are members of a sorority: | N/A |
| Average percentage of students on campus during weekends: | 33% |
| Are all students permitted to have cars on campus? | Yes |
| Percent of students who have cars on campus: | 95% |
| Is alcohol permitted on campus for students of legal age? | Yes |
| Additional policies and regulations: | class attendance policies set by individual instructors, hazing prohibited, other |
| Collegiate athletic association: | NAIA |
| Men’s scholarship sports: | N/A |
| Women’s scholarship sports: | N/A |
| Student activities: | choral groups, concert band, dance, drama/theater, jazz band, literary magazine, music ensembles, musical theater, radio station, student government, student newspaper |