Based on U.S. Department of Education data (October 2025 release). Some figures are estimates based on similar programs — see details below.
Analysis
Comparable business programs nationwide suggest first-year earnings around $51,000—a solid but unremarkable start for graduates entering fields like marketing, management, or business administration. With estimated debt of $26,500, Aquinas College's business bachelor's appears to track closely with national norms for similar programs, producing a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.52 that should be manageable for most graduates. That debt level represents roughly half a year's salary, meaning focused repayment could clear it within a few years if graduates stay on track.
The caveat here is that these figures come from peer institutions nationally rather than Aquinas-specific outcomes—the college's business program is too small for the Department of Education to publish its actual graduate data. What we know about Aquinas suggests it serves a more modest-income student base (23% Pell-eligible) with SAT scores averaging 1087, though it admits most applicants. Business degrees are particularly sensitive to individual factors: internships, networking, and specialization matter enormously for launching a career in competitive fields like marketing or corporate management.
For families considering this program, the estimated numbers suggest reasonable financial viability if your student lands in the middle of the pack. But without school-specific data, you're betting on your child matching outcomes from similar programs elsewhere. If they're targeting high-growth business careers, scrutinize Aquinas's career placement services, alumni network in Grand Rapids, and internship pipelines—those will matter more than these estimates.
Where Aquinas College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all business, management, marketing, bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Business, Management, Marketing, bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $38,520 | $50,740* | — | $26,500* | — | |
| $13,120 | $82,115* | — | $29,062* | 0.35 | |
| $16,450 | $80,842* | — | $15,697* | 0.19 | |
| $41,010 | $73,382* | $78,432 | $27,000* | 0.37 | |
| $59,070 | $72,850* | $89,485 | $26,500* | 0.36 | |
| $58,150 | $70,365* | $89,440 | $26,000* | 0.37 | |
| National Median | — | $50,740* | — | $26,000* | 0.51 |
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Aquinas College, approximately 23% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the national median of 31 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.