Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at Aquinas College

The limited data available here (fewer than 30 graduates tracked) makes it difficult to draw firm conclusions, but the numbers we have suggest Aquinas's liberal arts program struggles to launch graduates into strong-earning careers. At $33,555, first-year earnings fall about $4,000 below the Michigan median for this major and $3,000 below the national average—landing this program in just the 40th percentile statewide. Meanwhile, the $31,000 debt load sits right at Michigan's typical level, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio that means nearly a full year's salary goes toward what students borrowed.

The comparison to other Michigan schools is particularly striking. Spring Arbor and Siena Heights graduates in similar programs earn $13,000-14,000 more in their first year out—a massive gap that compounds over time. Even Michigan's median liberal arts graduate does better than Aquinas's typical outcome.

For families considering this program, the small sample size means individual experiences could vary widely from these medians. But the available evidence suggests you're paying private college debt levels for below-average earning outcomes in a state with stronger alternatives. Unless Aquinas offers something uniquely valuable to your student beyond the financial return, the numbers point toward exploring other Michigan options that deliver better earnings while carrying similar or lower debt.