Aquinas College, located just two miles east of downtown Grand Rapids, offers students a vibrant, tree-lined campus that blends urban accessibility with the serenity of a 117-acre arboreal setting. Founded in 1886 by the Dominican Sisters of Grand Rapids, Aquinas maintains a strong Catholic Dominican identity while welcoming learners of all backgrounds into an inclusive educational community. The campus features four residence halls, multiple apartment-style living options, and inviting “living-learning communities” that foster close-knit interactions among students and faculty. Beneath the institution’s traditional maroon and white colors lies a modern commitment to preparing students for a rapidly changing world, with resources and support systems designed to guide each learner toward personal and professional success.
Academically, Aquinas College offers more than 60 undergraduate majors and several graduate programs, all grounded in a liberal arts ethos that emphasizes critical thinking, effective communication, and ethical leadership. With an 11-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio, each classroom experience is intimate and interactive, allowing students to engage deeply with professors who often serve as mentors and collaborators in research, service projects, and experiential learning opportunities. Popular areas of study include Business Administration, Psychology, and Biological Sciences, and nearly all pre-medical students gain acceptance to medical school, reflecting Aquinas”s strong preparation for graduate and professional pathways. Additionally, the college’s extensive study-abroad options—in countries such as Italy, Japan, and Costa Rica—ensure that graduates develop a genuinely global perspective and a lifelong dedication to the pursuit of truth and the common good.
In keeping with its Dominican tradition, Aquinas places a strong emphasis on leadership and service to others, intertwining faith-based values with practical career preparation. Approximately 96% of Aquinas graduates are employed or continuing their education shortly after commencement, a testament to the college’s robust career services, internship placements, and partnerships with local and national organizations. Students benefit from hands-on learning through community-based projects, internships, and volunteer initiatives that reinforce classroom concepts while encouraging a dedication to social responsibility. Whether through service trips, leadership seminars, or collaborative research, each student is guided toward becoming a well-rounded professional who strives for excellence and compassion in equal measure.
Outside the classroom, campus life at Aquinas College is lively and engaging. Over 75 student clubs and organizations—ranging from academic societies to intramural sports—provide countless ways to connect and explore interests. The Saints compete in 30 intercollegiate varsity sports within the NAIA’s Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference, fostering school spirit and teamwork across disciplines. With regular cultural events, lectures, and performances hosted on campus, students enjoy a rich array of opportunities to grow intellectually, socially, and spiritually. Surrounded by Grand Rapids’s thriving arts scene, culinary hotspots, and entrepreneurial spirit, Aquinas students seamlessly integrate their academic pursuits with real-world experiences, ensuring that their college years lay a solid foundation for lifelong learning and service to others.