Catholic School CompassTrue north for Catholic families.
Aquinas College: Aquinas College (1)
Photo: Gpwitteveen, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Catholic college

Aquinas College

  • LocationGrand Rapids, MI
  • Type and sizePrivate nonprofit · 4-year · 1,295 students
  • SponsorDominican Sisters of Grand Rapids
  • TraditionDominican
Official website

Aquinas College is a Catholic and Dominican liberal arts college in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Its Our Lady Seat of Wisdom Chapel hosts weekday and Sunday Mass and scheduled confession, and a Dominican priest is listed as chaplain. The 2026-27 general education program requires one theology course and no separate philosophy course.

Mass, confession, and adoration

Confirm with the parish

Mass 3

  • Monday, Wednesday, Friday12:15 PMOur Lady Seat of Wisdom Chapel · Academic year; the page gives August 12 as the weekday start date (year not stated).
  • Tuesday, Thursday4:30 PMOur Lady Seat of Wisdom Chapel · Academic year; the page gives August 12 as the weekday start date (year not stated).
  • Sunday7:00 PMOur Lady Seat of Wisdom Chapel · Academic year; the page gives August 4 as the Sunday start date (year not stated).

Confession 4

  • Monday, Wednesday, Friday11:15 AMOur Lady Seat of Wisdom Chapel · 11:15 AM to noon.
  • Tuesday, Thursday3:30 PMOur Lady Seat of Wisdom Chapel · 3:30 to 4:15 PM.
  • Sunday6:15 PMNot stated on the page · 6:15 to 6:45 PM.
  • Saturday3:30 PMSt. Thomas the Apostle Parish (next door) · Parish confession that the ministry points students to; not on campus.

Times come only from official parish, chaplaincy, or school pages, and can change with the season. Last verified Oct. 12, 2026.

Sources for these times (1)
  1. Mass and Confession | Aquinas Collegeaquinas.edu/offices/campus-ministry/mass-and-confession.html · verified Oct. 12, 2026
    “Monday: Mass - 12:15 p.m., Confession - 11:15 a.m. - noon Tuesday: Mass - 4:30 p.m., Confession - 3:30 - 4:15 p.m. Wednesday: Mass - 12:15 p.m., Confession - 11:15 a.m. - noon Thursday: Mass - 4:30 p.m., Confession - 3:30 - 4:15 p.m. Friday: Mass - 12:15 p.m., Confession - 11:15 a.m. - noon”
    Weekday Masses are listed for Monday through Friday during the academic year.
    “Monday: Mass - 12:15 p.m., Confession - 11:15 a.m. - noon Tuesday: Mass - 4:30 p.m., Confession - 3:30 - 4:15 p.m. Wednesday: Mass - 12:15 p.m., Confession - 11:15 a.m. - noon Thursday: Mass - 4:30 p.m., Confession - 3:30 - 4:15 p.m. Friday: Mass - 12:15 p.m., Confession - 11:15 a.m. - noon”
    Weekday Masses are listed for Monday through Friday during the academic year.
    “Sunday: Mass - 7 p.m., Confession- 6:15 - 6:45 p.m.”
    One Sunday Mass at 7 p.m. and Sunday confession are listed.
    “Our Confession schedule in Our Lady Seat of Wisdom Chapel is as follows: Monday, Wednesday, Friday: 11:15 a.m.-noon Tuesday, Thursday: 3:30-4:15 p.m.”
    Confession is scheduled in the chapel Monday through Friday.
    “Our Confession schedule in Our Lady Seat of Wisdom Chapel is as follows: Monday, Wednesday, Friday: 11:15 a.m.-noon Tuesday, Thursday: 3:30-4:15 p.m.”
    Confession is scheduled in the chapel Monday through Friday.
    “Sunday: Mass - 7 p.m., Confession- 6:15 - 6:45 p.m.”
    One Sunday Mass at 7 p.m. and Sunday confession are listed.
    “Confession is available next door at St. Thomas the Apostle Parish on Saturdays at 3:30 p.m.”
    The ministry points students to a Saturday confession at the neighboring parish.

Catholic churches nearby

Map of Aquinas College, its Catholic center and nearby Catholic churches1 mi2 mi3 miSaint Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church: 0.3 mi1St. Isidore Catholic Church: 1.2 mi2Cathedral of Saint Andrew: 1.9 mi3Immaculate Heart of Mary Church: 2.2 mi4Shrine of St. Francis Xavier & Our Lady of Guadalupe: 2.6 mi5St. Mary Catholic Church: 2.7 mi6Our Lady Seat of Wisdom Chapel (Campus Ministry): 0.2 miAquinas College (campus)N1 mi
CampusCatholic centerCatholic church (numbered below)Open a street map ›
  1. Saint Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church — 0.3 mi
  2. St. Isidore Catholic Church — 1.2 mi · 628 Diamond Avenue Northeast, Grand Rapids
  3. Cathedral of Saint Andrew — 1.9 mi · 265 Sheldon Boulevard Southeast, Grand Rapids
  4. Immaculate Heart of Mary Church — 2.2 mi
  5. Shrine of St. Francis Xavier & Our Lady of Guadalupe — 2.6 mi · 250 Brown Street Southeast, Grand Rapids
  6. St. Mary Catholic Church — 2.7 mi

Within 3 miles, as mapped by OpenStreetMap contributors. The map may be incomplete. Confirm with the parish or diocese.

Faith scorecard

Each line is one thing we looked for. A check means yes, a half means partly, a dash means no. “Not enough information” means official sources did not say.

ASacramental life: Strong (grade A): 85 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.

Sacramental life

86 of 100 points on what we could document.

  • Yes: Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Weekday Mass on campus during the academic yearEvery weekday (5 or more weekdays) (Mass is listed Monday through Friday during the academic year on the campus ministry's schedule.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Mass and Confession | Aquinas Collegeaquinas.edu/offices/campus-ministry/mass-and-confession.html · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Monday: Mass - 12:15 p.m., Confession - 11:15 a.m. - noon Tuesday: Mass - 4:30 p.m., Confession - 3:30 - 4:15 p.m. Wednesday: Mass - 12:15 p.m., Confession - 11:15 a.m. - noon Thursday: Mass - 4:30 p.m., Confession - 3:30 - 4:15 p.m. Friday: Mass - 12:15 p.m., Confession - 11:15 a.m. - noon”
      Weekday Masses are listed for Monday through Friday during the academic year.
  • Partly: Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Sunday Mass on campus (including Saturday vigil)One weekend Mass (One weekend Mass (Sunday 7 p.m.) is listed.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Mass and Confession | Aquinas Collegeaquinas.edu/offices/campus-ministry/mass-and-confession.html · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Sunday: Mass - 7 p.m., Confession- 6:15 - 6:45 p.m.”
      One Sunday Mass at 7 p.m. and Sunday confession are listed.
  • Yes: Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Scheduled confession on campusThree or more scheduled times per week (Five scheduled chapel confession times per week (Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri); the Sunday 6:15 p.m. time is listed separately.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Mass and Confession | Aquinas Collegeaquinas.edu/offices/campus-ministry/mass-and-confession.html · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Monday: Mass - 12:15 p.m., Confession - 11:15 a.m. - noon Tuesday: Mass - 4:30 p.m., Confession - 3:30 - 4:15 p.m. Wednesday: Mass - 12:15 p.m., Confession - 11:15 a.m. - noon Thursday: Mass - 4:30 p.m., Confession - 3:30 - 4:15 p.m. Friday: Mass - 12:15 p.m., Confession - 11:15 a.m. - noon”
      Weekday Masses are listed for Monday through Friday during the academic year.
      “Our Confession schedule in Our Lady Seat of Wisdom Chapel is as follows: Monday, Wednesday, Friday: 11:15 a.m.-noon Tuesday, Thursday: 3:30-4:15 p.m.”
      Confession is scheduled in the chapel Monday through Friday.
  • Partly: Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Eucharistic adorationWeekly scheduled adoration (Adoration is listed as a weekly campus ministry event.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Events - Campus Ministry | Aquinas Collegeaquinas.edu/offices/campus-ministry/what-we-do.html · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Adoration (to find additional opportunities, visit MassTimes.org)”
      Adoration is listed among the campus ministry's weekly events, with no times or location given.
  • Yes: Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Priests serving studentsAt least one full-time priest chaplain (or a resident community of priests serving campus ministry) (Fr. Robert Keller, O.P. is listed as the Chaplain on the campus ministry staff page.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Campus Ministry Professional Staff | Aquinas Collegeaquinas.edu/offices/campus-ministry/campus-ministry-professional-staff.html · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Fr. Robert Keller, O.P. Chaplain Phone: (616) 632-1031 Email: rk003@aquinas.edu”
      A Dominican priest, Fr. Robert Keller, is listed as the college Chaplain.
  • Yes: Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Chapel open for prayer on campusYes (The chapel page describes the chapel as the central space for Mass and prayer.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Our Lady Seat of Wisdom Chapel | Aquinas Collegeaquinas.edu/facilities/our-lady-seat-wisdom-chapel.html · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “it serves as the central space for Mass, prayer, worship, and spiritual life for the college community.”
      The chapel is described as the central space for Mass and prayer, and is open for prayer.
  • Partly: Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Published weekly schedule of Mass, confession, and adoration12 to 19 times a week (13 weekly times documented: 6 Mass, 7 confession, 0 adoration.)Computed from the verified Mass, confession, and adoration times listed on this page (each day a time is offered counts once).
DTheology and core curriculum: Limited (grade D): 40 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.

Theology and core curriculum

52 of 100 points on what we could document.

  • Partly: Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Theology or religious studies courses required of all bachelor's studentsOne course (The 2026-27 general education program requires one theology course for all undergraduates.)
    Sources (1)
    1. 2026-2027 Academic Catalog (PDF)aquinas.edu/_resources/images/2026-2027-Academic-Catalog.pdf · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “ONE THEOLOGY COURSE”
      The general education program requires one theology course for all undergraduates.
  • Partly: Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Required theology includes explicitly Catholic content (Scripture, Catholic tradition, sacraments)Catholic theology is one option among several (The required theology course may be chosen from several THEO courses; some are explicitly Catholic (THEO 100) and others are not (THEO 230).)
    Sources (1)
    1. 2026-2027 Academic Catalog (PDF)aquinas.edu/_resources/images/2026-2027-Academic-Catalog.pdf · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “THEO 100 The Catholic Vision”
      THEO 100 The Catholic Vision is one of the courses that satisfy the required theology course.
      “THEO 100 The Catholic Vision (4) An introductory course in the Roman Catholic tradition, its worldview, beliefs,”
      THEO 100 is described as an introduction to the Roman Catholic tradition.
      “THEO 230 Wrestling with God (4) Considers the question of God”
      THEO 230 Wrestling with God is also among the courses that satisfy the required theology course.
  • No: No: the school does not offer this, so it earns no points.
    Philosophy courses required of all bachelor's studentsNone required (No philosophy course is required; philosophy is one of the discipline options within the two-course humanities requirement.)
    Sources (1)
    1. 2026-2027 Academic Catalog (PDF)aquinas.edu/_resources/images/2026-2027-Academic-Catalog.pdf · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “TWO HUMANITIES (HU)”
      Philosophy courses are part of a choice of two humanities courses, not a separate requirement.
      “PHIL 100 Know Thyself”
      Philosophy courses are among the humanities options in the general education program.
  • Yes: Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Core curriculum explicitly draws on the Catholic intellectual traditionYes, stated in the catalog or core description (The general education philosophy names the Catholic intellectual tradition as an aim of the program.)
    Sources (1)
    1. 2026-2027 Academic Catalog (PDF)aquinas.edu/_resources/images/2026-2027-Academic-Catalog.pdf · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “for a knowledge of the Catholic intellectual tradition; for discovering and deepening the spiritual dimension”
      The general education philosophy names the Catholic intellectual tradition as one of its aims.
  • Yes: Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Theology or religious studies major offeredYes (The Philosophy & Theology major (BA) is offered.)
    Sources (1)
    1. 2026-2027 Academic Catalog (PDF)aquinas.edu/_resources/images/2026-2027-Academic-Catalog.pdf · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “PHILOSOPHY & THEOLOGY MAJOR Bachelor of Arts”
      A Philosophy & Theology major, with a theology component, is offered.
  • Yes: Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Publicly affirms Ex Corde Ecclesiae in mission or governance documentsYes (The mission page cites Ex Corde Ecclesiae as a basis for the college's education.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Mission & Vision | Aquinas Collegeaquinas.edu/mission-vision/index.html · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “The fullness of the human person is at the center of all the work we do at Aquinas College. Ex Corde Ecclesiae calls for”
      The mission page cites Ex Corde Ecclesiae as a basis for its education of the whole person.
CCampus culture and residence life: Mixed (grade C): 55 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.

Campus culture and residence life

66 of 100 points on what we could document.

  • Partly: Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Campus ministry staffing (chaplains, ministers, and professional staff)Two to four (Three professional ministry staff are listed (Director, Chaplain, Campus Minister); the staff page also lists Sr. Mary Ann Barrett, O.P., whose title is Alumni Engagement Officer; the count is three or four, medium either way. Student peer ministers are not counted.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Campus Ministry Professional Staff | Aquinas Collegeaquinas.edu/offices/campus-ministry/campus-ministry-professional-staff.html · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Fr. Robert Keller, O.P. Chaplain Phone: (616) 632-1031 Email: rk003@aquinas.edu”
      A Dominican priest, Fr. Robert Keller, is listed as the college Chaplain.
      “Michael Ingram, M.A. Director Phone: 616-632-2489 Email: ingramm@aquinas.edu”
      Michael Ingram is listed as Director of Campus Ministry.
      “Joey Dearduff, M.Div. Campus Minister - Service Coordinator Phone: (616) 632-2490 Email: dearduffj@aquinas.edu”
      Joey Dearduff is listed as Campus Minister and Service Coordinator.
  • Partly: Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Retreats offered to students each yearOne to three (Off-campus overnight retreats are planned each fall and spring.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Events - Campus Ministry | Aquinas Collegeaquinas.edu/offices/campus-ministry/what-we-do.html · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Retreats Campus Ministry Professional staff work with the Large Event Peer Minister and a dedicated retreat team to plan and organize off-campus overnight retreats during both the Fall and Spring semesters.”
      Off-campus overnight retreats are planned each fall and spring semester; the number of retreats is not stated.
  • Partly: Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Catholic student organizations and faith-formation groupsOne or two (Campus ministry small groups and Bible study are offered; the Saints for Life student organization is listed without a description and is not counted.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Events - Campus Ministry | Aquinas Collegeaquinas.edu/offices/campus-ministry/what-we-do.html · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Small Groups Interested in joining a small group or a Bible Study, contact campusministry@aquinas.edu”
      Small groups and Bible studies are offered through campus ministry.
  • Yes: Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Single-sex residence optionsSingle-sex residence halls available (On-campus houses are single-sex, and several are named halls (Woodcock Hall, Knape Hall, Meijer Hall, Sister Mildred Hawkins Hall).)
    Sources (1)
    1. Campus Housing | Aquinas Collegeaquinas.edu/student-life/residence-life/campus-housing.html · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Houses can accommodate 8 to 14 residents, in single sex houses. Themed Houses include Woodcock Hall, Knape Hall, Meijer Hall, and Sister Mildred Hawkins Hall.”
      On-campus houses are single-sex and several are named halls.
  • Not enough information: Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Overnight guest policy in residence hallsNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Not enough information: Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Faith life in residence halls (hall chaplains, hall Masses, or faith-based living communities)Not enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Not enough information: Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Office or senior officer for mission and Catholic identityNot enough information: not found in official sources.
BService and Catholic social teaching: Good (grade B): 70 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.

Service and Catholic social teaching

71 of 100 points on what we could document.

  • Yes: Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Service or volunteer centerYes (Campus Ministry and Service Learning has a staffed Service Coordinator, and the Office for Outreach and Engagement runs service initiatives.)
    Sources (3)
    1. Campus Ministry Professional Staff | Aquinas Collegeaquinas.edu/offices/campus-ministry/campus-ministry-professional-staff.html · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Joey Dearduff, M.Div. Campus Minister - Service Coordinator Phone: (616) 632-2490 Email: dearduffj@aquinas.edu”
      Joey Dearduff is listed as Campus Minister and Service Coordinator.
    2. Campus Ministry & Chapel | Aquinas Collegeaquinas.edu/offices/campus-ministry/index.html · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Campus Ministry and Service Learning embraces a Catholic tradition, grounded in the Dominican pillars of prayer, study, service, and community.”
      Campus Ministry and Service Learning is an office of the college that describes itself as Catholic and Dominican.
    3. Outreach & Engagement | Aquinas Collegeaquinas.edu/offices/outreach-engagement/index.html · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Promoting the value of the College's liberal arts education through meaningful outreach, engagement, and service initiatives.”
      The Office for Outreach and Engagement promotes outreach and service initiatives.
  • Partly: Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Service-learning or community engagement in the curriculumAvailable (courses or programs) (Community-engaged learning courses and service learning are available.)
    Sources (2)
    1. Community-Engaged Learning Courses | Aquinas Collegeaquinas.edu/offices/outreach-engagement/community-engaged-learning-courses.html · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Community-engaged learning courses (CEL) help students to connect to our community while they continue to grow and develop”
      Community-engaged learning courses are listed for several departments.
    2. 2026-2027 Academic Catalog (PDF)aquinas.edu/_resources/images/2026-2027-Academic-Catalog.pdf · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Service Learning (Local and International Opportunities)”
      Service learning is listed as an experiential learning opportunity.
  • Partly: Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Catholic social teaching in the curriculum (course, minor, center, or core requirement)Offered (course, minor, or center) (THEO 225 Catholic Social Teaching is offered and may satisfy the required theology course; it is not required of all students.)
    Sources (1)
    1. 2026-2027 Academic Catalog (PDF)aquinas.edu/_resources/images/2026-2027-Academic-Catalog.pdf · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “THEO 225 Catholic Social Teaching (4) The official social doctrine of the Roman Catholic Church.”
      A course in Catholic social teaching is offered and may be taken to meet the theology requirement.
  • Not enough information: Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Pro-life engagement (student pro-life group, support for pregnant and parenting students, or institutional initiatives)Not enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Partly: Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Justice and solidarity programs (immersion trips, poverty, migration, or care-for-creation initiatives)One (Service-learning trips to Oaxaca, Mexico and Appalachia, Kentucky are described; one program is documented.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Mission & Vision | Aquinas Collegeaquinas.edu/mission-vision/index.html · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “It is lived out by Aquinas students who volunteer their time and talents in the Grand Rapids community and by those who travel to places such as Oaxaca, Mexico; Appalachia, Kentucky; or any of several other service-learning locations.”
      Students travel to service-learning locations such as Oaxaca, Mexico and Appalachia, Kentucky.
  • Yes: Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Service explicitly rooted in the Catholic mission (run with campus ministry or the mission office, or framed by Catholic social teaching)Yes (Service is run through Campus Ministry and Service Learning and framed by the Dominican tradition.)
    Sources (2)
    1. Campus Ministry & Chapel | Aquinas Collegeaquinas.edu/offices/campus-ministry/index.html · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Campus Ministry and Service Learning embraces a Catholic tradition, grounded in the Dominican pillars of prayer, study, service, and community.”
      Campus Ministry and Service Learning is an office of the college that describes itself as Catholic and Dominican.
    2. Mission & Vision | Aquinas Collegeaquinas.edu/mission-vision/index.html · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “It is lived out by Aquinas students who volunteer their time and talents in the Grand Rapids community and by those who travel to places such as Oaxaca, Mexico; Appalachia, Kentucky; or any of several other service-learning locations.”
      Students travel to service-learning locations such as Oaxaca, Mexico and Appalachia, Kentucky.

Grades come from the documented indicators under the published rubric. “Not enough information” does not mean the school lacks it.

Strengths

  • Mass is scheduled Monday through Friday and on Sunday in the on-campus chapel.
    Sources (1)
    1. Mass and Confession | Aquinas Collegeaquinas.edu/offices/campus-ministry/mass-and-confession.html · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Monday: Mass - 12:15 p.m., Confession - 11:15 a.m. - noon Tuesday: Mass - 4:30 p.m., Confession - 3:30 - 4:15 p.m. Wednesday: Mass - 12:15 p.m., Confession - 11:15 a.m. - noon Thursday: Mass - 4:30 p.m., Confession - 3:30 - 4:15 p.m. Friday: Mass - 12:15 p.m., Confession - 11:15 a.m. - noon”
      Weekday Masses are listed for Monday through Friday during the academic year.
      “Sunday: Mass - 7 p.m., Confession- 6:15 - 6:45 p.m.”
      One Sunday Mass at 7 p.m. and Sunday confession are listed.
  • Scheduled confession is offered five weekdays in the chapel.
    Sources (1)
    1. Mass and Confession | Aquinas Collegeaquinas.edu/offices/campus-ministry/mass-and-confession.html · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Our Confession schedule in Our Lady Seat of Wisdom Chapel is as follows: Monday, Wednesday, Friday: 11:15 a.m.-noon Tuesday, Thursday: 3:30-4:15 p.m.”
      Confession is scheduled in the chapel Monday through Friday.
  • A Dominican priest is listed as the college Chaplain.
    Sources (1)
    1. Campus Ministry Professional Staff | Aquinas Collegeaquinas.edu/offices/campus-ministry/campus-ministry-professional-staff.html · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Fr. Robert Keller, O.P. Chaplain Phone: (616) 632-1031 Email: rk003@aquinas.edu”
      A Dominican priest, Fr. Robert Keller, is listed as the college Chaplain.
  • A Philosophy & Theology major and a Catholic Studies minor are offered.
    Sources (1)
    1. 2026-2027 Academic Catalog (PDF)aquinas.edu/_resources/images/2026-2027-Academic-Catalog.pdf · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “PHILOSOPHY & THEOLOGY MAJOR Bachelor of Arts”
      A Philosophy & Theology major, with a theology component, is offered.
      “This interdisciplinary minor explores the Catholic tradition, as expressed in art, literature, poetry, theology, popular”
      A Catholic Studies minor is offered.

Concerns

  • The general education program requires one theology course; the course may be chosen from several options, and it is not required to be Catholic theology.
    Sources (1)
    1. 2026-2027 Academic Catalog (PDF)aquinas.edu/_resources/images/2026-2027-Academic-Catalog.pdf · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “ONE THEOLOGY COURSE”
      The general education program requires one theology course for all undergraduates.
      “THEO 230 Wrestling with God (4) Considers the question of God”
      THEO 230 Wrestling with God is also among the courses that satisfy the required theology course.
  • No philosophy course is required of all students; philosophy is one of the options in the humanities requirement.
    Sources (1)
    1. 2026-2027 Academic Catalog (PDF)aquinas.edu/_resources/images/2026-2027-Academic-Catalog.pdf · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “TWO HUMANITIES (HU)”
      Philosophy courses are part of a choice of two humanities courses, not a separate requirement.
      “PHIL 100 Know Thyself”
      Philosophy courses are among the humanities options in the general education program.
  • A Catholic social teaching course is offered; not required of all students.
    Sources (1)
    1. 2026-2027 Academic Catalog (PDF)aquinas.edu/_resources/images/2026-2027-Academic-Catalog.pdf · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “THEO 225 Catholic Social Teaching (4) The official social doctrine of the Roman Catholic Church.”
      A course in Catholic social teaching is offered and may be taken to meet the theology requirement.

Know something we missed? Suggest a correction.

Campus ministry home

Our Lady Seat of Wisdom Chapel (Campus Ministry)

  • Address: 1700 Fulton St E, Grand Rapids, MI 49506
  • Location: On campus
  • Facilities: chapel, sanctuary and choral space, reconciliation room, meeting and prayer rooms, sacristy, outdoor Our Lady of Fatima Shrine

View on map ↗

Source: aquinas.edu, verified Oct. 12, 2026, aquinas.edu, verified Oct. 12, 2026, aquinas.edu, verified Oct. 12, 2026, aquinas.edu, verified Oct. 12, 2026

Catholic clubs and student life

10 groups and regular activities · 1 on campus, 2 off campus, 7 location not published

Retreats 1

  • Overnight retreatsOff campus
    Fall and spring semesters
    Off-campus overnight retreats planned by campus ministry staff and a retreat team; dates and destinations not stated.

Service 2

  • Service learning trips (Oaxaca, Mexico; Appalachia, Kentucky)Off campus
    Students travel to service-learning locations including Oaxaca, Mexico and Appalachia, Kentucky.
  • Community-engaged learning and service learning
    Community-engaged learning courses and service learning opportunities are offered.

Faith formation 2

  • Prayer NightOn campus
    Weekly
    Students gather at the Mary statue outside the chapel and walk to a designated location for an hour of prayer, Scripture, and reflection.
  • Small groups and Bible studies
    Interested students may join a small group or Bible study through campus ministry.

Clubs and groups 1

  • Saints for Life (registered student organization)
    Listed among active student organizations.

Liturgy and prayer 3

  • Praise and Worship Adoration
    Weekly
    Adoration listed among campus ministry's weekly events; times and location not stated.
  • Saint Thomas Aquinas Week
    Annual
    A week of Mass and events honoring the college's namesake.
  • Liturgical ministry (lectors, altar servers, sacristans, ushers, cantors)
    Students may serve at Mass in liturgical roles, with training available.

Social life 1

  • Sunday After-Mass Socials
    Weekly, Sundays after Mass
    Games and activities such as ultimate frisbee, corn hole, board games, and cookie decorating.

Everything listed is published by the school, its campus ministry, or the parish. Ask the campus minister what’s happening this semester.

Campus ministry

Sources (2)
  1. Campus Ministry & Chapel | Aquinas Collegeaquinas.edu/offices/campus-ministry/index.html · verified Oct. 12, 2026
    “Campus Ministry and Service Learning embraces a Catholic tradition, grounded in the Dominican pillars of prayer, study, service, and community.”
    Campus Ministry and Service Learning is an office of the college that describes itself as Catholic and Dominican.
  2. Our Lady Seat of Wisdom Chapel | Aquinas Collegeaquinas.edu/facilities/our-lady-seat-wisdom-chapel.html · verified Oct. 12, 2026
    “is a 250-seat Catholic chapel located at the heart of Aquinas College”
    The campus has a 250-seat Catholic chapel at its center.
    “it serves as the central space for Mass, prayer, worship, and spiritual life for the college community.”
    The chapel is described as the central space for Mass and prayer, and is open for prayer.
    “A 250-seat sanctuary with flexible seating to accommodate larger liturgical celebrations, as well as a dedicated choral space A reconciliation room Meeting and prayer rooms”
    The chapel has a sanctuary, a reconciliation room, and prayer rooms.
    “The Our Lady of Fatima Shrine is a peaceful outdoor devotional space located near the south end of Aquinas College”
    An outdoor Our Lady of Fatima Shrine is on campus.

Reach out

Contact details for Michael Ingram (Director, Campus Ministry) and 1 official social and news channels are available to signed-in users.

Sign in Create a free account

We keep campus ministers’ emails behind sign-in to protect them from spam.

My rating and notes

Sign in or create a free account to rate this school privately, keep notes, and save it to your list.

Academic Excellence

CAcademic Excellence: Mixed (grade C): 55 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.
69 of 100
From federal data, on fixed published scales.

Each measure counts for the share shown.

  • Graduation rate 35% of scoreThis measure counts for 35% of the Academic Excellence score.65%
  • First-year retention 20% of scoreThis measure counts for 20% of the Academic Excellence score.78%
  • Entering students' test scores 15% of scoreThis measure counts for 15% of the Academic Excellence score.SAT 1,025 · ACT 23
  • Student-to-faculty ratio 15% of scoreThis measure counts for 15% of the Academic Excellence score.10 to 1
  • Instructional spending per student 15% of scoreThis measure counts for 15% of the Academic Excellence score.$8,672

Bars show points on each measure’s scale. How Academic Excellence is computed.

Source: College Scorecard (College Scorecard, most recent cohorts (data release 06/10/2026))

Cost and value

Federal data, shown separately. Cost, debt, and earnings are never part of any grade.

Value and outcomes
Undergraduate students
Fall enrollment (IPEDS)
1,209
Total students1,295
Average net price (per year)
After grants and scholarships, for students receiving federal aid
$16,626
Cost of attendance (per year)$51,652
Median federal debt at graduation$23,000
Graduation rate
First-time, full-time students finishing within 150% of normal time
65%
First-year retention78%
Median earnings 10 years after entry$49,584
Admission rate90%
Students receiving Pell grants24%
Admission test scores (middle 50% of admitted students who submitted scores)
Average SAT1025
SAT reading & writing470–590
SAT math440–550
ACT composite20–26
Test policyConsidered but not required

Value index: 58 / 100 (how it’s computed)

Sources: College Scorecard · IPEDS College Navigator · Net price calculator
College Scorecard, most recent cohorts (data release 06/10/2026); IPEDS 2024-25 directory and institutional characteristics; fall 2023 enrollment.

Local Church

Diocese of Grand Rapids

The Most Reverend David J. Walkowiak, Bishop of Grand Rapids

Formal address: “Your Excellency”

Cathedral: Cathedral of Saint Andrew

Source: grdiocese.org, verified Oct. 7, 2026.

Diocese determined from the county, using the diocese’s county list (Wikipedia). Confirm with the diocese.

About this school’s data

Questions families ask

Is Aquinas College a Catholic college?
Yes. Aquinas College is a Catholic college in the Diocese of Grand Rapids. Its sponsor is Dominican Sisters of Grand Rapids.
What is Aquinas College’s Compass Score?
69 out of 100 (grade C). It combines faith (75%) and academics (25%), each rated from official sources.
Where is Mass celebrated at Aquinas College?
Mass is listed at Our Lady Seat of Wisdom Chapel. Days and times are on this page; please confirm with the parish or campus ministry before you go.

Reviews

Personal experiences from signed-in readers. Reviews are moderated automatically and never change a school’s grades.

No reviews yet.

Sign in to write a review.

More in Michigan · Michigan rankings