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Explore Our Accolades and Outcomes!

 

ÂÌñÒùÆÞ is regularly recognized on the national stage for its strong academic programs, athletics, sustainability achievements, service efforts, and the success of Aquinas students.

 

Student Success

 

Badge for Best Colleges for Social MobilityU.S. News and World Report recognized ÂÌñÒùÆÞ in the 2025 Best Colleges list as a and 
(5th year in a row!)

Veterans Friendly School from Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency
ÂÌñÒùÆÞ was named a 2024-25 Veteran-Friendly School by the .

 

College of DistinctionMichigan College of DistinctionCatholic College of DistinctionEducation College of DistinctionCareer Development College of DistinctionEquity & Inclusion College of DistinctionMilitary Support College of Distinction

ÂÌñÒùÆÞ earned seven 2024-2025 recognitions. 

 

  • 95% of 2023 Aquinas graduates are either employed or in graduate schools within six months of graduation
  • 100% of graduates in nursing (Aquinas/University of Detroit Mercy Nursing Program at ÂÌñÒùÆÞ) are employed within six months of graduation
  • 95% pass rate for recent nursing graduates (Aquinas/Detroit Mercy nursing program) NCLEX (National Council Licensure Examination)
  • Medical school acceptance rate is 20% higher than the national average.
  • 92.4% of Aquinas education students pass the Michigan Test for Teacher Certification
  • 90% acceptance rate for physician assistant, physical therapy and dental programs
  • Aquinas internship partners include Amway, Disney, Steelcase, Spectrum Health, Grand Rapids Art Museum, Van Andel Research Institute, the Detroit Tigers, and many more
  • Accelerated Master and Early Assurance Agreements with state colleges in Michigan

 

Athletics

  • NAIA 2017 Five-Star Champion of Character Institution 
  • 11-time winner of the WHAC (Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference) All-Sports Award
  • More than 250 NAIA All-Americans
  • More than 375 Academic All-Americans

 

Sustainability

  • ÂÌñÒùÆÞ consistently places among the leaders in the annual competition. In 2023, we placed 7th nationally and 1st in the State for the Diversion Category. Also, 2nd nationally in the smaller campus division of the "Food Organics" category.
  • The Princeton Review's (11th year)
  • Sierra Club (9th year)
  • designation from Arbor Day Foundation
  • Top performer in the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education
  • from the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education 2019
  • award in 2020 from the League of American Bicyclists
  • West Michigan Sustainable Business Forum 2016 Sustainable Business of the Year
  • Professional Grounds Management Society Green Star Award

First school in the nation to offer an undergraduate program in sustainable business.

Aquinas signed the St. Francis Pledge for Sustainability with the Catholic Climate Covenant to continue caring for our planet in a way that aligns with our Catholic and Dominican views.

Service and Community

  • Multiple Michigan Campus Compact Awards, including the Faculty Service Learning award, the Commitment to Service award, and the Heart and Soul award. 
  • President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll