The Aquinas College Assurance Program provides eligible first-year students from low-income families with full tuition, including mandatory fees. Starting in January 2026, Aquinas will expand this program to include transfer students.
Additionally, and in an effort to become the most transfer-friendly college in West Michigan, Aquinas will also increase the number of completed credits eligible for transfer from a community college up to 90. Additionally, an unlimited number may be transferred from a 4-year institution. With AQ’s Bachelor's Degree graduation requirement of 120 credits, that means students will have as few as 30 credits to complete at Aquinas College, depending on the degree path selected.
For many transfer students, the dream of finishing their degree can feel just out of reach because of financial strain. Expanding the Aquinas Assurance to include them sends a powerful message: it’s never too late to belong here, and money should not stand in the way of your future. These students often carry stories of perseverance—juggling jobs, caring for family, or overcoming obstacles just to stay in school. By opening this door, Aquinas is offering the chance to finally see their hard work pay off, to cross the finish line, and to step into the future they’ve been working toward all along.
“Aquinas College is committed to making a high-quality education affordable for all,” said Brian Matzke, Vice President of Enrollment Management. “Our vision for education focuses on the development of the whole person, and to do that, we must attend to their needs. The Aquinas Assurance reduces students’ financial anxiety, allowing them to turn their full focus to their studies and discover their purpose. It’s another step towards ensuring their success.”
Last year, Aquinas College had over 70 new students enrolled under the assurance program, and they will continue to get their tuition covered even if tuition increases during their time at Aquinas. Expanding the assurance will allow even more students to benefit from a wonderful Aquinas College experience and education.
To receive the Aquinas Assurance, students still must meet the following criteria:
- Be accepted to Aquinas College for the spring or fall term of 2026
- Eligible for the maximum Federal Pell grant
- Eligible for the full Michigan Achievement Scholarship
- Eligible for the full Michigan Tuition Grant
- Retain full-time student status
- Be a Michigan resident
- Graduate from high school in the spring of 2024, 2025, or 2026
It is also still strongly recommended that all students file their FAFSA by March 1, as funds may be limited for this program.
The Financial Aid Office is available to assist any student in assessing their eligibility for the Aquinas Assurance. For students who do not qualify for this specific program, there are plenty of additional scholarships, grants, and loans to which the Financial Aid Office can help them apply. Dedicated financial aid counselors can help students find the right aid opportunities.