Tuition Benefits at Aquinas College

Aquinas College continues to partner with the Diocese of Grand Rapids and the Diocese of Kalamazoo to offer those associated with either Diocese extraordinary reductions off normal tuition rates. 

There are three ways adults approximately 23 and over who are associated with either Diocese can access a 50% tuition reduction. 

For Diocesan employees and those working within the parishes and schools.  

• It provides eligible part-time and full-time employees with a 50% tuition scholarship for any number of classes at the undergraduate or graduate level.
• It can be used by both degree and non-degree seeking students in any field.
• Once received, it can be used for up to seven years or until graduation, whichever occurs sooner.
• In the last number of years, over 40 employees received over $101,000.00 in tuition assistance through this scholarship program.
• Further information and applications for those working in the schools are available in the Superintendent’s Office. Those who work in parishes and Diocesan employees should email Donnelly@joe-yan.net.

The Certificate in Theological Studies

• The six courses in the Certificate in Theological Studies are offered at a 50% reduced-rate for all who participate.
• The Certificate was designed over 25 years ago at the request of the Diocese and is for lay people engaged in ministry and those who want to further their theological education and deepen their understanding of the Faith.
• Completion of the six required courses meets the theological credit
•  requirements for Master Catechist certification by the Diocese of Grand Rapids.
• Click through to learn more about the Theology program and apply

Diocesan Parish Volunteer Program

• Parish volunteers may apply to receive a 50% tuition scholarship to take Theology courses.
• This program encourages parish volunteers to continue to grow in their faith and share their education with fellow parishioners.
• Information is available by calling 616-632-2871.

The Veterans Administration administers certain basic programs for eligible veterans, service persons, reservists, and dependents of veterans seeking assistance for education.  

Before an Enrollment Certification will be submitted to the V.A., the veteran-student must provide a Certificate of Eligibility and sign a statement of Veteran Recipient Responsibilities. 

This statement must be signed each registration period and retained in the veteran's file.

Students receiving V.A. benefits are required to maintain satisfactory progress toward degree completion and abide by all rules and regulations as outlined in the Aquinas College Student Conduct Code. 

Students may obtain further information from the Veterans Administration Office nearest their home or from the Veterans Certifying Official in the Financial Aid Office in Hruby Hall. 

Michigan Rehabilitation Services (MRS) is an agency of the Michigan Department of Career Development designed to provide rehabilitative services to vocationally handicapped or impaired individuals.

Any person with an impairment such as an amputation, a cardiac condition, speech problems, deafness, blindness, orthopedic involvements, or epilepsy may be considered for assistance through MRS.

All services provided are individually planned to meet the established need and could include, for example: tuition, fees, books, prosthetic devices, maintenance, or other services that would be required for the completion of a rehabilitative program.

A student who feels that vocational rehabilitation services are needed should contact the office of Michigan Rehabilitation Services in the student’s home area.