Butler vs. Calvin University

Comparable Facts

Compare Butler University in Indianapolis, IN with Calvin University in Grand Rapids, MI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Butler University is larger than Calvin University based on total student enrollment (5,746 students vs. 3,681 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Butler University is located in Indianapolis, IN (Large City setting); Calvin University is in Grand Rapids, MI (Midsize City setting).
• Butler University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Calvin University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Butler University 11:1; Calvin University 13:1.

Butler vs. Calvin University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Butler or Calvin University? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Calvin University than Butler ($25,231 vs. $38,438).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Calvin University are 26.2% lower than at Butler University ($12,120 vs. $16,430).
• Butler University is 20.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Calvin University (about $8,210 more per year; $47,560.00 vs. $39,350.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 20.9% higher at Butler than at Calvin University (about $8,210 more per year; $47,560.00 vs. $39,350.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Calvin University than at Butler University (100% vs. 97%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Calvin University students is 4.8% larger than aid received by Butler University students ($29,123 vs. $27,790).

Butler vs. Calvin University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Butler or Calvin University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Calvin University and Butler.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Butler University (1260) is 50 points higher than at Calvin University (1210).
• Incoming Butler students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (28 vs. 27 at Calvin University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Butler University 1160/1350; Calvin University 1083/1330.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Butler University 26/31; Calvin University 24/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Butler - Test optional; Calvin University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Butler Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Butler students have a 0.08 point higher average high school GPA (3.92) than students at Calvin University (3.84).
• Butler has a higher acceptance rate (85.1%) than Calvin University (70.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.9% at Butler vs. 21.4% at Calvin University.

Butler vs. Calvin University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Butler and Calvin University? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Calvin University's six-year graduation rate (77%) is higher than Butler University's (72%).
• Graduates from Butler University earn a median of about $21,400 more per year than Calvin University graduates about ten years after starting college ($68,400 vs. $47,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Calvin University graduates have a $551 lower median loan debt than Butler graduates ($26,449 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Calvin University graduates have an estimated $6 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Butler graduates ($273 vs. $279).
• More Butler graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Calvin University students, three years after graduation. (84% vs. 81%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.