Calvin University vs. CMU

Comparable Facts

Compare Calvin University in Grand Rapids, MI with Central Michigan University in Mount Pleasant, MI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Central Michigan University is larger than Calvin University based on total student enrollment (14,488 students vs. 3,681 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Calvin University is located in Grand Rapids, MI (Midsize City setting); Central Michigan University is in Mount Pleasant, MI (Distant Town setting).
• Calvin University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Central Michigan University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Calvin University 13:1; Central Michigan University 16:1.

Calvin University vs. CMU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Calvin University or CMU? 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 Central Michigan University than Calvin University ($17,575 vs. $25,231).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Calvin University are 3.5% lower than at Central Michigan University ($12,120 vs. $12,564).
• Calvin University is 166.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than CMU (about $24,590 more per year; $39,350.00 vs. $14,760.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 166.6% higher at Calvin University than at Central Michigan University (about $24,590 more per year; $39,350.00 vs. $14,760.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Calvin University than at Central Michigan University (100% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Calvin University students is 123.3% larger than aid received by Central Michigan University students ($29,123 vs. $13,042).

Calvin University vs. CMU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Calvin University or CMU? 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 CMU and Calvin University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Calvin University (1210) is 130 points higher than at CMU (1080).
• Incoming Calvin University students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (27 vs. 24 at CMU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Calvin University 1083/1330; Central Michigan University 960/1200.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Calvin University 24/30; Central Michigan University 21/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Calvin University - Test optional; CMU - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Calvin University students have a 0.37 point higher average high school GPA (3.84) than students at CMU (3.47).
• CMU has a higher acceptance rate (89.8%) than Calvin University (70.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 21.4% at Calvin University vs. 11.3% at CMU.

Calvin University vs. CMU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Calvin University and CMU? 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 Central Michigan University's (54%).
• Graduates from Calvin University earn a median of about $2,500 more per year than CMU graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,000 vs. $44,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Calvin University graduates have a $551 lower median loan debt than CMU graduates ($26,449 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Calvin University graduates have an estimated $6 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than CMU graduates ($273 vs. $279).
• More Calvin University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former CMU students, three years after graduation. (81% vs. 54%)

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.