Calvin University vs. Denison

Comparable Facts

Compare Calvin University in Grand Rapids, MI with Denison University in Granville, OH on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Calvin University is larger than Denison based on total student enrollment (3,681 students vs. 2,394 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Calvin University is located in Grand Rapids, MI (Midsize City setting); Denison University is in Granville, OH (Rural Fringe setting).
• Calvin University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Denison University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Calvin University 13:1; Denison University 9:1.

Calvin University vs. Denison Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Calvin University or Denison? 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 Denison ($25,231 vs. $43,721).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Calvin University are 26.1% lower than at Denison University ($12,120 vs. $16,400).
• Denison University is 70.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Calvin University (about $27,650 more per year; $67,000.00 vs. $39,350.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 70.3% higher at Denison than at Calvin University (about $27,650 more per year; $67,000.00 vs. $39,350.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Calvin University than at Denison University (100% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Denison University students is 31.1% larger than aid received by Calvin University students ($38,179 vs. $29,123).

Calvin University vs. Denison Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Denison University (1410) is 200 points higher than at Calvin University (1210).
• Incoming Denison students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (31 vs. 27 at Calvin University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Calvin University 1083/1330; Denison University 1320/1490.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Calvin University 24/30; Denison University 30/33.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Calvin University - Test optional; Denison - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Denison Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Calvin University students have a 0.08 point higher average high school GPA (3.84) than students at Denison (3.76).
• Calvin University has a higher acceptance rate (70.9%) than Denison (17.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 21.4% at Calvin University vs. 23.8% at Denison.

Calvin University vs. Denison Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Calvin University and Denison? 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).

• Denison University's six-year graduation rate (79%) is higher than Calvin University's (77%).
• Graduates from Denison University earn a median of about $9,100 more per year than Calvin University graduates about ten years after starting college ($56,100 vs. $47,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Denison University graduates have a $449 lower median loan debt than Calvin University graduates ($26,000 vs. $26,449).
• Among borrowers, Denison graduates have an estimated $5 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Calvin University graduates ($268 vs. $273).
• More Denison graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Calvin University students, three years after graduation. (83% 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.