Calvin University vs. GVSU

Comparable Facts

Compare Calvin University in Grand Rapids, MI with Grand Valley State University in Allendale, MI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Grand Valley State University is larger than Calvin University based on total student enrollment (22,011 students vs. 3,681 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Calvin University is located in Grand Rapids, MI (Midsize City setting); Grand Valley State University is in Allendale, MI (Large Suburban setting).
• Calvin University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Grand Valley State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Calvin University 13:1; Grand Valley State University 15:1.

Calvin University vs. GVSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Calvin University or GVSU? 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 Grand Valley State University than Calvin University ($17,198 vs. $25,231).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Grand Valley State University are 4.7% lower than at Calvin University ($11,550 vs. $12,120).
• Calvin University is 159.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than GVSU (about $24,210 more per year; $39,350.00 vs. $15,140.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 82.6% higher at Calvin University than at Grand Valley State University (about $17,802 more per year; $39,350.00 vs. $21,548.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Calvin University than at Grand Valley State University (100% vs. 90%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Calvin University students is 160.3% larger than aid received by Grand Valley State University students ($29,123 vs. $11,188).

Calvin University vs. GVSU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Calvin University (1210) is 140 points higher than at GVSU (1070).
• Incoming Calvin University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (27 vs. 26 at GVSU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Calvin University 1083/1330; Grand Valley State University 940/1190.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Calvin University 24/30; Grand Valley State University 22/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Calvin University - Test optional; GVSU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: GVSU May 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Calvin University students have a 0.19 point higher average high school GPA (3.84) than students at GVSU (3.65).
• GVSU has a higher acceptance rate (83%) than Calvin University (70.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 21.4% at Calvin University vs. 18.6% at GVSU.

Calvin University vs. GVSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Calvin University and GVSU? 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 Grand Valley State University's (63%).
• Graduates from Calvin University earn a median of about $2,400 more per year than GVSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,000 vs. $44,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Grand Valley State University graduates have a $1,449 lower median loan debt than Calvin University graduates ($25,000 vs. $26,449).
• Among borrowers, GVSU graduates have an estimated $15 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Calvin University graduates ($258 vs. $273).
• More Calvin University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former GVSU students, three years after graduation. (81% vs. 62%)

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.