Calvin University vs. Hope College

Comparable Facts

Compare Calvin University in Grand Rapids, MI with Hope College in Holland, MI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Calvin University is larger than Hope College based on total student enrollment (3,681 students vs. 3,395 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Calvin University is located in Grand Rapids, MI (Midsize City setting); Hope College is in Holland, MI (Small City setting).
• Calvin University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Hope College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Calvin University 13:1; Hope College 9:1.

Calvin University vs. Hope College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Calvin University or Hope College? 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 Hope College ($25,231 vs. $30,700).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Calvin University are 6.4% lower than at Hope College ($12,120 vs. $12,950).
• Hope College is 6.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Calvin University (about $2,620 more per year; $41,970.00 vs. $39,350.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 6.7% higher at Hope College than at Calvin University (about $2,620 more per year; $41,970.00 vs. $39,350.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Calvin University than at Hope College (100% vs. 97%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Calvin University students is 16.7% larger than aid received by Hope College students ($29,123 vs. $24,945).

Calvin University vs. Hope College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Hope College (1220) is 10 points higher than at Calvin University (1210).
• Incoming Hope College 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: Calvin University 1083/1330; Hope College 1100/1340.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Calvin University 24/30; Hope College 25/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Calvin University - Test optional; Hope College - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Calvin University students have a 0.01 point higher average high school GPA (3.84) than students at Hope College (3.83).
• Hope College has a higher acceptance rate (79.2%) than Calvin University (70.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 21.4% at Calvin University vs. 20.1% at Hope College.

Calvin University vs. Hope College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Calvin University and Hope College? 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).

• Hope College's six-year graduation rate (79%) is higher than Calvin University's (77%).
• Graduates from Hope College earn a median of about $500 more per year than Calvin University graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,500 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 Hope College graduates ($26,449 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Calvin University graduates have an estimated $6 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Hope College graduates ($273 vs. $279).
• More Hope College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Calvin University students, three years after graduation. (82% 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.