Calvin University vs. Kalamazoo College

Comparable Facts

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

Calvin University is larger than Kalamazoo College based on total student enrollment (3,681 students vs. 1,166 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Calvin University is located in Grand Rapids, MI (Midsize City setting); Kalamazoo College is in Kalamazoo, MI (Small City setting).
• Calvin University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Kalamazoo College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Calvin University 13:1; Kalamazoo College 10:1.

Calvin University vs. Kalamazoo College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Calvin University or Kalamazoo 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 Kalamazoo College ($25,231 vs. $26,956).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Calvin University are 3.4% lower than at Kalamazoo College ($12,120 vs. $12,549).
• Kalamazoo College is 55.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Calvin University (about $21,700 more per year; $61,050.00 vs. $39,350.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 55.1% higher at Kalamazoo College than at Calvin University (about $21,700 more per year; $61,050.00 vs. $39,350.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Calvin University than at Kalamazoo College (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Kalamazoo College students is 62.2% larger than aid received by Calvin University students ($47,252 vs. $29,123).

Calvin University vs. Kalamazoo College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Kalamazoo College (1280) is 70 points higher than at Calvin University (1210).
• Incoming Calvin University students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (27 vs. 24 at Kalamazoo College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Calvin University 1083/1330; Kalamazoo College 1170/1380.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Calvin University 24/30; Kalamazoo College 20/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Calvin University - Test optional; Kalamazoo College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Kalamazoo College Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Calvin University students have a 0.11 point higher average high school GPA (3.84) than students at Kalamazoo College (3.73).
• Kalamazoo College has a higher acceptance rate (75.3%) than Calvin University (70.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 21.4% at Calvin University vs. 11.7% at Kalamazoo College.

Calvin University vs. Kalamazoo College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Calvin University and Kalamazoo 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).

• Kalamazoo College's six-year graduation rate (80%) is higher than Calvin University's (77%).
• Graduates from Kalamazoo College earn a median of about $7,400 more per year than Calvin University graduates about ten years after starting college ($54,400 vs. $47,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Calvin University graduates have a $1 lower median loan debt than Kalamazoo College graduates ($26,449 vs. $26,450).
• Among borrowers in the federal data, Kalamazoo College and Calvin University graduates have the same median monthly federal student loan payment ($273 vs. $273).
• More Calvin University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Kalamazoo College students, three years after graduation. (81% 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.