Calvin University vs. Lake Superior State University

Comparable Facts

Compare Calvin University in Grand Rapids, MI with Lake Superior State University in Sault Ste Marie, MI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Calvin University is larger than Lake Superior State University based on total student enrollment (3,681 students vs. 1,567 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Calvin University is located in Grand Rapids, MI (Midsize City setting); Lake Superior State University is in Sault Ste Marie, MI (Remote Town setting).
• Calvin University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Lake Superior State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Calvin University 13:1; Lake Superior State University 13:1.

Calvin University vs. Lake Superior State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Calvin University or Lake Superior State University? 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 Lake Superior State University than Calvin University ($12,339 vs. $25,231).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Lake Superior State University are 5.5% lower than at Calvin University ($11,459 vs. $12,120).
• Calvin University is 164.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Lake Superior State University (about $24,460 more per year; $39,350.00 vs. $14,890.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 164.3% higher at Calvin University than at Lake Superior State University (about $24,460 more per year; $39,350.00 vs. $14,890.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Calvin University than at Lake Superior State University (100% vs. 91%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Calvin University students is 99% larger than aid received by Lake Superior State University students ($29,123 vs. $14,632).

Calvin University vs. Lake Superior State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Calvin University or Lake Superior State University? 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 Lake Superior State University and Calvin University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Calvin University (1210) is 100 points higher than at Lake Superior State University (1110).
• Incoming Calvin University students have a 5 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (27 vs. 22 at Lake Superior State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Calvin University 1083/1330; Lake Superior State University 1000/1225.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Calvin University 24/30; Lake Superior State University 19/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Calvin University - Test optional; Lake Superior State University - Not reported.
• Accepted freshman Calvin University students have a 0.64 point higher average high school GPA (3.84) than students at Lake Superior State University (3.2).

Calvin University vs. Lake Superior State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Calvin University and Lake Superior State University? 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 Lake Superior State University's (35%).
• Graduates from Calvin University earn a median of about $6,700 more per year than Lake Superior State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,000 vs. $40,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Lake Superior State University graduates have a $3,199 lower median loan debt than Calvin University graduates ($23,250 vs. $26,449).
• Among borrowers, Lake Superior State University graduates have an estimated $33 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Calvin University graduates ($240 vs. $273).
• More Calvin University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Lake Superior State University students, three years after graduation. (81% vs. 57%)

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.