Calvin University vs. Lawrence

Comparable Facts

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

Calvin University is larger than Lawrence based on total student enrollment (3,681 students vs. 1,417 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Calvin University is located in Grand Rapids, MI (Midsize City setting); Lawrence University is in Appleton, WI (Small City setting).
• Calvin University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Lawrence University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Calvin University 13:1; Lawrence University 7:1.

Calvin University vs. Lawrence Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Calvin University or Lawrence? 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 Lawrence ($25,231 vs. $27,161).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Calvin University are 0.4% lower than at Lawrence University ($12,120 vs. $12,165).
• Lawrence University is 44.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Calvin University (about $17,632 more per year; $56,982.00 vs. $39,350.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 44.8% higher at Lawrence than at Calvin University (about $17,632 more per year; $56,982.00 vs. $39,350.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Calvin University as at Lawrence University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Lawrence University students is 46.6% larger than aid received by Calvin University students ($42,688 vs. $29,123).

Calvin University vs. Lawrence Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Lawrence University (1310) is 100 points higher than at Calvin University (1210).
• Incoming Calvin University students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 27) as students at Lawrence (27).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Calvin University 1083/1330; Lawrence University 1200/1420.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Calvin University 24/30; Lawrence University 24/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Calvin University - Test optional; Lawrence - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Lawrence Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Calvin University students have a 0.32 point higher average high school GPA (3.84) than students at Lawrence (3.52).
• Calvin University has a higher acceptance rate (70.9%) than Lawrence (63.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 21.4% at Calvin University vs. 16.8% at Lawrence.

Calvin University vs. Lawrence Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• The graduation rate at Calvin University is the same as at Lawrence University (77% vs. 77%).
• Graduates from Calvin University earn a median of about $1,400 more per year than Lawrence graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,000 vs. $45,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Calvin University graduates have a $901 lower median loan debt than Lawrence graduates ($26,449 vs. $27,350).
• Among borrowers, Calvin University graduates have an estimated $9 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Lawrence graduates ($273 vs. $282).
• More Calvin University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Lawrence students, three years after graduation. (81% vs. 76%)

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.