Calvin University vs. Messiah University

Comparable Facts

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

Calvin University is larger than Messiah University based on total student enrollment (3,681 students vs. 3,373 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Calvin University is located in Grand Rapids, MI (Midsize City setting); Messiah University is in Mechanicsburg, PA (Large Suburban setting).
• Calvin University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Messiah University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Calvin University 13:1; Messiah University 12:1.

Calvin University vs. Messiah University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Calvin University or Messiah 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 Calvin University than Messiah University ($25,231 vs. $29,408).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Calvin University are 7.5% lower than at Messiah University ($12,120 vs. $13,098).
• Messiah University is 7.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Calvin University (about $2,890 more per year; $42,240.00 vs. $39,350.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 7.3% higher at Messiah University than at Calvin University (about $2,890 more per year; $42,240.00 vs. $39,350.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Calvin University as at Messiah University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Calvin University students is 9.6% larger than aid received by Messiah University students ($29,123 vs. $26,576).

Calvin University vs. Messiah University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Messiah University (1230) is 20 points higher than at Calvin University (1210).
• Incoming Messiah University 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; Messiah University 1110/1350.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Calvin University 24/30; Messiah University 26/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Calvin University - Test optional; Messiah University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Calvin University students have a 0.04 point higher average high school GPA (3.84) than students at Messiah University (3.8).
• Messiah University has a higher acceptance rate (79%) than Calvin University (70.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 21.4% at Calvin University vs. 29.1% at Messiah University.

Calvin University vs. Messiah University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Calvin University and Messiah 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 Messiah University's (74%).
• Graduates from Messiah University earn a median of about $1,600 more per year than Calvin University graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,600 vs. $47,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Messiah University graduates have a $460 lower median loan debt than Calvin University graduates ($25,989 vs. $26,449).
• Among borrowers, Messiah University graduates have an estimated $5 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Calvin University graduates ($268 vs. $273).
• More Messiah University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Calvin University students, three years after graduation. (85% 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.