Calvin University vs. Michigan State

Comparable Facts

Compare Calvin University in Grand Rapids, MI with Michigan State University in East Lansing, MI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Michigan State University is larger than Calvin University based on total student enrollment (52,089 students vs. 3,681 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Calvin University is located in Grand Rapids, MI (Midsize City setting); Michigan State University is in East Lansing, MI (Rural Fringe setting).
• Calvin University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Michigan State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Calvin University 13:1; Michigan State University 17:1.

Calvin University vs. Michigan State Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Calvin University or Michigan State? 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 Michigan State University than Calvin University ($23,657 vs. $25,231).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Calvin University are 3.5% lower than at Michigan State University ($12,120 vs. $12,564).
• Calvin University is 139.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Michigan State (about $22,892 more per year; $39,350.00 vs. $16,458.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 11.4% higher at Michigan State than at Calvin University (about $4,492 more per year; $43,842.00 vs. $39,350.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Calvin University than at Michigan State University (100% vs. 88%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Calvin University students is 198.7% larger than aid received by Michigan State University students ($29,123 vs. $9,750).

Calvin University vs. Michigan State Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Michigan State University (1270) is 60 points higher than at Calvin University (1210).
• Incoming Michigan State 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; Michigan State University 1180/1360.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Calvin University 24/30; Michigan State University 25/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Calvin University - Test optional; Michigan State - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Calvin University students have a 0.12 point higher average high school GPA (3.84) than students at Michigan State (3.72).
• Michigan State has a higher acceptance rate (84.8%) than Calvin University (70.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 21.4% at Calvin University vs. 18.3% at Michigan State.

Calvin University vs. Michigan State Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Calvin University and Michigan State? 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 Michigan State University (77% vs. 77%).
• Graduates from Michigan State University earn a median of about $13,000 more per year than Calvin University graduates about ten years after starting college ($60,000 vs. $47,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Michigan State University graduates have a $965 lower median loan debt than Calvin University graduates ($25,484 vs. $26,449).
• Among borrowers, Michigan State graduates have an estimated $10 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Calvin University graduates ($263 vs. $273).
• More Calvin University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Michigan State students, three years after graduation. (81% vs. 68%)

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.