Calvin University vs. Ohio State

Comparable Facts

Compare Calvin University in Grand Rapids, MI with Ohio State University Main Campus in Columbus, OH on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Ohio State University Main Campus is larger than Calvin University based on total student enrollment (61,443 students vs. 3,681 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Calvin University is located in Grand Rapids, MI (Midsize City setting); Ohio State University Main Campus is in Columbus, OH (Large City setting).
• Calvin University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Ohio State University Main Campus is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Calvin University 13:1; Ohio State University Main Campus 16:1.

Calvin University vs. Ohio State Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Calvin University or Ohio 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 Ohio State University Main Campus than Calvin University ($19,783 vs. $25,231).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Calvin University are 17.8% lower than at Ohio State University Main Campus ($12,120 vs. $14,738).
• Calvin University is 197.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Ohio State (about $26,106 more per year; $39,350.00 vs. $13,244.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 1.7% higher at Ohio State than at Calvin University (about $672 more per year; $40,022.00 vs. $39,350.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Calvin University than at Ohio State University Main Campus (100% vs. 70%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Calvin University students is 121.5% larger than aid received by Ohio State University Main Campus students ($29,123 vs. $13,151).

Calvin University vs. Ohio State Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Ohio State University Main Campus (1400) is 190 points higher than at Calvin University (1210).
• Incoming Ohio State students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (30 vs. 27 at Calvin University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Calvin University 1083/1330; Ohio State University Main Campus 1310/1480.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Calvin University 24/30; Ohio State University Main Campus 28/32.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Calvin University - Test optional; Ohio State - Required.
• Typical fall application deadline: Ohio State Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Calvin University students have a 0.08 point higher average high school GPA (3.84) than students at Ohio State (3.76).
• Calvin University has a higher acceptance rate (70.9%) than Ohio State (60.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 21.4% at Calvin University vs. 21.8% at Ohio State.

Calvin University vs. Ohio State Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Calvin University and Ohio 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).

• Ohio State University Main Campus's six-year graduation rate (80%) is higher than Calvin University's (77%).
• Graduates from Ohio State University Main Campus earn a median of about $3,600 more per year than Calvin University graduates about ten years after starting college ($50,600 vs. $47,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Ohio State University Main Campus graduates have a $4,949 lower median loan debt than Calvin University graduates ($21,500 vs. $26,449).
• Among borrowers, Ohio State graduates have an estimated $51 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Calvin University graduates ($222 vs. $273).
• More Calvin University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Ohio State students, three years after graduation. (81% vs. 63%)

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.