Calvin University vs. Saginaw Valley State University

Comparable Facts

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

Saginaw Valley State University is larger than Calvin University based on total student enrollment (6,822 students vs. 3,681 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Calvin University is located in Grand Rapids, MI (Midsize City setting); Saginaw Valley State University is in University Center, MI (Rural Fringe setting).
• Calvin University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Saginaw Valley State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Calvin University 13:1; Saginaw Valley State University 16:1.

Calvin University vs. Saginaw Valley State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Calvin University or Saginaw Valley 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 Saginaw Valley State University than Calvin University ($11,546 vs. $25,231).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Calvin University are 1.8% lower than at Saginaw Valley State University ($12,120 vs. $12,340).
• Calvin University is 204.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Saginaw Valley State University (about $26,420 more per year; $39,350.00 vs. $12,930.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 29.2% higher at Calvin University than at Saginaw Valley State University (about $8,900 more per year; $39,350.00 vs. $30,450.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Calvin University than at Saginaw Valley State University (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Calvin University students is 115.5% larger than aid received by Saginaw Valley State University students ($29,123 vs. $13,512).

Calvin University vs. Saginaw Valley State University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Calvin University (1210) is 160 points higher than at Saginaw Valley State University (1050).
• Incoming Calvin University students have a 5 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (27 vs. 22 at Saginaw Valley State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Calvin University 1083/1330; Saginaw Valley State University 920/1170.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Calvin University 24/30; Saginaw Valley State University 18/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Calvin University - Test optional; Saginaw Valley State University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Calvin University students have a 0.36 point higher average high school GPA (3.84) than students at Saginaw Valley State University (3.48).
• Saginaw Valley State University has a higher acceptance rate (72.1%) than Calvin University (70.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 21.4% at Calvin University vs. 16% at Saginaw Valley State University.

Calvin University vs. Saginaw Valley State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Calvin University and Saginaw Valley 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 Saginaw Valley State University's (39%).
• Graduates from Calvin University earn a median of about $6,000 more per year than Saginaw Valley State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,000 vs. $41,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Calvin University graduates have a $551 lower median loan debt than Saginaw Valley State University graduates ($26,449 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Calvin University graduates have an estimated $6 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Saginaw Valley State University graduates ($273 vs. $279).
• More Calvin University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Saginaw Valley State University students, three years after graduation. (81% vs. 48%)

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.