Calvin University vs. SAU

Comparable Facts

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

Calvin University is larger than SAU based on total student enrollment (3,681 students vs. 2,441 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Calvin University vs. SAU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Calvin University or SAU? 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 Spring Arbor University than Calvin University ($21,067 vs. $25,231).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Spring Arbor University are 5.6% lower than at Calvin University ($11,440 vs. $12,120).
• Calvin University is 15.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than SAU (about $5,336 more per year; $39,350.00 vs. $34,014.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 15.7% higher at Calvin University than at Spring Arbor University (about $5,336 more per year; $39,350.00 vs. $34,014.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Calvin University as at Spring Arbor University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Calvin University students is 22% larger than aid received by Spring Arbor University students ($29,123 vs. $23,877).

Calvin University vs. SAU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Calvin University (1210) is 80 points higher than at SAU (1130).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Calvin University 1083/1330; Spring Arbor University 1010/1240.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Calvin University 24/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Calvin University - Test optional; SAU - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Calvin University students have a 0.23 point higher average high school GPA (3.84) than students at SAU (3.61).
• Calvin University has a higher acceptance rate (70.9%) than SAU (51.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 21.4% at Calvin University vs. 16.5% at SAU.

Calvin University vs. SAU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Calvin University and SAU? 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 Spring Arbor University's (56%).
• Graduates from Calvin University earn a median of about $4,400 more per year than SAU graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,000 vs. $42,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Spring Arbor University graduates have a $2,406 lower median loan debt than Calvin University graduates ($24,043 vs. $26,449).
• Among borrowers, SAU graduates have an estimated $25 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Calvin University graduates ($248 vs. $273).
• More Calvin University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former SAU students, three years after graduation. (81% vs. 58%)

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.