Calvin University vs. Jefferson

Comparable Facts

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

Thomas Jefferson University is larger than Calvin University based on total student enrollment (8,238 students vs. 3,681 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Calvin University vs. Jefferson Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Calvin University or Jefferson? 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 Jefferson ($25,231 vs. $29,325).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Calvin University are 23.5% lower than at Thomas Jefferson University ($12,120 vs. $15,834).
• Thomas Jefferson University is 20.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Calvin University (about $8,155 more per year; $47,505.00 vs. $39,350.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 20.7% higher at Jefferson than at Calvin University (about $8,155 more per year; $47,505.00 vs. $39,350.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Calvin University as at Thomas Jefferson University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Thomas Jefferson University students is 20.2% larger than aid received by Calvin University students ($35,007 vs. $29,123).

Calvin University vs. Jefferson Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Thomas Jefferson University (1250) is 40 points higher than at Calvin University (1210).
• Incoming Calvin University students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 27) as students at Jefferson (27).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Calvin University 1083/1330; Thomas Jefferson University 1160/1330.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Calvin University 24/30; Thomas Jefferson University 25/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Calvin University - Test optional; Jefferson - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Jefferson Jul 31, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Calvin University students have a 0.11 point higher average high school GPA (3.84) than students at Jefferson (3.73).
• Jefferson has a higher acceptance rate (81%) than Calvin University (70.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 21.4% at Calvin University vs. 12.1% at Jefferson.

Calvin University vs. Jefferson Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Calvin University and Jefferson? 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).

• Graduates from Thomas Jefferson University earn a median of about $75,900 more per year than Calvin University graduates about ten years after starting college ($122,900 vs. $47,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Thomas Jefferson University graduates have a $13,949 lower median loan debt than Calvin University graduates ($12,500 vs. $26,449).
• Among borrowers, Jefferson graduates have an estimated $144 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Calvin University graduates ($129 vs. $273).
• More Jefferson graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Calvin University students, three years after graduation. (86% 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.