Calvin University vs. Jefferson

Should I go to Calvin University or Thomas Jefferson University? Compare 50+ facts and figures about the colleges to help you determine if Calvin University or Jefferson is the better college for you. The CollegeSimply comparison tool allows side-by-side comparison of 50+ statistics and facts for over 2,500 colleges and universities.

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Calvin University vs. Thomas Jefferson University comparison
Calvin University Thomas Jefferson University College 3 College 4
Calvin University
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Overview

Calvin University Jefferson
Location Grand Rapids, MI Philadelphia, PA
Setting Midsize City Large City
Enrollment 3,231 8,286
Type Private 4 Year Private 4 Year
National Ranking #284
Religious Affiliation Christian Reformed Church - - -
Status Non-profit Non-profit
Website calvin.edu jefferson.edu
Team Colors                    

Costs

Calvin University Jefferson
Tuition (In State) $38,370 $43,100
Tuition (Out of State) $38,370 $43,100
Room & Board $11,150 $14,715
Avg Net Price $25,775 $28,110
Avg Grant Aid $26,448 $32,486
% Receiving Grant Aid 100% 100%

Admission

Calvin University Jefferson
Admission Chances Calculate Calculate
Applied 4,079 5,723
Admitted 3,027 5,085
Acceptance Rate 74.2% 88.9%
Enrolled % 20.4% 14.9%
Avg High School GPA 3.84 3.73
Typical High School Grades A- A-
Admissions Standards Difficult Difficult
Applicant Competition Low
ACT Range 25/30 27/31
SAT Range 1120/1370 1130/1350
Submit Test Scores Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional) Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional)
Application Deadline Jul 31, 2025

Academics

Calvin University Jefferson
Student to Faculty Ratio 12:1 13:1
Popular Majors
  • Business (13%)
  • Education (12%)
  • Health Professions (8%)
  • Social Sciences (8%)
  • Biology (7%)

Outcomes

Calvin University Jefferson
Graduation Rate 77% -
Median Earnings (After 10 years) $47,000 $122,900
Making Student Loan Payments 81% 86%
Median Student Loan Debt $26,449 $12,500
Median Loan Payment $273 $129

Diversity

Calvin University Jefferson
% Men 46% 27%
% Women 54% 73%
Racial Diversity Low Low
HBCU No No
% White 74% 72%
% Black 3% 7%
% Hispanic 4% 1%
% Native American 0% 0%
% Pacific Islander 0% 0%
% Two or More Races 4% 3%
% International 10% 1%
% Unknown Race 2% 7%

Students

Calvin University Jefferson
% In-State 51% 63%
% Out-of-State 33% 35%

Campus

Calvin University Jefferson
Campus Housing Yes Yes
Freshman Dorm Required No
Meal Plan Yes Yes
Weekend/Evening Classes No Yes
Daycare Facility No
Learn More Details Details

Comparable Facts

  • Thomas Jefferson University is larger than than Calvin University based on total student enrollment (8,286 students vs. 3,231 students)

Calvin University vs. Jefferson Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Calvin University or Jefferson?

  • Thomas Jefferson University is 12.3% more expensive to attend than Calvin University for in-state tuition ($43,100.00 vs. $38,370.00)
  • Out of state tuition is 12.3% higher at Jefferson than Calvin University ($43,100.00 vs. $38,370.00)
  • The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Calvin University than Jefferson ($25,775 vs. $28,110)
  • Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Calvin University are 32% lower than costs at Thomas Jefferson University ($11,150 vs. $14,715)
  • The same percent of students receive financial grant aid at Calvin University as Thomas Jefferson University (100% vs. 100%)
  • The average total grant financial aid received by Thomas Jefferson University students is 22.8% larger than aid received Calvin University ($32,486 vs. $26,448)

Calvin University vs. Jefferson Admissions Difficulty Comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Calvin University or Jefferson? Average SAT and ACT scores plus acceptance rates offer good insight into the difficulty of admission between Jefferson or Calvin University .

  • 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 (88.9%) than Calvin University (74.2%)

Calvin University vs. Jefferson Graduation Outcomes Comparison

Which is better, Calvin University or Jefferson? Graduation rate, salary and amount of student loan debt are indicators of a college which offers better outcomes for its graduates. Compare the following outcomes facts between Jefferson and Calvin University.

  • Graduates from Thomas Jefferson University earn on average $75,900 more per year than Calvin University graduates after ten years. ($122,900 vs. $47,000)
  • Thomas Jefferson University students graduate with a $13,949 lower median federal student loan debt than Calvin University graduates. ($12,500 vs. $26,449)
  • Jefferson graduates are paying $144 less per month on federal student loans 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/