Calvin University vs. UC

Should I go to Calvin University or University of Cincinnati Main Campus? Compare 50+ facts and figures about the colleges to help you determine if Calvin University or UC 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. University of Cincinnati Main Campus comparison
Calvin University University of Cincinnati Main Campus College 3 College 4
Calvin University University of Cincinnati Main Campus
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Overview

Calvin University UC
Location Grand Rapids, MI Cincinnati, OH
Setting Midsize City Large City
Enrollment 3,364 43,338
Type Private 4 Year Public 4 Year
National Ranking #323 #431
Religious Affiliation Christian Reformed Church - - -
Status Non-profit Non-profit
Website calvin.edu uc.edu
Team Colors                    

Costs

Calvin University UC
Tuition (In State) $38,370 $11,892
Tuition (Out of State) $38,370 $28,904
Room & Board $11,950 $13,048
Avg Net Price $26,374 $21,511
Avg Grant Aid $27,189 $8,195
% Receiving Grant Aid 100% 68%

Admission

Calvin University UC
Admission Chances Calculate Calculate
Applied 4,719 33,165
Admitted 3,365 29,077
Acceptance Rate 71.3% 87.7%
Enrolled % 21.5% 23.8%
Avg High School GPA 3.84 3.69
Typical High School Grades A- B+
Admissions Standards Difficult Difficult
Applicant Competition Low
ACT Range 22/30 24/29
SAT Range 1070/1340 1150/1360
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 Mar 1, 2026

Academics

Calvin University UC
Student to Faculty Ratio 14:1 19:1
Popular Majors
  • Business (13%)
  • Education (12%)
  • Health Professions (8%)
  • Social Sciences (8%)
  • Biology (7%)
  • Health Professions (16%)
  • Business (15%)
  • Engineering (9%)
  • Education (9%)
  • Visual and Performing Arts (9%)

Outcomes

Calvin University UC
Graduation Rate 77% 59%
Median Earnings (After 10 years) $47,000 $45,600
Making Student Loan Payments 81% 57%
Median Student Loan Debt $26,449 $23,000
Median Loan Payment $273 $237

Diversity

Calvin University UC
% Men 2% 11%
% Women 7% 17%
Racial Diversity Low Low
HBCU No No
% White 74% 75%
% Black 3% 7%
% Hispanic 4% 3%
% Native American 0% 0%
% Pacific Islander 0% 0%
% Two or More Races 4% 3%
% International 10% 4%
% Unknown Race 2% 4%

Students

Calvin University UC
% In-State 51% 77%
% Out-of-State 33% 20%

Campus

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

Comparable Facts

  • University of Cincinnati Main Campus is larger than than Calvin University based on total student enrollment (43,338 students vs. 3,364 students)

Calvin University vs. UC Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Calvin University or UC?

  • Calvin University is 222.7% more expensive to attend than UC for in-state tuition ($38,370.00 vs. $11,892.00)
  • Out of state tuition is 32.7% higher at Calvin University than University of Cincinnati Main Campus ($38,370.00 vs. $28,904.00)
  • The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at University of Cincinnati Main Campus than Calvin University ($21,511 vs. $26,374)
  • Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Calvin University are 9.2% lower than costs at University of Cincinnati Main Campus ($11,950 vs. $13,048)
  • More students receive financial grant aid at Calvin University than University of Cincinnati Main Campus (100% vs. 68%)
  • The average total grant financial aid received by Calvin University students is 231.8% larger than aid received University of Cincinnati Main Campus ($27,189 vs. $8,195)

Calvin University vs. UC Admissions Difficulty Comparison

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

  • The average SAT score at Calvin University (1202) is 37 points higher than at UC (1165)
  • Incoming Calvin University students have a 1 point higher average ACT score (27) than students at UC (26)
  • Accepted freshman Calvin University students have a 0.15 point higher average high school GPA (3.84) than students at UC (3.69)
  • UC has a higher acceptance rate (87.7%) than Calvin University (71.3%)

Calvin University vs. UC Graduation Outcomes Comparison

Which is better, Calvin University or UC? 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 UC and Calvin University.

  • The graduation rate at Calvin University is higher than University of Cincinnati Main Campus (77% vs. 59%)
  • Graduates from Calvin University earn on average $1,400 more per year than UC graduates after ten years. ($47,000 vs. $45,600)
  • University of Cincinnati Main Campus students graduate with a $3,449 lower median federal student loan debt than Calvin University graduates. ($23,000 vs. $26,449)
  • UC graduates are paying $36 less per month on federal student loans than Calvin University graduates. ($237 vs. $273)
  • More Calvin University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former UC students, three years after graduation. (81% vs. 57%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/