Calvin University vs. University of Dayton

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

Calvin University University of Dayton
Location Grand Rapids, MI Dayton, OH
Setting Midsize City Midsize City
Enrollment 3,364 11,304
Type Private 4 Year Private 4 Year
National Ranking #323 #206
Religious Affiliation Christian Reformed Church Roman Catholic - -
Status Non-profit Non-profit
Website calvin.edu udayton.edu
Team Colors                    

Costs

Calvin University University of Dayton
Tuition (In State) $38,370 $47,600
Tuition (Out of State) $38,370 $47,600
Room & Board $11,950 $15,640
Avg Net Price $26,374 $31,551
Avg Grant Aid $27,189 $31,852
% Receiving Grant Aid 100% 95%

Admission

Calvin University University of Dayton
Admission Chances Calculate Calculate
Applied 4,719 22,747
Admitted 3,365 14,023
Acceptance Rate 71.3% 61.6%
Enrolled % 21.5% 13.6%
Avg High School GPA 3.84 3.77
Typical High School Grades A- A-
Admissions Standards Difficult Very High
Applicant Competition Low Low
ACT Range 22/30 26/31
SAT Range 1070/1340 1195/1370
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 Feb 1, 2026

Academics

Calvin University University of Dayton
Student to Faculty Ratio 14:1 15:1
Popular Majors
  • Business (13%)
  • Education (12%)
  • Health Professions (8%)
  • Social Sciences (8%)
  • Biology (7%)
  • Business (28%)
  • Engineering (13%)
  • Education (8%)
  • Communication (7%)
  • Health Professions (5%)

Outcomes

Calvin University University of Dayton
Graduation Rate 77% 74%
Median Earnings (After 10 years) $47,000 $57,300
Making Student Loan Payments 81% 84%
Median Student Loan Debt $26,449 $26,000
Median Loan Payment $273 $268

Diversity

Calvin University University of Dayton
% Men 2% 14%
% Women 7% 14%
Racial Diversity Low Low
HBCU No No
% White 74% 78%
% Black 3% 3%
% Hispanic 4% 3%
% Native American 0% 0%
% Pacific Islander 0% 0%
% Two or More Races 4% 2%
% International 10% 11%
% Unknown Race 2% 1%

Students

Calvin University University of Dayton
% In-State 51% 54%
% Out-of-State 33% 45%

Campus

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

Comparable Facts

  • University of Dayton is larger than than Calvin University based on total student enrollment (11,304 students vs. 3,364 students)

Calvin University vs. University of Dayton Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Calvin University or University of Dayton?

  • University of Dayton is 24.1% more expensive to attend than Calvin University for in-state tuition ($47,600.00 vs. $38,370.00)
  • Out of state tuition is 24.1% higher at University of Dayton than Calvin University ($47,600.00 vs. $38,370.00)
  • The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Calvin University than University of Dayton ($26,374 vs. $31,551)
  • Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Calvin University are 30.9% lower than costs at University of Dayton ($11,950 vs. $15,640)
  • More students receive financial grant aid at Calvin University than University of Dayton (100% vs. 95%)
  • The average total grant financial aid received by University of Dayton students is 17.2% larger than aid received Calvin University ($31,852 vs. $27,189)

Calvin University vs. University of Dayton Admissions Difficulty Comparison

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

  • The average SAT score at Calvin University (1202) is 15 points higher than at University of Dayton (1187)
  • Incoming Calvin University students have at the same average ACT score (27) as students at University of Dayton (27)
  • Accepted freshman Calvin University students have a 0.07 point higher average high school GPA (3.84) than students at University of Dayton (3.77)
  • Calvin University has a higher acceptance rate (71.3%) than University of Dayton (61.6%)

Calvin University vs. University of Dayton Graduation Outcomes Comparison

Which is better, Calvin University or University of Dayton? 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 University of Dayton and Calvin University.

  • The graduation rate at Calvin University is higher than University of Dayton (77% vs. 74%)
  • Graduates from University of Dayton earn on average $10,300 more per year than Calvin University graduates after ten years. ($57,300 vs. $47,000)
  • University of Dayton students graduate with a $449 lower median federal student loan debt than Calvin University graduates. ($26,000 vs. $26,449)
  • University of Dayton graduates are paying $5 less per month on federal student loans than Calvin University graduates. ($268 vs. $273)
  • More University of Dayton graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Calvin University students, three years after graduation. (84% vs. 81%)

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