Calvin University vs. Umary

Comparable Facts

Compare Calvin University in Grand Rapids, MI with University of Mary in Bismarck, ND on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of Mary is larger than Calvin University based on total student enrollment (3,861 students vs. 3,681 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Calvin University is located in Grand Rapids, MI (Midsize City setting); University of Mary is in Bismarck, ND (Rural Fringe setting).
• Calvin University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Mary is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Calvin University 13:1; University of Mary 14:1.

Calvin University vs. Umary Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Calvin University or Umary? 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 University of Mary than Calvin University ($20,156 vs. $25,231).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Mary are 23.5% lower than at Calvin University ($9,276 vs. $12,120).
• Calvin University is 76% more expensive for in-state tuition than Umary (about $16,994 more per year; $39,350.00 vs. $22,356.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 76% higher at Calvin University than at University of Mary (about $16,994 more per year; $39,350.00 vs. $22,356.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Calvin University than at University of Mary (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Calvin University students is 114.1% larger than aid received by University of Mary students ($29,123 vs. $13,601).

Calvin University vs. Umary Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Mary (1230) is 20 points higher than at Calvin University (1210).
• Incoming Calvin University students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (27 vs. 23 at Umary).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Calvin University 1083/1330; University of Mary 1110/1340.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Calvin University 24/30; University of Mary 21/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Calvin University - Test optional; Umary - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Umary Sep 30, 2026.
• Accepted freshman Calvin University students have a 0.47 point higher average high school GPA (3.84) than students at Umary (3.37).
• Umary has a higher acceptance rate (75.3%) than Calvin University (70.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 21.4% at Calvin University vs. 41.4% at Umary.

Calvin University vs. Umary Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Calvin University and Umary? 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 University of Mary's (52%).
• Graduates from University of Mary earn a median of about $4,900 more per year than Calvin University graduates about ten years after starting college ($51,900 vs. $47,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Mary graduates have a $3,949 lower median loan debt than Calvin University graduates ($22,500 vs. $26,449).
• Among borrowers, Umary graduates have an estimated $41 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Calvin University graduates ($232 vs. $273).
• More Calvin University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Umary students, three years after graduation. (81% vs. 76%)

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.