Calvin University vs. WSU

Comparable Facts

Compare Calvin University in Grand Rapids, MI with Wayne State University in Detroit, MI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Wayne State University is larger than Calvin University based on total student enrollment (23,803 students vs. 3,681 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Calvin University is located in Grand Rapids, MI (Midsize City setting); Wayne State University is in Detroit, MI (Large City setting).
• Calvin University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Wayne State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Calvin University 13:1; Wayne State University 14:1.

Calvin University vs. WSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Calvin University or WSU? 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 Wayne State University than Calvin University ($14,416 vs. $25,231).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Calvin University are 15% lower than at Wayne State University ($12,120 vs. $14,252).
• Calvin University is 159.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than WSU (about $24,160 more per year; $39,350.00 vs. $15,190.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 22.8% higher at Calvin University than at Wayne State University (about $7,313 more per year; $39,350.00 vs. $32,037.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Calvin University than at Wayne State University (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Calvin University students is 124.8% larger than aid received by Wayne State University students ($29,123 vs. $12,953).

Calvin University vs. WSU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Calvin University (1210) is 40 points higher than at WSU (1170).
• Incoming Calvin University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (27 vs. 26 at WSU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Calvin University 1083/1330; Wayne State University 1060/1270.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Calvin University 24/30; Wayne State University 23/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Calvin University - Test optional; WSU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: WSU Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Calvin University students have a 0.42 point higher average high school GPA (3.84) than students at WSU (3.42).
• WSU has a higher acceptance rate (81.2%) than Calvin University (70.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 21.4% at Calvin University vs. 22.4% at WSU.

Calvin University vs. WSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Calvin University and WSU? 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 Wayne State University's (26%).
• Graduates from Wayne State University earn a median of about $4,000 more per year than Calvin University graduates about ten years after starting college ($51,000 vs. $47,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Wayne State University graduates have a $4,191 lower median loan debt than Calvin University graduates ($22,258 vs. $26,449).
• Among borrowers, WSU graduates have an estimated $43 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Calvin University graduates ($230 vs. $273).
• More Calvin University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former WSU students, three years after graduation. (81% vs. 38%)

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.