Calvin University vs. WMU

Comparable Facts

Compare Calvin University in Grand Rapids, MI with Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, MI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Western Michigan University is larger than Calvin University based on total student enrollment (16,744 students vs. 3,681 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Calvin University is located in Grand Rapids, MI (Midsize City setting); Western Michigan University is in Kalamazoo, MI (Small City setting).
• Calvin University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Western Michigan University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Calvin University 13:1; Western Michigan University 16:1.

Calvin University vs. WMU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Calvin University or WMU? 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 Western Michigan University than Calvin University ($17,331 vs. $25,231).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Calvin University are 0.4% lower than at Western Michigan University ($12,120 vs. $12,174).
• Calvin University is 158% more expensive for in-state tuition than WMU (about $24,098 more per year; $39,350.00 vs. $15,252.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 106.7% higher at Calvin University than at Western Michigan University (about $20,316 more per year; $39,350.00 vs. $19,034.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Calvin University than at Western Michigan University (100% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Calvin University students is 163.6% larger than aid received by Western Michigan University students ($29,123 vs. $11,048).

Calvin University vs. WMU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Calvin University or WMU? Typical SAT and ACT scores (midpoint estimates from the mid-50% ranges in the table above), enrolled-tester score ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between WMU and Calvin University.

• The typical SAT score (midpoint estimate) at Calvin University (1210) is 100 points higher than at WMU (1110).
• Incoming Calvin University students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (midpoint estimate) (27 vs. 23 at WMU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Calvin University 1083/1330; Western Michigan University 990/1220.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Calvin University 24/30; Western Michigan University 20/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Calvin University - Test optional; WMU - Test-free.
• Enrolled freshman Calvin University students have a 0.34 point higher average high school GPA (3.84) than students at WMU (3.5).
• WMU has a higher acceptance rate (84.6%) than Calvin University (70.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 21.4% at Calvin University vs. 13.5% at WMU.

Calvin University vs. WMU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Calvin University and WMU? Where federal data is available for both schools, the bullets below compare graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt using the same College Scorecard / IPEDS fields as the comparison table. If a metric is missing for one school, that school is noted separately.

• Calvin University's six-year graduation rate (77%) is higher than Western Michigan University's (56%).
• Graduates from Western Michigan University earn a median of about $1,900 more per year than Calvin University graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,900 vs. $47,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Calvin University graduates have a $184 lower median loan debt than WMU graduates ($26,449 vs. $26,633).
• Among borrowers, Calvin University graduates have an estimated $2 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than WMU graduates ($273 vs. $275).
• More Calvin University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former WMU students, three years after graduation. (81% vs. 54%)

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.