Elmhurst University vs. Calvin University

Comparable Facts

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

Elmhurst University is larger than Calvin University based on total student enrollment (3,997 students vs. 3,681 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Elmhurst University is located in Elmhurst, IL (Large Suburban setting); Calvin University is in Grand Rapids, MI (Midsize City setting).
• Elmhurst University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Calvin University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Elmhurst University 15:1; Calvin University 13:1.

Elmhurst University vs. Calvin University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Elmhurst University or Calvin University? 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 Elmhurst University than Calvin University ($24,629 vs. $25,231).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Calvin University are 16.6% lower than at Elmhurst University ($12,120 vs. $14,528).
• Elmhurst University is 9.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Calvin University (about $3,605 more per year; $42,955.00 vs. $39,350.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 9.2% higher at Elmhurst University than at Calvin University (about $3,605 more per year; $42,955.00 vs. $39,350.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Elmhurst University as at Calvin University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Elmhurst University students is 3.3% larger than aid received by Calvin University students ($30,079 vs. $29,123).

Elmhurst University vs. Calvin University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Calvin University (1210) is 80 points higher than at Elmhurst University (1130).
• Incoming Calvin University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (27 vs. 26 at Elmhurst University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Elmhurst University 990/1260; Calvin University 1083/1330.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Elmhurst University 23/30; Calvin University 24/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Elmhurst University - Test optional; Calvin University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Calvin University students have a 0.25 point higher average high school GPA (3.84) than students at Elmhurst University (3.59).
• Elmhurst University has a higher acceptance rate (73.6%) than Calvin University (70.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.5% at Elmhurst University vs. 21.4% at Calvin University.

Elmhurst University vs. Calvin University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Elmhurst University and Calvin University? 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 Elmhurst University's (70%).
• Graduates from Elmhurst University earn a median of about $3,200 more per year than Calvin University graduates about ten years after starting college ($50,200 vs. $47,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Elmhurst University graduates have a $4,949 lower median loan debt than Calvin University graduates ($21,500 vs. $26,449).
• Among borrowers, Elmhurst University graduates have an estimated $51 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Calvin University graduates ($222 vs. $273).
• More Calvin University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Elmhurst University students, three years after graduation. (81% vs. 72%)

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.