IU vs. Calvin University

Comparable Facts

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

Indiana University Bloomington is larger than Calvin University based on total student enrollment (48,424 students vs. 3,681 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Indiana University Bloomington is located in Bloomington, IN (Small City setting); Calvin University is in Grand Rapids, MI (Midsize City setting).
• Indiana University Bloomington is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Calvin University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Indiana University Bloomington 18:1; Calvin University 13:1.

IU vs. Calvin University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, IU 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 Indiana University Bloomington than Calvin University ($17,270 vs. $25,231).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Calvin University are 13.3% lower than at Indiana University Bloomington ($12,120 vs. $13,984).
• Calvin University is 224% more expensive for in-state tuition than IU (about $27,206 more per year; $39,350.00 vs. $12,144.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 6.5% higher at IU than at Calvin University (about $2,541 more per year; $41,891.00 vs. $39,350.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Calvin University than at Indiana University Bloomington (100% vs. 73%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Calvin University students is 177.7% larger than aid received by Indiana University Bloomington students ($29,123 vs. $10,487).

IU vs. Calvin University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, IU 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 IU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Indiana University Bloomington (1290) is 80 points higher than at Calvin University (1210).
• Incoming IU students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (30 vs. 27 at Calvin University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Indiana University Bloomington 1170/1400; Calvin University 1083/1330.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Indiana University Bloomington 27/33; Calvin University 24/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: IU - Test optional; Calvin University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Calvin University students have a 0.1 point higher average high school GPA (3.84) than students at IU (3.74).
• IU has a higher acceptance rate (78.2%) than Calvin University (70.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.2% at IU vs. 21.4% at Calvin University.

IU vs. Calvin University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for IU 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 Indiana University Bloomington's (72%).
• Graduates from Indiana University Bloomington earn a median of about $9,200 more per year than Calvin University graduates about ten years after starting college ($56,200 vs. $47,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Indiana University Bloomington graduates have a $3,949 lower median loan debt than Calvin University graduates ($22,500 vs. $26,449).
• Among borrowers, IU 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 IU 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.