Lake Forest College vs. Calvin University

Comparable Facts

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

Calvin University is larger than Lake Forest College based on total student enrollment (3,681 students vs. 1,837 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Lake Forest College vs. Calvin University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Lake Forest College 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 Calvin University than Lake Forest College ($25,231 vs. $31,225).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Calvin University are 4.6% lower than at Lake Forest College ($12,120 vs. $12,700).
• Lake Forest College is 43.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Calvin University (about $17,052 more per year; $56,402.00 vs. $39,350.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 43.3% higher at Lake Forest College than at Calvin University (about $17,052 more per year; $56,402.00 vs. $39,350.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Lake Forest College as at Calvin University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Lake Forest College students is 36.1% larger than aid received by Calvin University students ($39,630 vs. $29,123).

Lake Forest College vs. Calvin University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Lake Forest College 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 Lake Forest College.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Lake Forest College (1290) is 80 points higher than at Calvin University (1210).
• Incoming Lake Forest College 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: Lake Forest College 1190/1393; Calvin University 1083/1330.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Lake Forest College 28/32; Calvin University 24/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Lake Forest College - Test optional; Calvin University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Lake Forest College Feb 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Calvin University students have a 0.22 point higher average high school GPA (3.84) than students at Lake Forest College (3.62).
• Calvin University has a higher acceptance rate (70.9%) than Lake Forest College (56.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.6% at Lake Forest College vs. 21.4% at Calvin University.

Lake Forest College vs. Calvin University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Lake Forest College 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 Lake Forest College's (68%).
• Graduates from Lake Forest College earn a median of about $6,800 more per year than Calvin University graduates about ten years after starting college ($53,800 vs. $47,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Calvin University graduates have a $551 lower median loan debt than Lake Forest College graduates ($26,449 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Calvin University graduates have an estimated $6 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Lake Forest College graduates ($273 vs. $279).
• More Calvin University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Lake Forest College students, three years after graduation. (81% vs. 78%)

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.