Luther- Norse vs. Calvin University

Comparable Facts

Compare Luther College in Decorah, IA 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 Luther- Norse based on total student enrollment (3,681 students vs. 1,384 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Luther College is located in Decorah, IA (Remote Town setting); Calvin University is in Grand Rapids, MI (Midsize City setting).
• Luther College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Calvin University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Luther College 9:1; Calvin University 13:1.

Luther- Norse vs. Calvin University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Luther- Norse 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 Luther College than Calvin University ($24,511 vs. $25,231).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Luther College are 4.9% lower than at Calvin University ($11,530 vs. $12,120).
• Luther College is 32.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Calvin University (about $12,770 more per year; $52,120.00 vs. $39,350.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 32.5% higher at Luther- Norse than at Calvin University (about $12,770 more per year; $52,120.00 vs. $39,350.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Luther College as at Calvin University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Luther College students is 40.5% larger than aid received by Calvin University students ($40,917 vs. $29,123).

Luther- Norse vs. Calvin University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Luther- Norse 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 Luther- Norse.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Luther College (1240) is 30 points higher than at Calvin University (1210).
• Incoming Calvin University students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (27 vs. 25 at Luther- Norse).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Luther College 1078/1406; Calvin University 1083/1330.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Luther College 22/29; Calvin University 24/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Luther- Norse - Test optional; Calvin University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Calvin University students have a 0.19 point higher average high school GPA (3.84) than students at Luther- Norse (3.65).
• Luther- Norse has a higher acceptance rate (71.5%) than Calvin University (70.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 19.9% at Luther- Norse vs. 21.4% at Calvin University.

Luther- Norse vs. Calvin University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Luther- Norse 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 Luther College's (69%).
• Graduates from Luther College earn a median of about $3,000 more per year than Calvin University graduates about ten years after starting college ($50,000 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 Luther- Norse graduates ($26,449 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Calvin University graduates have an estimated $6 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Luther- Norse graduates ($273 vs. $279).
• More Luther- Norse graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Calvin University students, three years after graduation. (82% vs. 81%)

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.