School of the Art Institute of Chicago vs. Calvin University

Comparable Facts

Compare School of the Art Institute of Chicago in Chicago, 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 School of the Art Institute of Chicago based on total student enrollment (3,681 students vs. 3,394 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• School of the Art Institute of Chicago is located in Chicago, IL (Large City setting); Calvin University is in Grand Rapids, MI (Midsize City setting).
• School of the Art Institute of Chicago is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Calvin University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: School of the Art Institute of Chicago 10:1; Calvin University 13:1.

School of the Art Institute of Chicago vs. Calvin University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, School of the Art Institute of Chicago 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 School of the Art Institute of Chicago ($25,231 vs. $55,631).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Calvin University are 26.8% lower than at School of the Art Institute of Chicago ($12,120 vs. $16,550).
• School of the Art Institute of Chicago is 43.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Calvin University (about $17,070 more per year; $56,420.00 vs. $39,350.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 43.4% higher at School of the Art Institute of Chicago than at Calvin University (about $17,070 more per year; $56,420.00 vs. $39,350.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Calvin University than at School of the Art Institute of Chicago (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Calvin University students is 45.3% larger than aid received by School of the Art Institute of Chicago students ($29,123 vs. $20,050).

School of the Art Institute of Chicago vs. Calvin University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, School of the Art Institute of Chicago 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 School of the Art Institute of Chicago.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Calvin University (1210) is 60 points higher than at School of the Art Institute of Chicago (1150).
• Incoming Calvin University students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (27 vs. 23 at School of the Art Institute of Chicago).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: School of the Art Institute of Chicago 1048/1260; Calvin University 1083/1330.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: School of the Art Institute of Chicago 22/25; Calvin University 24/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: School of the Art Institute of Chicago - Test-free; Calvin University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: School of the Art Institute of Chicago Nov 15, 2026.
• Accepted freshman Calvin University students have a 0.33 point higher average high school GPA (3.84) than students at School of the Art Institute of Chicago (3.51).
• School of the Art Institute of Chicago has a higher acceptance rate (77.5%) than Calvin University (70.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.8% at School of the Art Institute of Chicago vs. 21.4% at Calvin University.

School of the Art Institute of Chicago vs. Calvin University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for School of the Art Institute of Chicago 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 School of the Art Institute of Chicago's (60%).
• Graduates from Calvin University earn a median of about $7,900 more per year than School of the Art Institute of Chicago graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,000 vs. $39,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, School of the Art Institute of Chicago graduates have a $736 lower median loan debt than Calvin University graduates ($25,713 vs. $26,449).
• Among borrowers, School of the Art Institute of Chicago graduates have an estimated $8 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Calvin University graduates ($265 vs. $273).
• More Calvin University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former School of the Art Institute of Chicago students, three years after graduation. (81% vs. 62%)

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.