Spelman vs. Calvin University

Comparable Facts

Compare Spelman College in Atlanta, GA 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 Spelman based on total student enrollment (3,681 students vs. 3,417 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Spelman College is located in Atlanta, GA (Large City setting); Calvin University is in Grand Rapids, MI (Midsize City setting).
• Spelman College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Calvin University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Spelman College 11:1; Calvin University 13:1.

Spelman vs. Calvin University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Spelman 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 Spelman ($25,231 vs. $40,354).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Calvin University are 33% lower than at Spelman College ($12,120 vs. $18,091).
• Calvin University is 24.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Spelman (about $7,794 more per year; $39,350.00 vs. $31,556.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 24.7% higher at Calvin University than at Spelman College (about $7,794 more per year; $39,350.00 vs. $31,556.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Calvin University than at Spelman College (100% vs. 96%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Calvin University students is 174.4% larger than aid received by Spelman College students ($29,123 vs. $10,614).

Spelman vs. Calvin University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Spelman 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 Spelman.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Spelman College (1210) is the same as at Calvin University (1210).
• Incoming Calvin University students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (27 vs. 25 at Spelman).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Spelman College 1108/1320; Calvin University 1083/1330.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Spelman College 22/29; Calvin University 24/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Spelman - Test optional; Calvin University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Spelman Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Calvin University students have a 0.09 point higher average high school GPA (3.84) than students at Spelman (3.75).
• Calvin University has a higher acceptance rate (70.9%) than Spelman (24.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 23.6% at Spelman vs. 21.4% at Calvin University.

Spelman vs. Calvin University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Spelman 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).

• The graduation rate at Spelman is the same as at Calvin University (77% vs. 77%).
• Graduates from Spelman College earn a median of about $4,300 more per year than Calvin University graduates about ten years after starting college ($51,300 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 Spelman graduates ($26,449 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Calvin University graduates have an estimated $6 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Spelman graduates ($273 vs. $279).
• More Calvin University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Spelman students, three years after graduation. (81% vs. 47%)

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.