Iowa vs. Calvin University

Comparable Facts

Compare University of Iowa in Iowa City, IA with Calvin University in Grand Rapids, MI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of Iowa is larger than Calvin University based on total student enrollment (30,779 students vs. 3,681 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Iowa is located in Iowa City, IA (Small City setting); Calvin University is in Grand Rapids, MI (Midsize City setting).
• University of Iowa is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Calvin University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Iowa 16:1; Calvin University 13:1.

Iowa vs. Calvin University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Iowa 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 University of Iowa than Calvin University ($21,765 vs. $25,231).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Calvin University are 6.2% lower than at University of Iowa ($12,120 vs. $12,920).
• Calvin University is 248.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Iowa (about $28,067 more per year; $39,350.00 vs. $11,283.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 17.9% higher at Calvin University than at University of Iowa (about $5,979 more per year; $39,350.00 vs. $33,371.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Calvin University than at University of Iowa (100% vs. 76%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Calvin University students is 195.2% larger than aid received by University of Iowa students ($29,123 vs. $9,865).

Iowa vs. Calvin University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Iowa 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 Iowa.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Iowa (1230) is 20 points higher than at Calvin University (1210).
• Incoming Calvin University students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (27 vs. 24 at Iowa).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Iowa 1130/1330; Calvin University 1083/1330.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Iowa 21/28; Calvin University 24/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Iowa - Test optional; Calvin University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Iowa May 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Calvin University students have a 0.03 point higher average high school GPA (3.84) than students at Iowa (3.81).
• Iowa has a higher acceptance rate (83.6%) than Calvin University (70.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 22.4% at Iowa vs. 21.4% at Calvin University.

Iowa vs. Calvin University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Iowa 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 University of Iowa's (71%).
• Graduates from University of Iowa earn a median of about $12,800 more per year than Calvin University graduates about ten years after starting college ($59,800 vs. $47,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Iowa graduates have a $4,833 lower median loan debt than Calvin University graduates ($21,616 vs. $26,449).
• Among borrowers, Iowa graduates have an estimated $50 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Calvin University graduates ($223 vs. $273).
• More Calvin University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Iowa students, three years after graduation. (81% vs. 70%)

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.