Valpo vs. Calvin University

Comparable Facts

Compare Valparaiso University in Valparaiso, IN 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 Valpo based on total student enrollment (3,681 students vs. 2,579 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Valparaiso University is located in Valparaiso, IN (Large Suburban setting); Calvin University is in Grand Rapids, MI (Midsize City setting).
• Valparaiso University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Calvin University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Valparaiso University 10:1; Calvin University 13:1.

Valpo vs. Calvin University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Valpo 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 Valparaiso University than Calvin University ($21,766 vs. $25,231).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Calvin University are 11% lower than at Valparaiso University ($12,120 vs. $13,618).
• Valparaiso University is 23.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Calvin University (about $9,100 more per year; $48,450.00 vs. $39,350.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 23.1% higher at Valpo than at Calvin University (about $9,100 more per year; $48,450.00 vs. $39,350.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Valparaiso University as at Calvin University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Valparaiso University students is 28.9% larger than aid received by Calvin University students ($37,548 vs. $29,123).

Valpo vs. Calvin University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Valpo 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 Valpo.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Calvin University (1210) is 40 points higher than at Valpo (1170).
• Incoming Valpo students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 27) as students at Calvin University (27).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Valparaiso University 1060/1280; Calvin University 1083/1330.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Valparaiso University 23/31; Calvin University 24/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Valpo - Test optional; Calvin University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Calvin University students have a 0.08 point higher average high school GPA (3.84) than students at Valpo (3.76).
• Valpo has a higher acceptance rate (89.4%) than Calvin University (70.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 9.6% at Valpo vs. 21.4% at Calvin University.

Valpo vs. Calvin University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Valpo 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 Valparaiso University's (71%).
• Graduates from Valparaiso University earn a median of about $7,000 more per year than Calvin University graduates about ten years after starting college ($54,000 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 Valpo graduates ($26,449 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Calvin University graduates have an estimated $6 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Valpo graduates ($273 vs. $279).
• More Calvin University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Valpo students, three years after graduation. (81% vs. 77%)

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.