Wheaton College vs. Calvin University

Comparable Facts

Compare Wheaton College in Wheaton, 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 Wheaton College based on total student enrollment (3,681 students vs. 2,874 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Wheaton College vs. Calvin University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Wheaton College 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 Wheaton College ($25,231 vs. $31,356).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Calvin University are 6.8% lower than at Wheaton College ($12,120 vs. $13,010).
• Wheaton College is 15.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Calvin University (about $6,196 more per year; $45,546.00 vs. $39,350.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 15.7% higher at Wheaton College than at Calvin University (about $6,196 more per year; $45,546.00 vs. $39,350.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Calvin University than at Wheaton College (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Calvin University students is 4.1% larger than aid received by Wheaton College students ($29,123 vs. $27,987).

Wheaton College vs. Calvin University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Wheaton College 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 Wheaton College.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Wheaton College (1370) is 160 points higher than at Calvin University (1210).
• Incoming Wheaton College students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (30 vs. 27 at Calvin University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Wheaton College 1260/1470; Calvin University 1083/1330.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Wheaton College 28/32; Calvin University 24/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Wheaton College - Test optional; Calvin University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Wheaton College Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Calvin University students have a 0.09 point higher average high school GPA (3.84) than students at Wheaton College (3.75).
• Wheaton College has a higher acceptance rate (87.4%) than Calvin University (70.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 29.9% at Wheaton College vs. 21.4% at Calvin University.

Wheaton College vs. Calvin University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Wheaton College 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).

• Wheaton College's six-year graduation rate (87%) is higher than Calvin University's (77%).
• Graduates from Wheaton College earn a median of about $7,300 more per year than Calvin University graduates about ten years after starting college ($54,300 vs. $47,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Wheaton College graduates have a $3,949 lower median loan debt than Calvin University graduates ($22,500 vs. $26,449).
• Among borrowers, Wheaton College graduates have an estimated $41 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Calvin University graduates ($232 vs. $273).
• More Wheaton College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Calvin University students, three years after graduation. (90% 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.