Calvin University

  • 7/10 Overall Rating
  • 4 Year
  • Grand Rapids, MI
  • 5.0 2 reviews
#5 Best Private Colleges in Michigan

Overview

Total enrollment

3,681
Calvin University overview
Calvin University overview
  • Size Mid-size
  • Status Non-profit
  • Housing Yes
  • Level of Study Undergrad/Graduate

Calvin University (formerly Calvin College) is a private Christian liberal arts institution located in Grand Rapids, Michigan, situated on a 400-acre campus in the city's southeast suburb. Founded in 1876 by the Christian Reformed Church, Calvin maintains its Reformed Protestant tradition while operating as an academic community that welcomes students of various faith backgrounds. The campus features modern academic facilities alongside traditional Gothic-style architecture, with most students residing in one of seven residential halls during their first two years. Known for its strong programs in engineering, education, and business, Calvin emphasizes faith-based liberal arts education integrated with professional preparation. The university competes in NCAA Division III athletics as the Calvin Knights, with particularly strong programs in volleyball and swimming.

Ratings

Calvin University is rated within the top 36% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 7 out of 10.

  • Overall Rating
    7 out of 10
  • Academics
    8 out of 10
  • Resources
    7 out of 10
  • Outcomes
    7 out of 10
  • Value
    9 out of 10

Admissions

Admission Standards

Difficult
Calvin University admission standards
  • SAT (enrolled mid-50) 1083/1330
  • ACT (enrolled mid-50) 24/30
  • GPA 3.84

Acceptance Rate

70.9%
Calvin University applications overview
  • Applications Due -
  • Enrollment Rate 21.4%
  • Application Fee $35

Applicant Competition Low

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Annual Cost to Attend

Tuition

$39,350
Costs for Calvin University
Fee Cost
Tuition $39,350
Books and Supplies $1,000
Other Fees $0
Room and Board $12,120
Budget for Other Expenses $2,600
Total One Year Cost $55,070

Student Outcomes

Average Salary After 10 Years

$47,000 per year

Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate

77% within 6 years

Popular Areas of Study

Popular majors at Calvin University are Business, Education, and Health Professions. 13% of students major in Business, 12% in Education, and 8% in Health Professions.

  • Business 13%
  • Education 12%
  • Health Professions 8%
  • Social Sciences 8%
  • Biology 7%

More Colleges to Consider

Students considering Calvin University are frequently interested in these similar colleges.

Data source: NCES / IPEDS https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=169080.

GPA calculator: Calvin University GPA calculator.

Last updated: August 2026