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Calvin University

Calvin

Grand Rapids, Michigan 49546

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Data last updated: May 29, 2026

Campus Vibe

Urban

Known for health sciences

Calvin University is a private institution in Grand Rapids with particular strength in health sciences and business. With an average SAT of 1205, the school attracts a broad applicant pool.

A mid-sized campus of 2.9K undergraduates with a 14:1 student-faculty ratio. The urban location puts students at the center of city life.

77% of students graduate within four years, and graduates earn a median of $58,375 a decade after enrollment. Net price after aid averages $24,783.

Established
1876
Motto
My heart I offer to you, O Lord, promptly and sincerely
Type
Private university

Plan Your Visit

71%Acceptance
1205SAT Avg
2,921Students
14:1Student:Faculty
77%Grad Rate
$58,375Earnings 10yr
$24,783Net Price

Admissions

Acceptance Rate71.3%

SAT Score Ranges

Average: 1205

Reading & WritingMid: 615
530670
MathMid: 615
540670

ACT Score Range

CompositeMid: 27
2230

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard / IPEDS.

Cost & Financial Aid

Sticker Price

Tuition$38,670
Room & Board$11,950
Books & Supplies$1,300
Total Cost of Attendance$53,286
Average Net Price$24,783
Median Debt at Graduation$23,250
Monthly Payment (10yr)$246

Net Price by Family Income

$0–30K$20,249
$30–48K$17,974
$48–75K$21,973
$75–110K$23,732
$110K+$28,027

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Net price reflects most recent cohort of federally-aided undergraduates.

Debt & Aid Detail

Net Price Trend

Tuition Trend

Graduate w/ Zero Debt

66.0%

Avg Tuition Increase

2.9%/yr

Median Debt at Grad

$19,500

Campus Safety

Total Incidents (2024)

22

Peer Average

13

3-Year Trend

Emergency System

Campus police, emergency alert system, blue-light phones

Incident Breakdown (2024)

6

Burglary

1

Aggravated Assault

1

Robbery

2

Motor Vehicle Theft

2

Sex Offenses

0

Arson

6

Drug Arrests

4

Liquor Arrests

Source: U.S. Department of Education Campus Safety & Security data (Clery Act, 2024 reporting year).

Programs (84)

Student Life

Student Satisfaction

Retention Rate

88%

Positive

Student Body

Undergrads
2,921
Gender Split
51% / 49%
Women / Men
First Generation
13%
Pell Grant Recipients
14%

Race & Ethnicity

White 68%
Black 5%
Hispanic 5%
Asian 4%
Two+ 3%
Int'l 13%

Outcomes

4-Year Graduation Rate77.4%
Freshman Retention88.5%

Median Earnings After Graduation

6 Years$48,039
10 Years$58,375

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect federally-aided students 6 and 10 years after entry.

Rankings

U.S. News
#3
vs 2024
Forbes
#213
vs 2024

More About This School

Varsity Sports — Calvin Knights

Intercollegiate teamsVolleyball became

History & Fun Facts

  • In 1892, the campus moved to the intersection of Madison Avenue and Franklin Street (Fifth Avenue) in Grand Rapids.
  • In September 1894, the school expanded the curriculum for those who were not pre-theological students, effectually making the institution a college preparatory school.
  • In 1901, Calvin admitted the first women to the school.
  • In 1906, the literary department of the college became known as John Calvin Junior College and the college held its first commencement.
  • The student newspaper Chimes was first published in 1907.

Source: Wikipedia

Location & Lifestyle

Cost of Living

97Average

Estimated from MI state average + city premium

Climate (School Year)

Snowfall: 60"Sunny days: 200Rainy days: 125

Nearest Cities

Milwaukeepop. 570K
117 mi(203 min)
Chicagopop. 2.7M
127 mi(220 min)
Detroitpop. 640K
136 mi(236 min)

Getting There

Nearest Airports

MKE Milwaukee117 mi
DTW Detroit124 mi
ORD Chicago O'Hare135 mi

Distance to Cities

Boston, MA739 mi · ~21h 21m drive
New York, NY615 mi · ~17h 46m drive
Hartford, CT664 mi · ~19h 11m drive
Providence, RI727 mi · ~21h drive
Albany, NY600 mi · ~17h 20m drive
Syracuse, NY477 mi · ~13h 47m drive
Rochester, NY403 mi · ~11h 39m drive
Buffalo, NY339 mi · ~9h 48m drive
Philadelphia, PA577 mi · ~16h 40m drive
Pittsburgh, PA336 mi · ~9h 42m drive
Harrisburg, PA485 mi · ~14h 1m drive
Newark, NJ606 mi · ~17h 30m drive
Washington, DC525 mi · ~15h 10m drive
Baltimore, MD530 mi · ~15h 19m drive
Atlanta, GA638 mi · ~18h 26m drive
Charlotte, NC590 mi · ~17h 3m drive
Raleigh, NC618 mi · ~17h 51m drive
Miami, FL1225 mi · ~35h 23m drive
Orlando, FL1022 mi · ~29h 31m drive
Tampa, FL1050 mi · ~30h 20m drive
Nashville, TN472 mi · ~13h 38m drive
New Orleans, LA930 mi · ~26h 52m drive
Richmond, VA568 mi · ~16h 25m drive
Chicago, IL127 mi · ~3h 40m drive
Detroit, MI136 mi · ~3h 56m drive
Minneapolis, MN407 mi · ~11h 45m drive
St. Louis, MO383 mi · ~11h 4m drive
Kansas City, MO538 mi · ~15h 33m drive
Indianapolis, IN220 mi · ~6h 21m drive
Columbus, OH245 mi · ~7h 5m drive
Cleveland, OH222 mi · ~6h 25m drive
Milwaukee, WI117 mi · ~3h 23m drive
Dallas, TX929 mi · ~26h 50m drive
Houston, TX1059 mi · ~30h 36m drive
Austin, TX1102 mi · ~31h 50m drive
San Antonio, TX1176 mi · ~33h 58m drive
Los Angeles, CA1856 mi · ~53h 37m drive
San Francisco, CA1956 mi · ~56h 30m drive
San Diego, CA1848 mi · ~53h 23m drive
Seattle, WA1798 mi · ~51h 57m drive
Portland, OR1829 mi · ~52h 50m drive
Denver, CO1028 mi · ~29h 42m drive
Phoenix, AZ1572 mi · ~45h 25m drive
Salt Lake City, UT1357 mi · ~39h 12m drive
Honolulu, HI4347 mi · ~125h 35m drive
Upper Midwest / Northeast (cold winters, warm summers)

Deadline Calendar

Calvin University Application Checklist

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