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Calvin University

Grand Rapids, MI·Private nonprofit·2,921 students
Last updated: March 22, 2026

A good fit for students who want accessible admissions and students who prefer a mid-size campus. no major red flags in the data. strong 77% graduation rate; financial aid brings net price below sticker.

71%
Accept
2,921
Students
$24,783
Net Price
77%
Grad Rate
$48,700
Earnings
10 yr
$19,500
Debt

About This School

Calvin University is a private nonprofit institution located in Grand Rapids, Michigan with approximately 2,921 undergraduate students enrolled. Calvin University has an open or accessible admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 71%. The average net price after financial aid is $24,783 per year. The graduation rate is 77%, and the typical graduate earns $48,700 within 10 years of enrollment.

Calvin University is a private Christian university in Grand Rapids, Michigan, United States. Founded in 1876, Calvin University is an educational institution of the Christian Reformed Church and stands in the Reformed (Calvinist) tradition. Known as Calvin College for most of its history, the school is named after John Calvin, the 16th-century Protestant Reformer.

Rooted in the Reformed Christian tradition, this Grand Rapids school is worth considering if faith-integrated academics and a tight-knit community (under 3,000 undergrads) appeal to you — an 88% freshman retention rate signals students generally feel at home here. The finances are reasonably manageable, with median debt at graduation of just $19,500, though median earnings of $48,700 a decade out are modest and worth factoring in depending on your field. If you're not looking for a faith-centered environment, the Christian Reformed identity runs deep and shapes campus life in ways that won't suit everyone.

Founded
1876
Setting
Midsize city

Popular Programs

Health Professions13%
Business & Marketing12%
Engineering10%
Education9%
Social Sciences7%
Biological Sciences7%
Computer Science4%
Psychology4%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Notable Alumni

Alvin PlantingaBetsy DeVosPaul SchraderMeindert DeJongPeter KreeftRichard DeVosPatricia RozemaBernard EbbersBill HuizengaPeter De VriesMarc Evan JacksonWilliam Frankena

Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average Composite1205
Reading 75th %ile670
Math 75th %ile670

ACT Scores

Midpoint Composite27

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$38,670
Out-of-State Tuition
$38,670
Avg Net Price
$24,783
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants14%
Median debt at graduation$19,500

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
77%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
88%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$48,700
after enrollment
Median Debt
$19,500
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$19,500
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$38,900
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$48,700
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 2.5x

Solid return. Earnings outpace debt, though major choice matters.

Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.

Student Body

White68%
Black5%
Hispanic/Latino5%
Asian4%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (2,921 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

Calvin University

3201 Burton Street SE

Grand Rapids, MI 49546

View on Google Maps →

Other Schools in Michigan

Browse all Michigan schools →

Sources & Methodology

Data

Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.

Contextual Enrichment

School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.

Important Caveats
  • Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
  • Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
  • Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
  • Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
Trademarks

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