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63.2%Acceptance
$13,692Tuition
170Students
53%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$45,421Earnings
#20 in MissouriPrivate nonprofit4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalOtherData: 2023-24Other Protestant

About Calvary University

Calvary University trains students for Christian ministry and related fields with just 170 students on its Kansas City campus. This small Christian university focuses heavily on biblical studies, theology, and preparing graduates for church leadership roles. The 8:1 student-faculty ratio means you'll get personal attention from professors who often have real ministry experience. With a 63% acceptance rate and an average SAT of 1020, the school looks for students committed to their faith rather than just high test scores.

The money picture here is complicated. Students pay an average net price of $12,860 after aid, which is reasonable for private education. However, graduates earn a median of $45,421 ten years after graduation, and many carry $20,839 in debt with monthly payments of $221. The numbers suggest this works best for students called to ministry work, where financial rewards aren't the primary goal. Only 36% of students receive federal aid, indicating many families can handle the costs.

The school draws students from across the country, with only 15% coming from Missouri. The 52% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many students face balancing ministry preparation with academic demands. Four varsity sports serve 44 athletes, creating a tight-knit community where everyone knows each other.

Academics & Faculty

Calvary University operates as a Christian university focused on biblical studies and ministry preparation, with most students pursuing degrees in theology, pastoral ministry, and religious education. The 8:1 student-faculty ratio means classes are small and professors know every student personally, which is typical for Bible colleges where mentorship matters as much as coursework. However, the 52.60% six-year graduation rate suggests many students struggle to finish their programs, often because they leave for ministry positions before completing degrees or face financial pressures. The curriculum emphasizes practical ministry training alongside academic study, preparing students for roles as pastors, missionaries, and Christian educators rather than traditional liberal arts careers.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
8:1
Full-Time Faculty
47.6%
Graduation Rate (4-year)
55.4%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
52.6%
Retention Rate
61.5%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$45,421
Carnegie Classification
Baccalaureate College

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries. Bachelor $26,121
Bible/Biblical Studies. Bachelor $21,964

View all 39 programs →

Campus Life

Calvary University sits in Kansas City, Missouri, where you'll definitely need a winter coat for snowy January days and can enjoy warm summers perfect for outdoor activities. With just 170 students total, this Christian university feels more like a close-knit family than a typical college. The campus can house 192 students, meaning most undergraduates live on campus and know each other by name.

The 8:1 student-faculty ratio means professors will notice if you skip class, but it also means you'll get personal attention that's impossible at larger schools. Kansas City offers plenty of weekend options, from barbecue joints to professional sports, though many students stick close to campus for Bible studies, intramural activities, and small group gatherings. Only 15% of students come from Missouri, so you'll meet classmates from across the country who chose this school specifically for its Christian environment. The small size means campus traditions involve nearly everyone, and social life revolves around dorm communities and faith-based activities rather than big parties or Greek life.
Setting
City-Large
Housing Capacity
192 beds
Calendar System
Semester
Founded
1932

Campus Safety (2023)

1 total reported incident. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
OffenseOn CampusResidentialNoncampusPublic Property
Motor Vehicle Theft 1 0 0 0

Climate & Weather

January Avg
21°–38°F
July Avg
68°–87°F
Annual Precipitation
37.7"
Annual Snowfall
8.6"

Student Demographics

Calvary University draws students from across the country, with 85% coming from outside Missouri to study at this small Christian institution. The student body leans slightly female and is primarily white, reflecting the demographics of students seeking faith-based higher education. With over one-third of students receiving Pell Grants, the university serves many first-generation and lower-income families who want an affordable Christian college experience. The national draw suggests families specifically choose Calvary for its religious mission rather than geographic convenience, creating a tight-knit community of students with shared values.
Men
44.1%
Women
55.9%
White
76.5%
Black
5.3%
Hispanic
11.2%
Asian
1.8%
In-State Students
15.0%
Pell Grant Recipients
35.8%

Location

Calvary University sits in Kansas City, Missouri, a major metropolitan area with over 2 million people in the greater region. The school operates in an urban setting where students have access to professional internships, cultural attractions, and major league sports teams like the Chiefs and Royals. Kansas City straddles the Missouri-Kansas border and serves as a regional center for business and healthcare. The city is known for its barbecue, jazz history, and affordable cost of living compared to coastal metros. With 85% of students coming from out-of-state, the university draws from across the country to this Midwestern location. Students considering colleges in Missouri may also compare Calvary University with similar schools in the region.
Address
Kansas City, Missouri 64147-1341
Calvary University Campus Sky
Calvary University Campus Sky
Calvary University Campus - Madison Hall
Calvary University Campus - Madison Hall

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years)
$45,421
Median Earnings (5 years)
$39,516
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$30,900
Loan Repayment Rate
46.6%
Monthly Loan Payment
$221/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$20,839

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Calvary University?

Calvary University accepts 63% of applicants, making it moderately selective for a small Christian institution. The average SAT score is 1020, reflecting the university's focus on admitting students who align with its Protestant mission rather than pursuing top academic performers.

How much does Calvary University cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $12,860 annually at Calvary University. The total cost of attendance is $20,790, but families earning under $30,000 pay just $9,571 after aid, making this Christian education surprisingly affordable.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Calvary University?

Calvary University maintains an 8:1 student-faculty ratio with just 170 total students enrolled. This tiny scale allows for highly personalized attention in biblical studies and ministry preparation programs that define the university's academic mission.

What are the graduation outcomes at Calvary University?

Only 53% of students graduate within six years from Calvary University, and the retention rate stands at 62%. Graduates earn a median of $45,421 ten years after enrollment, which reflects the university's focus on ministry careers rather than high-paying secular professions.

Where do students at Calvary University come from?

Just 15% of Calvary University students are from Missouri, drawing a national student body to Kansas City. The campus houses 192 students in residence halls, creating a tight-knit Christian community despite the urban setting.

Does Calvary University offer athletic scholarships?

Calvary University provides $0 in athletic scholarships despite fielding four varsity sports teams. The 44 student athletes represent over a quarter of the entire student body, emphasizing participation over competition in this small Christian university environment.