About Calvin University
Students pay an average net price of $24,783 after financial aid, less than the sticker price of $51,920. Graduates earn a median of $58,375 ten years after graduation, making the typical debt load of $23,250 manageable with monthly payments of $246. The 96.5% employment rate demonstrates strong career outcomes for Calvin alumni.
The close-knit campus fosters deep relationships with an 88% retention rate and 14:1 student-faculty ratio. About 45% of students come from outside Michigan, creating geographic diversity within the Reformed tradition. The Knights compete in 23 Division III sports with 513 student-athletes participating without athletic scholarships. Students live together in residence halls that house 2,445 students, building the community bonds Calvin is known for throughout their college experience.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 14:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 100.0%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 77.2%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 77.4%
- Retention Rate
- 88.5%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $58,375
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Small)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Engineering, General. | Bachelor | $65,188 |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $61,020 |
| Communication Disorders Sciences and Services. | Master | $60,878 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $57,770 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $57,564 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $45,980 |
| Special Education and Teaching. | Bachelor | $39,009 |
| Mathematics. | Bachelor | $38,337 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $35,060 |
| Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication. | Bachelor | $33,993 |
Campus Life
The 14:1 student-faculty ratio creates genuine mentorship opportunities that extend beyond academics. Students gather for weekly chapel services that reflect the university's Christian Reformed heritage. Weekend activities center around the campus's tight-knit community of Knights, with 513 athletes competing across 23 Division III sports. Grand Rapids offers coffee shops, breweries, and outdoor recreation along the Grand River. The 88.49% retention rate suggests students find their place quickly in this environment where faith and learning intersect daily. Study groups often turn into lasting friendships, and professors regularly invite classes to their homes for dinner.
- Setting
- City-Midsize
- Housing Capacity
- 2,445 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1876
Campus Safety (2023)
26 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stalking | 5 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Burglary | 3 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Fondling | 3 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Rape | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 17°–30°F
- July Avg
- 60°–82°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 39.6"
- Annual Snowfall
- 74.9"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 49.0%
- Women
- 51.0%
- White
- 68.3%
- Black
- 5.1%
- Hispanic
- 4.9%
- Asian
- 4.4%
- In-State Students
- 55.2%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 14.4%
Location
- Address
- Grand Rapids, Michigan 49546
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $58,375
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $56,704
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $38,900
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 83.4%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $246/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $23,250
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Calvin University?
Calvin University accepts 74.21% of applicants, making it moderately selective for a Christian liberal arts institution. Students typically score around 1245 on the SAT, reflecting the university's commitment to academic excellence within its Reformed theological framework.
How much does Calvin University cost after financial aid?
The average net price at Calvin University is $24,783, lower than the full cost of attendance of $51,920. Students from families earning under $48,000 pay even less, with net prices around $17,974 to $20,249.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Calvin University?
Calvin University maintains a 14:1 student-faculty ratio with total enrollment of 2,921 students. This close-knit academic environment supports the university's emphasis on personalized education rooted in Christian liberal arts traditions.
What do Calvin University graduates earn after graduation?
Calvin University graduates earn a median salary of $58,375 ten years after graduation, with a strong 96.5% employment rate. The university's combination of liberal arts education and Christian values preparation helps graduates succeed across various career paths.
Where is Calvin University located and what is campus life like?
Calvin University sits in Grand Rapids, Michigan, housing 2,445 students on campus out of 2,921 total enrollment. The Knights compete in 23 NCAA Division III sports, creating a active campus community that balances academic rigor with Reformed Christian fellowship.
Is Calvin University affiliated with a particular Christian denomination?
Calvin University maintains a Christian Reformed affiliation and was founded in 1876 with the motto "My heart I offer to you, Lord, promptly and sincerely." This Reformed theological foundation shapes campus culture while producing notable alumni like filmmaker Paul Schrader and Broadway star Kristin Chenoweth.
