At $24,783/yr net price, Calvin University graduates earn $58,375/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $24,375/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $24,783 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $99,132 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $58,375/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$24,375/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.1 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 77.4% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $23,250 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $20,249/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $17,974/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $21,973/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $23,732/yr |
| $110,001+ | $28,027/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engineering, General. | Bachelor | $65,188 | $22,409 |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $61,020 | $18,250 |
| Communication Disorders Sciences and Services. | Master | $60,878 | $36,079 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $57,770 | $25,250 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $57,564 | $23,250 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $45,980 | $20,000 |
| Special Education and Teaching. | Bachelor | $39,009 | |
| Mathematics. | Bachelor | $38,337 | |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $35,060 | $19,500 |
| Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication. | Bachelor | $33,993 |
The Risk Factor
77.4% of students at Calvin University graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 23% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Calvin University delivers solid financial returns with median earnings of $58,375 and manageable debt loads, though your program choice makes a massive difference in outcomes. Engineering graduates earn $65,188 with only $22,409 in debt, creating an excellent debt-to-income ratio that pays off quickly in Grand Rapids' growing tech and manufacturing sectors.
Computer Science majors also win financially at $61,020 with just $18,250 in debt. Communication Disorders graduates earn $60,878 but carry $36,079 in debt, which means longer payoff periods despite strong starting salaries. Nursing and accounting both hit around $57,500 with reasonable debt levels under $26,000.
The major financial risk at Calvin is choosing liberal arts programs not shown in the top earners list. With a net price near $25,000 annually, you need career-focused programs to justify the investment. The 77% graduation rate means one in four students never finish, losing years of potential earnings while carrying debt.
Calvin works best financially if you target their strong STEM programs or professional tracks like nursing. The Grand Rapids job market supports these graduates well, with medical systems, tech companies, and manufacturers actively recruiting. You should look elsewhere if you want to study fields like art, philosophy, or social work where Calvin's outcomes likely lag behind the median earnings.
Only 14% of students receive need-based aid, suggesting limited financial support for middle-income families. Merit scholarships exist but require strong academics. Your best cost strategy is completing your degree in four years within a high-earning program rather than counting on significant aid reductions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Calvin University worth the cost?
Calvin University offers decent value with graduates earning $58,375 after 10 years and median debt of $23,250. The engineering and computer science programs show strong returns, but other majors may struggle to justify the $24,783 annual net price.
What are the best paying majors at Calvin University?
Engineering leads at $65,188 average salary, followed by computer science at $61,020. These technical programs offer the clearest path to positive ROI, while other majors like nursing and accounting hover around $57,000-$58,000.
How much debt do Calvin University graduates have?
The median debt is $23,250, which is manageable compared to the $58,375 average earnings. However, students in lower-paying majors may face tighter budgets despite the relatively modest debt load.
Does Calvin University provide good financial aid?
The net price of $24,783 suggests reasonable financial aid, bringing costs down from the full sticker price. With a 77% graduation rate, most students complete their degrees, though ROI varies significantly by program choice.