Grace Christian University: 99.7% Acceptance Rate

99.7%Acceptance

$14,992Tuition

707Students

43%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$41,663Earnings

Private nonprofit4-yearSAT/ACT Test BlindOtherStudy AbroadData: 2023-24Other Protestant

About Grace Christian University

Grace Christian University serves 707 students in Wyoming, Michigan, a small city setting where faith and education intersect. This Protestant institution has been preparing students for ministry and professional careers since 1945. The university accepts nearly every applicant with a 99.66% acceptance rate, reflecting its open-door mission to serve students regardless of academic background. Faculty maintain close relationships with students through a 15:1 student-to-faculty ratio.

Students pay an average net price of $13,996 after financial aid, making Christian higher education accessible to families across income levels. Nearly half of students receive Pell Grants, indicating the university serves many first-generation and lower-income students. Graduates earn a median salary of $41,663 ten years after graduation, while carrying typical debt of $24,375. The monthly loan payment of $258 represents a manageable burden for most graduates in their career fields.

The student body reflects surprising diversity for a Christian university, with 52.62% White students, 24.47% Black students, and 10.89% Hispanic students. However, academic outcomes present challenges, with only 42.90% of students graduating within six years and a retention rate of 58.90%. The university fields 10 varsity sports teams with 146 total athletes, creating opportunities for student engagement beyond academics.

Academics & Faculty

Grace Christian University operates as a small Christian institution where nearly all applicants gain admission with a 99.66% acceptance rate. The university emphasizes biblical integration across its academic programs, reflecting its Protestant foundation since 1945. Students work closely with faculty through a 15:1 student-faculty ratio, though academic persistence proves challenging with only a 42.90% six-year graduation rate. The retention rate of 58.90% suggests many students struggle to stay enrolled beyond their first year. Grace focuses on preparing students for ministry and Christian service careers, with programs designed around faith-based perspectives. The intimate class sizes allow for personalized attention, but students must be self-motivated to succeed in this academically demanding environment.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 15:1
Full-Time Faculty: 100.0%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 47.6%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 42.9%
Retention Rate: 58.9%
Median Earnings (10 years): $41,663
Carnegie Classification: Baccalaureate College

Campus Life

Grace Christian University sits in Wyoming, a suburb about 10 minutes from Grand Rapids, giving students access to Michigan's second-largest city. With housing capacity for just 222 students and total enrollment of 707, only about one-third of students live on campus. The small residential community creates tight bonds among those who do stay on campus. Michigan winters demand heavy coats and snow boots from November through March, while spring and fall offer pleasant weather for the university's 10 varsity sports programs.

The 15:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know students by name, fitting the close-knit Christian community atmosphere. With 146 total athletes across various sports, athletics play a visible role in campus culture. Weekend activities often center around Grand Rapids, where students explore the city's growing food scene, attend concerts, or visit local churches. The 58.90% retention rate suggests some students find the small-school environment isn't the right fit, but those who stay appreciate the personal attention and faith-centered community that defines daily life here.

Setting: City-Small
Housing Capacity: 222 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available
Founded: 1945

Campus Safety (2023)

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

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Noncampus	Public Property
Motor Vehicle Theft	1	0	0	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 17°–30°F
July Avg: 60°–82°F
Annual Precipitation: 39.6"
Annual Snowfall: 74.9"

Student Demographics

Grace Christian University draws students who value affordable Christian education close to home. Two-thirds of students come from Michigan, reflecting the school's strong ties to local Protestant communities. The student body is diverse, with white students making up just over half the population and significant Black and Hispanic representation. Women outnumber men by a considerable margin, which aligns with the university's emphasis on education, social work, and ministry programs that traditionally attract more female students. Nearly half receive Pell Grants, showing the school's commitment to serving working-class families seeking faith-based higher education.

Men: 43.3%
Women: 56.7%
White: 52.6%
Black: 24.5%
Hispanic: 10.9%
Asian: 2.0%
In-State Students: 66.7%
Pell Grant Recipients: 49.8%

Location

Grace Christian University sits in Wyoming, Michigan, a small city about 10 miles southwest of Grand Rapids. The campus serves 707 students in the greater Grand Rapids metropolitan area, which offers urban amenities while maintaining a smaller community feel. Wyoming itself blends residential neighborhoods with local businesses, providing an accessible college environment without the intensity of a major city. The region features Michigan's characteristic mix of lakes, forests, and agricultural land. About 67% of students come from within Michigan, drawn to the school's proximity to both outdoor recreation and Grand Rapids' growing job market. Students considering colleges in Michigan may also compare Grace Christian University with similar schools in the region.

Address: Wyoming, Michigan 49509

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $41,663
Median Earnings (5 years): $38,877
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $27,500
Loan Repayment Rate: 46.5%
Monthly Loan Payment: $258/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $24,375

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Grace Christian University?

Grace Christian University accepts 99.66% of applicants, making admission nearly guaranteed for students who apply. The university focuses on providing Christian higher education to students regardless of academic background. This open-access approach aligns with the school's mission to serve a diverse student body in Wyoming, Michigan.

How much does Grace Christian University cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $13,996 after financial aid, which is lower than the sticker price. Nearly 50% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating the university serves many low-income families. The total cost of attendance is $25,132, but generous aid packages make it affordable for most families.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Grace Christian University?

The student-faculty ratio is 15:1 with total enrollment of 707 students, creating small class sizes typical of Christian universities. This intimate learning environment allows for personalized attention from professors. The university emphasizes biblical integration across all academic programs.

Does Grace Christian University have good graduation outcomes?

The six-year graduation rate is 42.90%, which reflects challenges common among smaller Christian institutions serving diverse populations. However, 89% of graduates find employment, and the median earnings after 10 years reach $41,663. The retention rate of 58.90% suggests some students struggle to persist through their first year.

Where do students live at Grace Christian University?

Housing capacity is limited to 222 students on the small Wyoming, Michigan campus. About 67% of students come from in-state, and many likely commute from the greater Grand Rapids area. The campus setting in a small city provides a close-knit community atmosphere.

How diverse is the student body at Grace Christian University?

The student body is 52.62% white and 24.47% Black, making it more racially diverse than many Christian universities. Women comprise 56.72% of the 707 total students. This diversity reflects the university's urban Michigan location and commitment to serving students from various backgrounds.