About

About Calvin University

faith-based missionsmall class sizesnursing and engineering focusprivate masters universitygrand rapids michigan

Calvin University is a private university in Grand Rapids, MI, known for its faith-based mission, small class sizes, and nursing and engineering focus. With an acceptance rate of 74%, Calvin University is accessible for most qualified applicants, typically enrolling around 617 students each year. Calvin University is test optional; students who submit scores are typically admitted with SATs between 1110–1330, though many competitive applicants choose not to submit. Calvin University offers merit scholarships regardless of financial need, with awards averaging $28,473 per year; the sticker price of $52,840 may look very different from what your family actually pays.

Admissions

Calvin University acceptance rate and admitted student profile

accessible for most qualified applicants

74%
Overall Accept Rate
3.75
Typical Admitted GPA
1220
Median Admitted SAT
GPATypical admitted range: 3.50 – 4.00 unweighted

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SATSubmitted score range: 1110 – 1330 (test optional)

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Application Strategy

Strategy tips for applying to Calvin University

The first 2 tips apply to all applicants. Your personalized strategy requires your profile — build your free list to unlock it.

Essay Strategy
Calvin University has a strong Reformed Christian identity, so if faith shapes how you think, learn, or see your future career, name that directly in your essays. Admissions readers will respond to students who can articulate how their beliefs connect to their academic curiosity, not just students who list church activities.
Test Score Strategy
Calvin is test optional, and if your score falls below their middle range, you are better off leaving it out and letting your GPA, coursework, and essays carry your application instead.

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Financial Aid & Cost

What Calvin University actually costs your family

Average net prices by income bracket from College Scorecard data.

Family IncomeSticker PriceEst. Net Cost / yr
0-30k~$53k/yr$19.3k
30k-48k~$53k/yr$18.3k
48k-75k~$53k/yr$19.4k
75k-110k~$53k/yr$21.1k
110k+~$53k/yr$26.7k

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Outcomes & Campus

Student outcomes and campus profile

77%
6-Year Graduation Rate
$48k
Median Earnings (6 yrs)
12:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
3,019
Undergrad Enrollment
Calvin University Acceptance Rate & Admissions | SpearMatch