Academic Comparison between Calvin University and GVSU

Calvin University and Grand Valley State University are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. Calvin University is a four-year, private (not-for-profit) school located in Grand Rapids, MI and GVSU is a four-year, public school located in Allendale, MI.

Comparison at a Glance

The following list compares two colleges briefly in important perspectives. You can compare them with comprehensive information on full comparison page.

  • Calvin University is a private (not-for-profit) and GVSU is a public school and both are four-year schools.
  • Calvin University has more expensive tuition & fees ($38,670) than GVSU ($21,154).
  • It is harder to admit to Calvin University than GVSU.
  • Calvin University has a higher submitted SAT score (1,200) than GVSU (1,070).
  • Calvin University has higher submitted ACT score (25) than GVSU (24).
  • GVSU has more students with 21,648 students while Calvin University has 3,231 students.
  • Calvin University has a lower number of students per faculty with 12 to 1 while GVSU's ratio is 15 to 1.
  • GVSU has more full-time faculties with 1,101 faculties while Calvin University has 204 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Calvin Universityvs.Grand Valley State University
Grand Rapids, MichiganLocationAllendale, Michigan
Four-year, Private (not-for-profit)School Typefour-year, Public
Master's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree
Master's College and University (smaller programs)Carnegie ClassificationDoctoral / Research University
$38,6702024 Tuition & Fees
In-State$14,978
Out-Of-State$21,154
94%% Receiving Financial Aid85%
$23,594Average Amount of Financial Aid$7,921
71.31 %Acceptance Rates94.69 %
21.55 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)21.02 %
1,200SAT Score1,070
25ACT Score24
76 %Graduation Rate66 %
14 %Transfer-out Rate14 %
86 %Retention Rate79 %
3,231Student Population21,648
204Number of Faculties1,101
12 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio15 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher Certification
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement servicesOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycare