Academic Comparison between Calvin University and WMU

Calvin University and Western Michigan 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 WMU is a four-year, public school located in Kalamazoo, 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 WMU is a public school and both are four-year schools.
  • Calvin University has more expensive tuition & fees ($38,670) than WMU ($19,098).
  • It is harder to admit to Calvin University than WMU.
  • Calvin University has a higher submitted SAT score (1,200) than WMU (1,100).
  • Calvin University has higher submitted ACT score (25) than WMU (24).
  • WMU has more students with 17,000 students while Calvin University has 3,231 students.
  • Calvin University has a lower number of students per faculty with 12 to 1 while WMU's ratio is 16 to 1.
  • WMU has more full-time faculties with 752 faculties while Calvin University has 204 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Calvin Universityvs.Western Michigan University
Grand Rapids, MichiganLocationKalamazoo, 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 ClassificationResearch University (high research activity)
$38,6702024 Tuition & Fees
In-State$15,298
Out-Of-State$19,098
94%% Receiving Financial Aid94%
$23,594Average Amount of Financial Aid$7,061
71.31 %Acceptance Rates84.68 %
21.55 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)14.52 %
1,200SAT Score1,100
25ACT Score24
76 %Graduation Rate55 %
14 %Transfer-out Rate26 %
86 %Retention Rate77 %
3,231Student Population17,000
204Number of Faculties752
12 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio16 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Teacher Certification
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement servicesOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services