Academic Comparison between GVSU and Calvin University

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

  • GVSU is a public and Calvin University is a private (not-for-profit) 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 (1,070) than GVSU (1,070).
  • Calvin University has higher submitted ACT score (24) 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

Grand Valley State Universityvs.Calvin University
Allendale, MichiganLocationGrand Rapids, Michigan
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Private (not-for-profit)
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedMaster's degree
Doctoral / Research UniversityCarnegie ClassificationMaster's College and University (smaller programs)
In-State$14,978
Out-Of-State$21,154
2024 Tuition & Fees$38,670
85%% Receiving Financial Aid94%
$7,921Average Amount of Financial Aid$23,594
95.00 %Acceptance Rates70.99 %
21.00 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)22.00 %
1,070SAT Score1,200
24ACT Score25
66 %Graduation Rate76 %
14 %Transfer-out Rate14 %
79 %Retention Rate86 %
21,648Student Population3,231
1,101Number of Faculties204
15 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio12 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Teacher Certification
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycareOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services