Academic Comparison between MSU and Calvin University

Michigan State University and Calvin University are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. MSU is a four-year, public school located in East Lansing, 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.

  • MSU is a public and Calvin University is a private (not-for-profit) school and both are four-year schools.
  • MSU has more expensive tuition & fees ($44,040) than Calvin University ($38,670).
  • It is harder to admit to Calvin University than MSU.
  • MSU has a higher submitted SAT score (1,250) than Calvin University (1,200).
  • MSU has higher submitted ACT score (28) than Calvin University (25).
  • MSU has more students with 50,023 students while Calvin University has 3,231 students.
  • Calvin University has a lower number of students per faculty with 12 to 1 while MSU's ratio is 17 to 1.
  • MSU has more full-time faculties with 2,996 faculties while Calvin University has 204 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Michigan State Universityvs.Calvin University
East Lansing, MichiganLocationGrand Rapids, Michigan
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Private (not-for-profit)
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedMaster's degree
Research University (very high research activity)Carnegie ClassificationMaster's College and University (smaller programs)
In-State$17,270
Out-Of-State$44,040
2024 Tuition & Fees$38,670
69%% Receiving Financial Aid94%
$10,980Average Amount of Financial Aid$23,594
84.00 %Acceptance Rates70.99 %
19.00 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)22.00 %
1,250SAT Score1,200
28ACT Score25
81 %Graduation Rate76 %
10 %Transfer-out Rate14 %
89 %Retention Rate86 %
50,023Student Population3,231
2,996Number of Faculties204
17 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio12 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening CollegeSpecial 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