Academic Comparison between WMU and Calvin University

Western Michigan University and Calvin University are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. WMU is a four-year, public school located in Kalamazoo, 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.

  • WMU 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 WMU ($19,098).
  • It is harder to admit to Calvin University than WMU.
  • Calvin University has a higher submitted SAT score (1,100) than WMU (1,100).
  • Calvin University has higher submitted ACT score (24) 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

Western Michigan Universityvs.Calvin University
Kalamazoo, MichiganLocationGrand Rapids, Michigan
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Private (not-for-profit)
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedMaster's degree
Research University (high research activity)Carnegie ClassificationMaster's College and University (smaller programs)
In-State$15,298
Out-Of-State$19,098
2024 Tuition & Fees$38,670
94%% Receiving Financial Aid94%
$7,061Average Amount of Financial Aid$23,594
85.00 %Acceptance Rates70.99 %
15.00 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)22.00 %
1,100SAT Score1,200
24ACT Score25
55 %Graduation Rate76 %
26 %Transfer-out Rate14 %
77 %Retention Rate86 %
17,000Student Population3,231
752Number of Faculties204
16 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio12 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