Academic Comparison between Calvin and GVSU

Calvin University and Grand Valley State University are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. Calvin 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 is a private (not-for-profit) and GVSU is a public school and both are four-year schools.
  • Calvin has more expensive tuition & fees ($39,350) than GVSU ($21,894).
  • It is harder to admit to Calvin than GVSU.
  • Calvin has a higher submitted SAT score (1,220) than GVSU (1,060).
  • Calvin has higher submitted ACT score (27) than GVSU (26).
  • GVSU has more students with 22,011 students while Calvin has 3,681 students.
  • Calvin has a lower number of students per faculty with 13 to 1 while GVSU's ratio is 15 to 1.
  • GVSU has more full-time faculties with 1,129 faculties while Calvin has 194 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
$39,3502025 Tuition & Fees
In-State$15,502
Out-Of-State$21,894
92%% Receiving Financial Aid75%
$26,719Average Amount of Financial Aid$9,731
70.91 %Acceptance Rates83.02 %
21.44 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)18.59 %
1,220SAT Score1,060
27ACT Score26
74 %Graduation Rate67 %
16 %Transfer-out Rate14 %
87 %Retention Rate76 %
3,681Student Population22,011
194Number of Faculties1,129
13 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