Academic Comparison between Calvin and WMU

Calvin University and Western Michigan 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 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 is a private (not-for-profit) and WMU is a public school and both are four-year schools.
  • Calvin has more expensive tuition & fees ($39,350) than WMU ($19,952).
  • It is harder to admit to Calvin than WMU.
  • WMU has more students with 16,744 students while Calvin has 3,681 students.
  • Calvin has a lower number of students per faculty with 13 to 1 while WMU's ratio is 16 to 1.
  • WMU has more full-time faculties with 743 faculties while Calvin has 194 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)
$39,3502025 Tuition & Fees
In-State$15,987
Out-Of-State$19,952
92%% Receiving Financial Aid74%
$26,719Average Amount of Financial Aid$9,864
70.91 %Acceptance Rates84.60 %
21.44 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)13.53 %
1,220SAT Score-
27ACT Score-
74 %Graduation Rate58 %
16 %Transfer-out Rate27 %
87 %Retention Rate81 %
3,681Student Population16,744
194Number of Faculties743
13 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