Academic Comparison between GVSU and Calvin

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 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 is a private (not-for-profit) 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 (1,060) than GVSU (1,060).
  • Calvin has higher submitted ACT score (26) 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

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$15,502
Out-Of-State$21,894
2025 Tuition & Fees$39,350
75%% Receiving Financial Aid92%
$9,731Average Amount of Financial Aid$26,719
83.02 %Acceptance Rates70.91 %
18.59 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)21.44 %
1,060SAT Score1,220
26ACT Score27
67 %Graduation Rate74 %
14 %Transfer-out Rate16 %
76 %Retention Rate87 %
22,011Student Population3,681
1,129Number of Faculties194
15 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio13 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