Academic Comparison between MSU and Calvin

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 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 is a private (not-for-profit) school and both are four-year schools.
  • MSU has more expensive tuition & fees ($44,850) than Calvin ($39,350).
  • It is harder to admit to Calvin than MSU.
  • MSU has a higher submitted SAT score (1,260) than Calvin (1,220).
  • MSU has higher submitted ACT score (28) than Calvin (27).
  • MSU has more students with 52,089 students while Calvin has 3,681 students.
  • Calvin has a lower number of students per faculty with 13 to 1 while MSU's ratio is 17 to 1.
  • MSU has more full-time faculties with 3,013 faculties while Calvin has 194 full-time faculties.
Which school is more in your mind and would you like to go to?
MSU Calvin
Vote to see the other's choices.

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$18,079
Out-Of-State$44,850
2025 Tuition & Fees$39,350
80%% Receiving Financial Aid92%
$9,834Average Amount of Financial Aid$26,719
84.80 %Acceptance Rates70.91 %
18.32 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)21.44 %
1,260SAT Score1,220
28ACT Score27
81 %Graduation Rate74 %
-Transfer-out Rate16 %
90 %Retention Rate87 %
52,089Student Population3,681
3,013Number of Faculties194
17 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio13 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