As a christian academic community, Calvin University is dedicated to rigorous intellectual inquiry. To this end, the school offers an extensive range of undergraduate, graduate and pre-professional degrees based in liberal arts. Calvin University also extends online programs in Masters of Education as well as study abroad opportunities. The University also extends academic scholarships of up to 20,000 USD to foster knowledge and creativity.

It currently enrolls around 3,307 students of which international candidates make up around 12% of the total population. It has a quite lenient admission policy with an acceptance rate of 75%. Candidates seeking admission to Calvin University must meet a few basic admission requirements such as ACT composite score of 23-29, and TOEFL iBT in the range 80-90.

With a graduate placement rate of 98%, it is no wonder that Calvin University is ranked number 3 in Regional Universities, Midwest by US News and also has a place amongst America's Top Colleges list by Forbes. The University is also accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and some of its programs are also recognised individually.

Calvin University Rankings 2023

The rankings received by Calvin University in 2023 are:

  • #3 in Regional Universities Midwest by U.S News
  • #5 in Best Undergraduate Training By U.S. News
  • #13 in Best Value Schools by U.S. News
  • #291 amongst U.S College Rankings by Times Higher Education
  • #266 amongst Top Colleges in 2023 by Forbes

Highlights

Type of Institute Private University
Total Enrollment 3,307 Students
Student-Faculty Ratio 13:1
Application fees 35 USD
Location Grand Rapids, Michigan
Majors, Minors, and Programs 100 +
Acceptance rate 73 %
Official website https://calvin.edu/

Calvin University Campus & Accommodation

Calvin University Campus is host to 80 different student organizations and students also get the opportunity to create one of their own interests if they wish to.

  • There are over 100 concerts, film galleries, and events held with Calvin Theatre Company providing opportunities to students to perform.
  • Calvin University provides several facilities for sports enthusiasts. It has a fitness centre, athletic fields, a cross country course, tennis courts, and several walking paths.
  • There is also a climbing center and Venema Aquatic Centre. Calvin University also has an Intercultural Student Development for international students.

Calvin University also has other facilities like a fitness center, athletic fields, a cross country course, tennis courts, and several walking paths., 7 venues for Film Performance and art exhibitions There is also a climbing center and Venema Aquatic Centre. Calvin University also has an Intercultural Student Development for international students, Calvins Ecosystem Preserve and Native Gardens

Calvin University Accommodation

The Calvin University offers several housing options to students starting from residential halls, apartments, and learning and living communities.

  • There are seven residence halls and 11 apartment buildings on campus. All the housing accommodations are within walking distance of the academic buildings. 97% of first-year students live on the campus.
  • All residential halls have wifi, cable connection, Kitchens with refrigerators, microwaves, Laundry services,computer labs, study, music, and games rooms.
  • The residential halls have secure key card access. The rooms are double occupancy and have a shared bathroom. They are also equipped with beds, dressers, desk and desk lamps, Chairs, built-in bookshelves, and closets.
  • No additional application is required for first-year student accommodation in residential halls. The cost for a residential hall is 10,800 USD per year with an unlimited meal plan per person.
  • Calvin University has several places to dine on campus: knollcrest dining hall, Commons Dining Hall, Uppercrust, Johnny's Café, Peet's Café, and the Knight Fuel Market.
  • All first-year students are required to buy the Calvin Core Meal plan. The Calvin Core Meal Plan gives students access to 19 meals per week with no daily limits. The students can also upgrade to the Calvin Unlimited plan at 600 USD. 150 USD knight Bucks are also issues with the Calvin Core meal which give students access to all Calvin Food operations.

Students who are just out of high school and have applied to Calvin University are required to live on campus residence or at home for the first two years. However, pupils who have been out of high school for two years or more can opt for alternative student housing in the US.

Calvin University Programs

At Undergraduate level, Calvin University offers majors, minors, concentrations and pre-professional programs. The University also offers graduate programs in study areas such as business, communications and media studies, education, fine arts, health sciences, science, technology and engineering, social sciences, and the like.

Calvin University also offers an online program in Master’s of Education. The program encompasses two concentration programs in inclusion specialist and literacy research and curriculum development. The University also offers study abroad programs such as semester and interim programs.

Calvin University Application Process

At Calvin University, application deadlines for admission to fall semester is June 1 and December 15 for spring semester. Application fee will be waived for candidates who apply by November 1. Overseas candidates also need to maintain a GPA between 3.62 - 4.10 (97% - 100%).

Where to Apply: Calvin University Application or The Common Application

Overseas candidates must submit the following documents along with their application:

  • High School Official Transcripts (to be submitted by guidance counselor through the application portal)
  • Scores of Standardised tests to study in USA
  • Official University Transcripts (in case candidates have completed any college coursework)
  • Scanned copy of the ID page of passport
  • Income and savings statement of parents
  • Letter of intent from sponsor
  • Sponsor’s saving statement(if applicable)
  • Official undergraduate university transcripts (for graduate admission)

The Minimum required marks for standardised tests are as follows :

Test Test Scores
IELTS 6.5
TOEFL-PBT 550
TOEFL-iBT 80
SAT 510( Reading and Math Section)
ACT 19 ( English) 20( Maths) 16( Reading)
Duolingo English Test 105

Note:

  • Applicants who are not required to submit SAT/ ACT scores must ensure that they submit the TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo, or ELS Level 112 Certificate.
  • The international students who have been accepted into Calvin University must ensure that they submit an enrollment deposit of 2500 USD.

Calvin University Cost of Attendance

The cost of attendance at Calvin University for a year is tabulated below.

Expense Estimated Cost( USD)
Tuition 37, 990
Wellness Fees 250
Room and Board (19 Meal Plan included) 10, 800
Books and Supplies 1,300
Personal Expenses 1,500
Transportation 500- 2000
Total Estimated Cost 81,945

Candidates should note that this is a general estimation and tuition costs can vary based on the program one has opted for. Living and personal expenses will also vary depending on one’s lifestyle.

Calvin University Scholarships 

99% of students receive aid from Calvin University. Around 78 USD million is awarded to students yearly in the form of scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study opportunities. Some of the academic scholarships offered by Calvin University and eligibility criteria for international students is given below:

Scholarship Name Eligibility Amount Covered
Trustees GPA- 4.2 SAT-1410 ACT- 30 18,000 USD
Presidents GPA-3.9 SAT-1260 ACT- 26 16,000 USD
Deans GPA- 3.5 SAT- 1120 ACT- 22 12,000 USD
Faculty GPA- 3.1 SAT- 1050 ACT- 20 10,000U SD

Note: Students who apply by January 1 will be automatically considered for the above-mentioned academic scholarships. They will also get their application fees waived.

Calvin University Work-Study Program

Calvin University provides students with a plethora of opportunities to work while they are studying. These include around 1200 on-campus as well as off-campus jobs. International students can earn approximately 3000 USD while studying for their program.

The maximum number of hours that students can work for is 10- 12 hours a week. However, they can earn more by working on a campus job during the summer. International students can look for these opportunities at job orientation sessions or Calvin Handshake where on-campus jobs are posted.

Calvin University Placements

Some of the notable organizations where the Calvin graduates are employed include Apple, Goldman Sachs, Google, CNN, Siemens, Spectrum Health, IKEA, and many more. According to Payscale, the average salary of Calvin University Graduates is 62, 456 USD. The average salary of Calvin University graduates according to job type is given below -

Job Type Salary
General Manager 72,000
Electric Engineer 68,000
Mechanical Engineer 58,000
Marketing Manager 62,000
Financial Analyst 67,000
Software Engineer 79,000

FAQs 

Ques. Is Calvin University a good school?

Ans. Calvin University is ranked number 3 in Regional Universities, Midwest by US News and also has a place amongst America's Top Colleges list in Forbes. It has also been ranked number 13 in the best value schools by US News. The placement rate of Calvin University is 98%. Some of the top recruiters are Apple, Goldman Sachs, Google, CNN, Siemens, Spectrum Health, IKEA, and many more.

Ques. Does Calvin University offer on-campus accommodation?

Ans. There are seven residence halls and 11 apartment buildings on campus. All the housing accommodations are within walking distance of the academic buildings. 97% of first-year students live on the campus. The first-year students are required to live in the residential halls on campus.

Ques. Does Calvin University offer Financial aid?

Ans. All International students who wish to apply for financial aid should ensure that they submit the form by April 1. The students can also submit their applications by June 1 to receive an application fees waiver. There are also several academic and need-based named scholarships. The students must ensure that they fulfill the eligibility criteria for the academic scholarships.

Ques. Can I work while studying at Calvin University?

Ans. Yes, Calvin University provides students the opportunity to work on-campus jobs. There are around 1200 on-campus jobs. The students can view the jobs on Calvin Handshake. The students can earn approximately up to 3000 USD by working up to 10- 12 hours per week. There are also several off-campus job opportunities.

Ques. Is it hard to get into Calvin University?

Ans. Calvin University approximately has an acceptance score of 75%. The SAT score of admitted students for the year 2023- 2024 was an average of 1112- 1307. However, the University has waived the SAT/ACT requirements for the Fall 2023 and Fall 2024 applicants. International applicants who are proficient in English can opt for the test Optional policy as Calvin University takes into consideration other aspects like course load, extra-curricular activity, writing ability, Volunteer service, and more.