Calvin College

Grand Rapids, MI

Download PDF Download as PDF Opens a modal dialog View Map
  Opens a modal dialog email

Calvin, founded in 1876, is a church-affiliated, liberal arts college. Its 370-acre campus is located in a suburban area of Grand Rapids.

Website: www.calvin.edu/

Private
Co-ed
3,625
Undergraduate
Students
(53.1%) 1,925 Women
(46.9%) 1,700 Men
107
Graduate
Students

Admission

Entrance Difficulty
Moderately difficult
Overall Admission Rate
79% of 3,847 applicants were admitted
Early Action Offered
No
Early Decision Offered
No
Regular Admission Deadline
Rolling

Qualifications of Enrolled Freshmen

Average GPA
3.80
SAT Math
580-690 range of middle 50%
SAT EBRW
625 average
570-680 range of middle 50%
ACT Composite
27 average
24-30 range of middle 50%
See more

Money Matters

Cost of Attendance
$50,900
Tuition and Fees
$36,300
Room and Board
$10,600
Average Percent of Need Met
76%
Average Freshman Award
$25,639
Average Indebtedness of 2018 Graduates
$29,768
See more

Academics

Academic Calendar System
4-1-4
General Education/Core Curriculum
Required for most or all students
Full-Time Faculty Teaching Undergraduates
232
Regular Class Size
2-9 students: 7% of classes
10-19 students: 27% of classes
20-29 students: 39% of classes
30-39 students: 23% of classes
40-49 students: 4% of classes
50-99 students: 1% of classes
See more

Campus Life

Grand Rapids Population
192,294
Nearest Metropolitan Area
Grand Rapids, MI
Freshman Housing Guarantee
Freshmen are guaranteed housing
Students in College Housing
58% of all students
Athletic Conferences
NCAA Division III
Mascot
Knights
Sororities
 
Fraternities
 
See more

Students

Ethnicity of Students from U.S.
0.2% American Indian/Alaskan Native
5.9% Asian
4.0% Black/African-American
5.9% Hispanic/Latino
3.6% Multi-race (not Hispanic/Latino)
0.0% Native Hawaiian/ Pacific Islander
78.3% White
2.2% Unknown
International Students
12.2% from 64 countries
First-Year Students Returning
87.0%
Students Graduating Within 4 Years
62.0%
Graduates Offered Full-Time Employment Within 6 Months
75%
Graduates Pursuing Advanced Study Directly
25.0%
See more

Freshman Admission Requirements

Entrance Difficulty

Moderately Difficult: More than 75% of freshmen were in the top 50% of their high school class and scored over 1010 on the SAT I or over 18 on the ACT; about 85% or fewer of all applicants accepted.

High School Preparation

High School Graduation
High school diploma required and GED is accepted
High School Program
College preparatory program is required

High School Units Required or Recommended

High School Units Required or Recommended
Subject Required Units Recommended Units
English 3 4
Mathematics 3  
Science 2  
Foreign Language   2
Social Studies 2 3
History    
Academic Electives 3  

Examinations

Examinations
Exam Required Units Scores Due in Admissions Office
SAT or ACT Required August 15
SAT Only    
ACT Only    
SAT and SAT Subject Tests, or ACT    
SAT Subject Tests Only  
SAT Essay Component Policy Accepted with or without essay component
ACT Writing Test Policy Accepted with or without writing component
ACT Writing Test Policy SAT: No policy as of now
ACT: No policy as of now

Applying for Admission

Admissions Office

Address
3201 Burton Street, SE
City, State, Zip
Grand Rapids, MI 49546-4388
Phone
(616) 526-6106
Fax
(616) 526-8551
E-mail
admissions@calvin.edu

Application Dates and Fees

Regular Admisson Deadline
Rolling
Application Fee
$35
Application Fee Waiver
Available
Regular Admission Notification
Rolling
Accept Offer of Admission
By May 1 or within 4 weeks if notified after May 1
Waiting List Used
No
Defer Admission
Student can defer admission
Transfer Admission
Transfer applications accepted

Early Admission

Early Decision Offered
No
Early Decision Deadline
 
Early Decision Notification
 
Early Action Offered
No
Early Action Deadline
 
Early Action Notification
 

Application Form

Common Application
Accepted
Universal College Application
Not accepted
Electronic Application
Available

Other Application Requirements

Interview
Not Required
Essay or Personal Statement
Required for all freshmen
Letters of Recommendation
1 required for all freshmen
Other
 
Financial Need
Financial need is not a consideration in the admissions process

Selection of Students

Selection of Students
Factor Very Important Important Considered Not Considered
Rigor of Secondary School Record X
Academic GPA X
Standardized Tests X
Class Rank X
Recommendations X
Essay X
Interview X
Level of Applicant's Interest X
Extracurricular Activities X
Volunteer Work X
Particular Talent/Ability X
Character/Personal Qualities X
First Generation to Attend College X
State Residency X
Geographic Residence X
Relation with Alumnus X
Religious Affiliation/Commitment X
Ethnicity X
Work Experience X

Profile of Fall Admission

Overall Admission Rate
79% of 3,847 applicants were admitted
Women
80% of 2,171 applicants were admitted
Men
78% of 1,676 applicants were admitted
Students Enrolled
985 (32%) of 3,038 admitted students enrolled
Women
473 (27%) of 1,735 admitted students enrolled
Men
447 (34%) of 1,303 admitted students enrolled
Early Decision Admission Rate
 
Early Action Admission Rate
 
Students Offered Wait List
 
Students Accepting Wait List Position
 
Students Admitted From Wait List
 

Grade Point Average of Enrolled Freshmen (4.0 scale)

Average GPA
3.80
3.75 and Above
55%
3.50 - 3.74
17%
3.25 - 3.49
13%
3.00 - 3.24
9%
2.50 - 2.99
5%
2.00 - 2.49
1%

SAT Scores of Enrolled Freshmen

SAT Math
580-690 range of middle 50%
Score of 700 - 800
23%
Score of 600 - 700
43%
Score of 500 - 600
31%
Score of 400 - 500
4%
Score of 300 - 400
0%
Score of 200 - 300
0%
SAT EBRW
625 average
570-680 range of middle 50%
Score of 700 - 800
18%
Score of 600 - 700
47%
Score of 500 - 600
30%
Score of 400 - 500
4%
Score of 300 - 400
0%
Score of 200 - 300
0%

ACT Scores of Enrolled Freshmen

ACT Composite
27 average
24-30 range of middle 50%
Score of 30 - 36
32%
Score of 24 - 29
46%
Score of 18 - 23
21%
Score of 12 - 17
1%
Score of 6 - 11
0%
Score of 5 or Below
0%

Other Qualifications of Enrolled Freshmen

High School Class Rank
Top tenth: 31%
Top quarter: 58%
Top half: 83%
National Merit Scholar
1%
Valedictorian
1%
Class President
Not reported
Student Government Officer
Not reported

Tuition and Expenses

Cost of Attendance
$50,900
Tuition and Fees
$36,300
Room and Board
$10,600
Books and Supplies
$1,300
Other Expenses
$2,700
Payment Plans
 

Applying for Financial Aid

Financial Aid Office

Email
Web Site
Financial Aid Web Site
Net Price Calculator URL
Net Price Calculator URL

Application Process

Application Deadline
Priority deadline November 15
Award Notification
On a rolling basis beginning December 15
Methodology for Awarding Institutional Aid
Federal and Institutional Methodologies
Forms Required Cost to File
FAFSA
Code is 002241		 Free

Profile of 2018 - 19 Financial Aid

Freshman

Financial Aid Applicants
739 (89.8%) of freshmen
Found to Have Financial Need
508 (73.2%) of applicants
Received Financial Aid
508 (100.0%) of applicants with financial need
Need Fully Met
112 (20.1%) of aid recipients
Average Percent of Need Met
76%
Average Award
$25,639
Need-Based Gift
Received by 508 (100.0%) of aid recipients, average amount $20,683
Need-Based Self-Help
Received by 434 (83.8%) of aid recipients, average amount $3,394
Merit-Based Gift
Received by 65 (14.6%) of aid recipients
Merit-Based Gift
313 (33.8%) of freshmen had no financial need and received merit aid, average amount $15,115

All Undergraduates

Financial Aid Applicants
2,776 (79.9%) of undergraduates
Found to Have Financial Need
2,047 (73.7%) of applicants
Received Financial Aid
2,042 (99.9%) of applicants with financial need
Need Fully Met
406 (17.6%) of aid recipients
Average Percent of Need Met
73%
Average Award
$24,606
Need-Based Gift
Received by 2,041 (99.9%) of aid recipients, average amount $18,797
Need-Based Self-Help
Received by 1,759 (87.8%) of aid recipients, average amount $4,685
Merit-Based Gift
Received by 251 (11.6%) of aid recipients
Merit-Based Gift
1,289 (34.9%) of undergraduates had no financial need and received merit aid, average amount $13,011

Borrowing

2018 Graduates Who Took Out Loans
60%
Average Indebtedness of 2018 Graduates
$29,768
Parents of Students Receiving Aid
5.0%
Parents of Students Not Receiving Aid
Not reported

Financial Aid Programs

Loans

Federal Loans
Direct subsidized Stafford loans, direct unsubsidized Stafford loans, direct PLUS loans
State Loans
Available
Other Loans
College/university loans, Alternative loans

Scholarships and Grants

Need-Based Available
Federal Pell grants, SEOG, State scholarships, Institutional scholarships, Private scholarships
Non-Need–Based Available
Academic scholarships, Special characteristics (minority, religious affiliation, other scholarships)

Non-Need Awards

Academic Interest/Achievement Award Areas
Not reported
Number of Awards
2,755
Top Areas (By Money Awarded)
 
Creative Arts/Performance Award Areas
Not reported
Number of Awards
Not reported
Top Areas (By Money Awarded)
 
Special Achievements/Activities Award Areas
Not reported
Number of Awards
Not reported
Top Areas (By Money Awarded)
 
Special Characteristics Award Areas
Children and Siblings of Alumni, Children of Faculty/Staff, Ethnic Background, First-Generation College Students, International Students, Members of Minorities, Religious Affiliation
Number of Awards
2,941
Top Areas (By Money Awarded)
 

Employment

Work-Study Programs
Federal work study available, other work study available
Average Earnings from On-Campus Employment
$1,597
Academic Calendar System
4-1-4
Summer Session
Offered
General Catalog/Bulletin
Online Catalog

Undergraduate Education

Undergraduate Majors

  • Accounting
  • Actuarial Science
  • Art Teacher Education
  • Art/Art Studies, General
  • Asian Studies/Civilization
  • Audiology/Audiologist and Speech-Language Pathology/Pathologist
  • Bible/Biblical Studies
  • Bilingual and Multilingual Education
  • Biochemistry
  • Biological and Physical Sciences
  • Biology Teacher Education
  • Biology/Biological Sciences, General
  • Business Administration and Management, General
  • Chemical Engineering
  • Chemistry Teacher Education
  • Chemistry, General
  • Chinese Language and Literature
  • Civil Engineering, General
  • Classical, Ancient Mediterranean and Near Eastern Studies and Archaeology
  • Computer Science
  • Computer Systems Analysis/Analyst
  • Development Economics and International Development
  • Digital Communication and Media/Multimedia
  • Early Childhood Education and Teaching
  • Earth Science Teacher Education
  • Economics, General
  • Electrical and Electronics Engineering
  • Elementary Education and Teaching
  • Engineering, General
  • English Language and Literature, General
  • Environmental Science
  • Environmental Studies
  • Finance, General
  • Fine/Studio Arts, General
  • Foreign Language Teacher Education
  • French Language Teacher Education
  • French Language and Literature
  • General Literature
  • Geography
  • Geography Teacher Education
  • Geology/Earth Science, General
  • German Language Teacher Education
  • German Language and Literature
  • Germanic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics, Other
  • Graphic Design
  • Health Communication
  • History Teacher Education
  • History, General
  • Human Resources Management/Personnel Administration, General
  • International Relations and Affairs
  • Japanese Language and Literature
  • Kinesiology and Exercise Science
  • Linguistics
  • Marketing/Marketing Management, General
  • Mass Communication/Media Studies
  • Mathematical Statistics and Probability
  • Mathematics Teacher Education
  • Mathematics and Computer Science
  • Mathematics, General
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General
  • Music History, Literature, and Theory
  • Music Performance, General
  • Music Theory and Composition
  • Music, General
  • Natural Sciences
  • Occupational Therapy/Therapist
  • Organizational Communication, General
  • Philosophy
  • Physical Education Teaching and Coaching
  • Physical Sciences
  • Physics, General
  • Political Science and Government, General
  • Pre-Dentistry Studies
  • Pre-Law Studies
  • Pre-Medicine/Pre-Medical Studies
  • Pre-Optometry Studies
  • Pre-Pharmacy Studies
  • Pre-Physical Therapy Studies
  • Pre-Theology/Pre-Ministerial Studies
  • Pre-Veterinary Studies
  • Psychology, General
  • Public Health, General
  • Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
  • Religion/Religious Studies
  • Rhetoric and Composition
  • Science Teacher Education/General Science Teacher Education
  • Secondary Education and Teaching
  • Social Sciences, General
  • Social Studies Teacher Education
  • Social Work
  • Sociology
  • Spanish Language Teacher Education
  • Spanish Language and Literature
  • Special Education and Teaching, General
  • Speech Communication and Rhetoric
  • Sport and Fitness Administration/Management
  • Teaching English as a Second or Foreign Language/ESL Language Instructor
  • Theology/Theological Studies
  • Therapeutic Recreation/Recreational Therapy
  • Voice and Opera
  • Writing, General
Most Popular Disciplines
Education, Health professions and related sciences, Business/marketing
Combined Liberal Arts/Professional Degree Programs
Occupational therapy with Washington University in St. Louis
Special Programs
Accelerated program, Student-designed major, Distance learning, Double major, Honors program, Independent study, Internships, Study abroad, Summer session
Study Abroad
Offered
Online Degrees
No online degree programs

Curriculum and Graduation Requirements

General Education/Core Curriculum
Required for most or all students
Computer
Students not required to own/lease a computer
Foreign Language
Required
Math/Science
Required for all students

Faculty and Instruction

Full-Time Faculty
232
Part-Time Faculty
107
Full-Time Faculty with Ph.D./Terminal Degree
62%
Regular Class Size
2-9 students: 7% of classes
10-19 students: 27% of classes
20-29 students: 39% of classes
30-39 students: 23% of classes
40-49 students: 4% of classes
50-99 students: 1% of classes
Discussion Section/Lab Class Size
2-9 students: 14% of discussion sections/labs
10-19 students: 35% of discussion sections/labs
20-29 students: 43% of discussion sections/labs
30-39 students: 6% of discussion sections/labs
50-59 students: 1% of discussion sections/labs

Advanced Placement

International Baccalaureate
Accepted
Advanced Placement (AP) Examinations
Accepted for placement and credit
Sophomore Standing
Available through AP examinations

Academic Resources

Library Available on Campus
Yes
Holdings
948,699
Computer Ownership
Students not required to own/lease a computer
Computers Available on Campus
1025
Internet/E-mail Access
Not reported

Academic Support Services

Remedial Instruction
Offered
Tutoring
Available
Services for Learning Disabled Students
Available
Services for Physically Disabled Students
Hearing impaired services, speech disorders services, visually impaired services, wheelchair access

Graduate/Professional School Education

Master's Degrees Offered

Not reported

Master's Programs of Study

  • Not reported

Doctoral Degrees Offered

Not reported

Doctoral Programs of Study

  • Not reported

Location and Setting

Grand Rapids Population
192,294
Nearest Metropolitan Area
Grand Rapids, MI
Campus Size
400 acres

Weather

Temperature
14.7 average low in January, 78.7 average high in September
Rain
134 rainy days per year

Getting Around

Campus Map
Map
Nearest Bus Station
4 mile(s) from campus in Grand Rapids
Nearest Train Station
4 mile(s) from campus in Grand Rapids

Housing

College Housing
College offers housing to students
Types of Housing
Men only housing, women only housing
Students in College Housing
58% of all students
Housing Requirements
Freshmen and sophomores are required to live on campus
Freshman Housing Guarantee
Freshmen are guaranteed housing
Students Living Off Campus/Commuting
 
Off-Campus Housing Assistance
Assistance in locating off-campus housing is available

Security

24-Hour Emergency Phone/Alarm Devices
Available
24-Hour Security Patrols
Available
Late-Night Transport/Escort Services
Available
Electronically Operated Housing Entrances
Available
Other
 

Personal Support Services

Health Service
Offered
Personal Counseling
Offered
Child Care
Not offered

Sports and Recreation

Intercollegiate Athletics

Athletic Conferences
NCAA Division III
Mascot
Knights
School Colors
Maroon and gold

Intercollegiate Sports Offered

Sports Women Men
Offered Scholarships Offered Scholarships
Baseball     x  
Basketball x   x  
Cross-Country Running x   x  
Golf x   x  
Ice Hockey     x  
Lacrosse x   x  
Soccer x   x  
Softball x      
Swimming And Diving x   x  
Tennis x   x  
Track And Field x   x  
Triathlon x      
Volleyball x      
Women's Sports Offered Scholarships
Baseball    
Basketball x  
Cross-Country Running x  
Golf x  
Ice Hockey    
Lacrosse x  
Soccer x  
Softball x  
Swimming And Diving x  
Tennis x  
Track And Field x  
Triathlon x  
Volleyball x  
Mens's Sports Offered Scholarships
Baseball x  
Basketball x  
Cross-Country Running x  
Golf x  
Ice Hockey x  
Lacrosse x  
Soccer x  
Softball    
Swimming And Diving x  
Tennis x  
Track And Field x  
Triathlon    
Volleyball    
Women's Club Sports
equestrian sports, rock climbing, rugby, ultimate Frisbee
Men's Club Sports
equestrian sports, rock climbing, rugby, ultimate Frisbee, volleyball

Recreational Sports

Intramural Sports
badminton, basketball, cross-country running, football, golf, racquetball, rock climbing, sand volleyball, skiing (downhill), soccer, softball, swimming and diving, table tennis, tennis, track and field, volleyball, water polo

Student Activities

Activities and Organizations
choral groups, drama theatre, student newspaper, dance guild, pre-health professionals, calvin outdoor recreation, national student speech, language, and hearing association, african students association
Sororities
 
Fraternities
 
ROTC
Army ROTC is offered off campus

Student Body

Coeducational
Yes
All Undergraduates
3,625
Women
1,925 (53.1%)
Men
1,700 (46.9%)
Full-Time Undergraduates
3,417
Ethnicity of Students from U.S.
0.2% American Indian/Alaskan Native
5.9% Asian
4.0% Black/African-American
5.9% Hispanic/Latino
3.6% Multi-race (not Hispanic/Latino)
0.0% Native Hawaiian/ Pacific Islander
78.3% White
2.2% Unknown
International Students.
12.2% from 64 countries
Average Age
20
All Graduate Students
107

Undergraduate Retention and Graduation

First-Year Students Returning
87.0%
Students Graduating Within 4 Years
62.0%
Students Graduating Within 5 Years
75.6%
Students Graduating Within 6 Years
72.0%

After Graduation

Graduates Offered Full-Time Employment Within 6 Months
75%
Average Starting Salary
75%
Graduates Pursuing Advanced Study Directly
25.0%
Disciplines Pursued
Business 0.9%
Engineering 0.4%
Law 1.5%
Theology 2%
Dentistry 0.4%
Arts and Sciences 5%
Medicine 2%
Veterinary Medicine 0.2%
Education 2.2%
Other 5.4%

A portion of the College Profile data is provided under license by:
Peterson's Undergraduate and Undergraduate Financial Aid Databases, copyright © 2019 Peterson's, a Nelnet company. All rights reserved."