Calvin College

Grand Rapids, MI

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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
3,746
Undergraduate
Students
(53.6%) 2,006 Women
(46.4%) 1,740 Men
94
Graduate
Students

Admission

Entrance Difficulty
Moderately difficult
Overall Admission Rate
83% of 3,221 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
606 average
540-670 range of middle 50%
SAT EBRW
614 average
560-660 range of middle 50%
ACT Composite
26 average
23-30 range of middle 50%
See more

Money Matters

Cost of Attendance
$48,700
Tuition and Fees
$34,600
Room and Board
$10,200
Average Percent of Need Met
77%
Average Freshman Award
$25,195
Average Indebtedness of 2016 Graduates
$31,478
See more

Academics

Academic Calendar System
4-1-4
General Education/Core Curriculum
Required
Full-Time Faculty Teaching Undergraduates
246
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
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.
0.1% American Indian/Alaskan Native
5.2% Asian
3.6% Black/African-American
6.0% Hispanic/Latino
3.5% Multi-race (not Hispanic/Latino)
0.0% Native Hawaiian/ Pacific Islander
79.5% White
2.0% Unknown
International Students
12.0% from 62 countries
First-Year Students Returning
87.0%
Students Graduating Within 4 Years
59.1%
Graduates Offered Full-Time Employment Within 6 Months
73%
Graduates Pursuing Advanced Study Directly
26.0%
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 Not Reported
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
83% of 3,221 applicants were admitted
Women
84% of 1,816 applicants were admitted
Men
83% of 1,405 applicants were admitted
Students Enrolled
985 (37%) of 2,689 admitted students enrolled
Women
514 (34%) of 1,523 admitted students enrolled
Men
471 (40%) of 1,166 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
606 average
540-670 range of middle 50%
Score of 700 - 800
Not reported
Score of 600 - 700
Not reported
Score of 500 - 600
Not reported
Score of 400 - 500
Not reported
Score of 300 - 400
Not reported
Score of 200 - 300
Not reported
SAT EBRW
614 average
560-660 range of middle 50%
Score of 700 - 800
Not reported
Score of 600 - 700
Not reported
Score of 500 - 600
Not reported
Score of 400 - 500
Not reported
Score of 300 - 400
Not reported
Score of 200 - 300
Not reported

ACT Scores of Enrolled Freshmen

ACT Composite
26 average
23-30 range of middle 50%
Score of 30 - 36
25%
Score of 24 - 29
50%
Score of 18 - 23
25%
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: 28%
Top quarter: 57%
Top half: 85%
National Merit Scholar
1%
Valedictorian
8%
Class President
Not reported
Student Government Officer
Not reported

Tuition and Expenses

Cost of Attendance
$48,700
Tuition and Fees
$34,600
Room and Board
$10,200
Books and Supplies
$1,200
Other Expenses
$2,700
Payment Plans
Installment plan

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 February 1
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 2017 - 18 Financial Aid

Freshman

Financial Aid Applicants
794 (89.8%) of freshmen
Found to Have Financial Need
581 (73.2%) of applicants
Received Financial Aid
581 (100.0%) of applicants with financial need
Need Fully Met
117 (20.1%) of aid recipients
Average Percent of Need Met
77%
Average Award
$25,195
Need-Based Gift
Received by 581 (100.0%) of aid recipients, average amount $20,150
Need-Based Self-Help
Received by 487 (83.8%) of aid recipients, average amount $3,551
Merit-Based Gift
Received by 85 (14.6%) of aid recipients
Merit-Based Gift
299 (33.8%) of freshmen had no financial need and received merit aid, average amount $15,382

All Undergraduates

Financial Aid Applicants
2,809 (79.9%) of undergraduates
Found to Have Financial Need
2,095 (74.6%) of applicants
Received Financial Aid
2,093 (99.9%) of applicants with financial need
Need Fully Met
368 (17.6%) of aid recipients
Average Percent of Need Met
73%
Average Award
$23,940
Need-Based Gift
Received by 2,090 (99.9%) of aid recipients, average amount $18,198
Need-Based Self-Help
Received by 1,838 (87.8%) of aid recipients, average amount $4,856
Merit-Based Gift
Received by 242 (11.6%) of aid recipients
Merit-Based Gift
1,228 (34.9%) of undergraduates had no financial need and received merit aid, average amount $11,693

Borrowing

2016 Graduates Who Took Out Loans
64%
Average Indebtedness of 2016 Graduates
$31,478
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
None

Non-Need Awards

Academic Interest/Achievement Award Areas
Architecture, Area/Ethnic Studies, Biological Sciences, Business, Communication, Computer Science, Education, Engineering/Technologies, English, Foreign Languages, Health Fields, Home Economics, Humanities, International Studies, Mathematics, Physical Sciences, Premedicine, Religion/Biblical Studies, Social Sciences
Number of Awards
Not reported
Top Areas (By Money Awarded)
 
Creative Arts/Performance Award Areas
Applied Art and Design, Art/Fine Arts, Cinema/Film/Broadcasting, Creative Writing, Journalism/Publications, Music, Performing Arts, Theater/Drama
Number of Awards
Not reported
Top Areas (By Money Awarded)
 
Special Achievements/Activities Award Areas
Community Service, Leadership, Religious Involvement
Number of Awards
Not reported
Top Areas (By Money Awarded)
 
Special Characteristics Award Areas
Adult Students, Children and Siblings of Alumni, Children of Faculty/Staff, Children of Union Members/Company Employees, Children of Workers in Trades, Children with a Deceased or Disabled Parent, Ethnic Background, First-Generation College Students, Handicapped Students, International Students, Local/State Students, Members of Minorities, Out-of-State Students, Religious Affiliation, Twins, Veterans, Veterans' Children
Number of Awards
Not reported
Top Areas (By Money Awarded)
 

Employment

Work-Study Programs
Federal work study available, other work study available
Average Earnings from On-Campus Employment
$1,079
Academic Calendar System
4-1-4
Summer Session
Offered
General Catalog/Bulletin
Online Catalog

Undergraduate Education

Undergraduate Majors

  • Accounting
  • Art History, Criticism and Conservation
  • 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
  • Biotechnology
  • Business Administration and Management, General
  • Business/Corporate Communications
  • Chemical Engineering
  • Chemistry Teacher Education
  • Chemistry, General
  • Chinese Language and Literature
  • Cinematography and Film/Video Production
  • Civil Engineering, General
  • Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics, General
  • Computer Science
  • Development Economics and International Development
  • Digital Communication and Media/Multimedia
  • Drama and Dramatics/Theatre Arts, General
  • Early Childhood Education and Teaching
  • Earth Science Teacher Education
  • Economics, General
  • Education/Teaching of Individuals with Specific Learning Disabilities
  • Electrical and Electronics Engineering
  • Elementary Education and Teaching
  • Engineering, General
  • English Language and Literature, General
  • Environmental Science
  • Environmental Studies
  • Film/Cinema/Video Studies
  • Fine/Studio Arts, General
  • French Language Teacher Education
  • French Language and Literature
  • General Literature
  • Geography
  • Geology/Earth Science, General
  • German Language Teacher Education
  • German Language and Literature
  • Germanic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics, Other
  • Graphic Design
  • History Teacher Education
  • History, General
  • International Relations and Affairs
  • Japanese Language and Literature
  • Kinesiology and Exercise Science
  • Latin Language and Literature
  • Linguistics
  • Management Information Systems, General
  • Mass Communication/Media Studies
  • Mathematics Teacher Education
  • Mathematics, General
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Modern Greek Language and Literature
  • Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General
  • Music History, Literature, and Theory
  • Music Performance, General
  • Music Teacher Education
  • Music Theory and Composition
  • Music, General
  • Natural Sciences
  • Occupational Therapy/Therapist
  • Organizational Communication, General
  • Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies
  • 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 Administration
  • Public Health, General
  • Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
  • Religion/Religious Studies
  • Religious/Sacred Music
  • 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
Business/marketing, Education, Health professions and related sciences, Engineering
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
Computer
Students not required to own/lease a computer
Foreign Language
Required
Math/Science
Required for all students

Faculty and Instruction

Full-Time Faculty
246
Part-Time Faculty
104
Full-Time Faculty with Ph.D./Terminal Degree
63%
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
1,151,519
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

  • Curriculum and Instruction
  • Education--General
  • Educational Leadership and Administration
  • Reading Education

Doctoral Degrees Offered

Not reported

Doctoral Programs of Study

  • Not reported

Location and Setting

Grand Rapids Population
192,294
Nearest Metropolitan Area
Grand Rapids
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
42%
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
crime prevention programs, crime alert bulletins

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

Recreational Sports

Intramural Sports
badminton, basketball, cross-country running, football, golf, racquetball, rock climbing, sand volleyball, 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
3,746
Women
2,006 (53.6%)
Men
1,740 (46.4%)
Full-Time Undergraduates
3,524
Ethnicity of Students from U.S.
0.1% American Indian/Alaskan Native
5.2% Asian
3.6% Black/African-American
6.0% Hispanic/Latino
3.5% Multi-race (not Hispanic/Latino)
0.0% Native Hawaiian/ Pacific Islander
79.5% White
2.0% Unknown
International Students.
12.0% from 62 countries
Average Age
20
All Graduate Students
94

Undergraduate Retention and Graduation

First-Year Students Returning
87.0%
Students Graduating Within 4 Years
59.1%
Students Graduating Within 5 Years
70.8%
Students Graduating Within 6 Years
72.0%

After Graduation

Graduates Offered Full-Time Employment Within 6 Months
73%
Average Starting Salary
73%
Graduates Pursuing Advanced Study Directly
26.0%
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."