Founded in 1876, Calvin College. is a Private college. Located in Michigan, which is a city setting in Michigan, the campus itself is Urban. The campus is home to 3,806 full time undergraduate students, and 112 full time graduate students.
The Calvin College Academic calendar runs on a Four-one-four plan basis. In the school year the student to faculty ratio was 12:1. There are 262 full time instructional teachers. Degrees awarded at Calvin College include: Bachelor's Degree, Masters Degree, Post-master's certificate, Doctor's degree.
Quick Facts
Acceptance Rate
74%
Application Deadline
Application Fee
35
SAT Range
1050-1285
ACT Range
23-29
Admissions at are considered Selective, with ,43% of all applicants being admitted.
In the school year, of the students who applied to the school, only 23 of those who were admitted eventually ended up enrolling.
83% of incoming freshmen are in the top half of their high school class. 53% were in the top quarter, and 28% were in the top tenth. You can apply online.
STUDENT LIFE Reviews
We asked, and students answered these important questions about student life at Calvin College.
3%
“We”re apathetic”
44%
“We know about current events and vote”
47%
“We participate and encourage others to get involved”
6%
“There”s nothing we won”t protest”
0%
“We save it for the classroom”
3%
“Sometimes, but not often”
70%
“There”s usually intelligent conversation to be found”
27%
“All the time, including weekends”
0%
“I”m always terrified”
0%
“I only go out in groups”
15%
“I usually let someone know where I”m going”
85%
“I feel extremely safe”
27%
“We don”t play sports”
0%
“We play recreationally”
48%
“We bought the gear”
24%
“We live for the big game”
3%
“It”s not really our thing”
12%
“Occasinally we gallery crawl”
64%
“There are a variety of opportunities”
21%
“We”re a very artistic group”
0%
“Haven”t met them”
0%
“Available in class”
58%
“They keep regular office hours”
42%
“They”re always available”
91%
“No greek life, but other groups to join”
6%
“There is some involvement, but not a lot”
3%
“Plenty of people join a sorority or fraternity”
0%
“It”s everything. If you”re not greek, you”re a geek”
12%
“We”re not into drinking at all”
73%
“Maybe a little, but it”s not a big thing”
15%
“We only party on weekends”
0%
“There”s some drinking happening every night”
24%
“Never, we”re here to learn”
74%
“There might be people who do”
3%
“People are known to partake on weekends”
0%
“There”s a huge drug scene”
3%
“We”re apathetic”
44%
“We know about current events and vote”
47%
“We participate and encourage others to get involved”
6%
“There”s nothing we won”t protest”
0%
“We save it for the classroom”
3%
“Sometimes, but not often”
70%
“There”s usually intelligent conversation to be found”
27%
“All the time, including weekends”
0%
“I”m always terrified”
0%
“I only go out in groups”
15%
“I usually let someone know where I”m going”
85%
“I feel extremely safe”
27%
“We don”t play sports”
0%
“We play recreationally”
48%
“We bought the gear”
24%
“We live for the big game”
3%
“It”s not really our thing”
12%
“Occasinally we gallery crawl”
64%
“There are a variety of opportunities”
21%
“We”re a very artistic group”
0%
“Haven”t met them”
0%
“Available in class”
58%
“They keep regular office hours”
42%
“They”re always available”
91%
“No greek life, but other groups to join”
6%
“There is some involvement, but not a lot”
3%
“Plenty of people join a sorority or fraternity”
0%
“It”s everything. If you”re not greek, you”re a geek”
99 Students rated on-campus housing 3.9 stars. 26 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate off-campus housing?
72 Students rated off-campus housing 3.9 stars. 0 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate campus food?
100 Students rated campus food 3.2 stars. 8 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate campus facilities?
103 Students rated campus facilities 4.3 stars. 44 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate class size?
102 Students rated class size 4.4 stars. 54 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate school activities?
103 Students rated school activities 4.2 stars. 42 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate local services?
103 Students rated local services 3.8 stars. 31 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate academics?
103 Students rated academics 4 stars. 35 % gave the school a 5.0.
Calvin College REVIEWS
What's your overall opinion of Calvin College?
34 Students rated Calvin College
Emily
03/12/2024
Calvin College is a great school with lots of opportunities to connect with people and engage in rigorous learning. There is a place for everyone to make friends and learn. The dorms aren't great but they meet student needs. The dining hall has gotten better since I have attended, there are plenty of options for everyone, including people with dietary restrictions.
Brianna
11/07/2020
Calvin University is an excellent college with an inviting atmosphere. The SPAUD program is challenging, but engaging and well worth the work. Calvin offers many opportunities to become involved in campus clubs and is much more diverse than it seems. I transferred to Calvin and found that the community is much kinder and caring than my previous school.
Kayla
07/21/2019
Calvin is a great small school to get to build strong, life lasting relationships with other students. Academics can be super challenging, so if you're not going to attend class this isn't the place to go. The college is super strict with the no alcohol policy even off campus. The class sizes are small, and most professors are super willing to help with any questions or problems a student might have.
Dasia
07/11/2019
The school is a great place for people who are trying to explore life through religion and academics. There is no force to be apart of anything but no one is actively trying to put you down for not joining f anything at all. the school is accepting of everyone.
Madison
06/20/2019
I transferred to Calvin after struggling mentally and emotionally at another university. I wasn't sure if I wanted to go to a small school -- I was fairly sick of small school life after going to a private high school of a mere 520 students. Calvin, however, proved to be exactly what I needed. The professors are very kind and willing to help in any way they can. They make themselves available, and although they push your academic limits, they want you to succeed. I was always being invited by new friends to try different clubs and give new opportunities a go. Grand Rapids is a wonderful city to explore and the surrounding area is always hopping with things to do. Overall, my experience at Calvin has helped me heal and grow in ways I didn't know imaginable, and I can't wait for three more great and challenging years to come.
Katelyn
02/15/2019
I really love attending Calvin College. My professors get to know me and I am not just a face in the classroom. I feel that Calvin is a very safe place where I can voice my opinion, expand my social network, and deepen my knowledge.
Maisie
01/31/2019
Calvin is a community where everyone is welcoming and everyone feels accepted. Even though Calvin's academics may be difficult, they prepare you for the real world after college. The professors are always willing to work with you outside of class if you are struggling and strive to build relationships with their students. The residential life at Calvin is good in most areas but one thing that could be improved is more activities for students to do on the weekends. Calvin College has been wonderful so far and I hope that it continues to be this way for the remainder of my time here.
Abigail
12/30/2018
I think that Calvin College is truly an incredible school. We have students who come here from close by in Grand Rapids to as far away as South Korea. We harbor love and devotion to God as we perceive our lectures, lessons, and studies from a Christian perspective. Even if someone isn't part of the Christian faith, anyone can find a sense of belonging and fellowship amongst the people you meet. With countless extracurricular activities, one can never feel bored while on campus. Calvin College also challenges students academically because we believe that every student is up to the challenge and want to push themselves. I love this campus and its community, and I would definitely recommend this school to anyone wanting to apply.
Lindy
11/25/2018
My overall experience at Calvin College has shaped who I am today. I received a Bachelor of Arts degree, with a major in Elementary Education and minors in Language Arts and Mathematics. During my time at Calvin, I was very please with the academic challenges such a small school is able to provide. Class sizes were small (30-50 students) and in some cases, even smaller. A few of my professors even had groups of students to their house for meals and socializing. One drawback is that Calvin is not as diverse as I would have hoped. Yes, they are welcoming and loving to others, but the student population is mostly Caucasian, middle-class, and from a traditional Christian Reformed background. I received a well-rounded and rigorous academic education, but it wasn't until I graduated that I entered the "real world" to experience and learn about other cultures, religions, and viewpoints. Overall, I am pleased that I attended Calvin and I know it has prepared me to be academically and professionally successful.
Ben
07/23/2018
Great school with lots to do. The people there want to show as much love to you as possible. The professors are always available to help you with anything, not just academics. I speak honestly. Calvin College is a great school and a template for the others.
Gabrielle
06/29/2018
Calvin College is a caring, close-knit community who legitimately cares for its community and peers. The professors and facility is always there for the students, and they work hard for their students to succeed in the "real world." It truly is a home away from home.
Delaney
05/21/2018
Calvin College, as a whole, is attempting to be forward thinking and diverse school. But realistically the school is struggling with culture and diversity. The majority of the schools' outreach is geared towards primarily white students and international students. The school is funded by the Christian Reformed Church giving a Christian foundation to it the community and educational system. But at the same time, the school claims to welcome and cater to all religions. The reality of someone who has no Christian school background fitting in and succeeding is low.
On a positive note, Calvin has a very safe campus and community. Supportive teachers and staff. Though, the Campus Safety is not the root of this safe environment. I have had personal experiences with the Campus safety not being responsive or professional. Overall Calvin College is a small safe school for those looking for a small intimate school experience.
Karisa
05/21/2018
Calvin College has a wonderful campus. The classes are very small between 20 and 40 students and the professors really take the time to learn each student's name. The professors know a lot about their subject and are excited about it. Calvin has an student organization called Dance Guild which is run completely by students. It puts on a show each semester and is the largest student organization on campus. Hundreds of students participate in the show and even more attend.
Bryan
05/19/2018
Attending this 4 year-college has help me so far in specific manners such as furthering my awareness on how much urban planning effects our communities. Ranging from the form streets, buildings, and parks are built to how gentrification alters the landscape and the families. Another distinction I have made during my time in college is being more conscious of the balance of enjoying life and learning. Most of my socializing occurs within specific groups, such as in Puentes, My Brother’s Keeper, and LASA. Each group has a progressive mission in which I enjoy participating, let my schedule allow. Through the events organized by these groups I am able interact with the surrounding community in unique ways, such as by raising fundraisers for children with disabilities, making a stance in peaceful protests, supporting peers, and networking. Aside from this, the unity and bursts of warmth spark a joy in being among the presence of such motivated and talented individuals. This half enables me to fuel my nagging for venture, while my academics quench my thirst for knowledge.
Lillie
05/08/2018
The people here will take care of you. I've had staff members buy me meals and invite me into their homes. If you ask for help you will find it. All of the professors and much of the staff want to help students succeed in whatever way they can no matter what success looks like for the student.
I've heard of people struggling to find a social circle they fit into. Calvin is a place where people who are able to put themselves out there (join clubs, get an on campus job, speak to professors, etc.) really thrive.
Don't worry if that doesn't sound like you, because the Calvin community will work to prepare you to advocate for yourself and others. And sometimes people, peers, and professors will approach you.
The fall 2020 acceptance rate for Calvin College is 74%. That means, out of _____ applications received in 2020, _____ students were offered admission.
What should every freshman at your school know before they start?
What do you consider the worst thing about your school? Why?
Since there is such a high acceptance rate, there are many people who simply don't care about their academic performance. This might be expected at a community college or state school, but at a private Christian school with a reputation for being highly academic, I expected more. Maybe things change after the first year, but this is just what I've seen as a freshman.
I love how Calvin has some rules, but leaves a lot up to the students. It is definitely a Christian school, and the professors are all strong believers, but they do not try to run students' lives. One result of this, unfortunately, is that some students misuse their freedom. But many others learn to make truly wise decisions on their own, which they might not have learned going to a college with very strict rules. Calvin emphasizes "responsible freedom" and "cultural discernment", and both ideologies seem to heavily influence the school's rule- and decision-making.
Most of the students in my classes are good students and are there to learn. I am in a professional program so most of the students are pretty focused.
Here's your chance: Say anything about your college!
Calvin College takes the time to address problems that are relevant through the students and community. Professors take time to make sure each students is on the right track and the upper-classmen are eager to answer any questions. When I pulled up to my dorm on move-in day, the president of the college met all of my family and helped carry my boxes all the way to the top floor. With all the upper-classmen helping out, I didn't have to carry anything up to my room. You'll never be treated like royalty at other colleges.
All students must apply yearly for financial aid. This process starts with the FAFSA.
Though financial aid deadlines vary by school, it is a good idea to apply as soon as possible. For the upcoming school year, you can apply as early as October 1 for the FAFSA. Additional school aid will be dependent on the FAFSA results.
100% of students attending Calvin College receive some sort of financial aid.
28% were awarded federal grants.57%received federal loans. Many students do also need to apply for additional private student loans.
