Get to know us

While the full Calvin experience can’t be reduced to rankings and awards, they do tell part of our story. Here are some of the most important things you should know about our community:

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General

  • Founded 1876
  • President Wiebe K. Boer, PhD
  • Mascot Joust the Knight
  • School colors Maroon and gold
  • Location Grand Rapids, Mich. | Map
  • Campus 400 acres
  • Motto “My heart I offer to you Lord, promptly and sincerely”
  • Affiliated with the Christian Reformed Church in North America (CRCNA) and Council of Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU)
  • Calvin University is a Section 501(c)(3) tax exempt, nonprofit organization.

 

Student body profile 2021–2022

  • Total enrollment 3,230
  • Male 46%
  • Female 53%
  • U.S. ethnic minorities 17%
  • International students 13%
  • Acceptance rate 75%

 

Academics 2021–2022

  • Majors, minors, and programs 100+
  • Top majors and programs business, nursing, engineering, education, psychology, computer science, biology, speech pathology, biochemistry, kinesiology
  • Student/faculty ratio 12:1
  • Average class size 22
  • Faculty with highest degree 84%
  • Graduate programs 10

 

Costs 2023–2024

  • Tuition $38,370
  • Wellness fee $300
  • Room and board (19 meal plan included) $11,950
  • Books and supplies *$1,300
  • Personal living expenses *$1,500
  • Transportation *$500–$1,500

*Estimated costs. For more information, visit Financial Services »

Financial Aid

  • 100% of Calvin University students receive financial aid

  • $87 million awarded to students yearly in scholarships, grants, loans, and work study

  • Over 1,000 on-campus student jobs

  • Learn other ways Calvin helps you can cut the price tag »

 

Athletics

  • Affiliations MIAA, NCAA III, ACHA (hockey)
  • Varsity teams 25
  • NCAA Division III National Titles 11
  • MIAA titles since 2000 152
  • Academic All-Americans 149 (Top 10 among Division III institutions)
  • Intramural, club sport, and group fitness options 60
  • Intramural participation 50% of the student body

 

Student Life

  • First- and second-year students living on campus 93%
  • Residence halls 6 residence halls and 8 apartments
  • Living-learning communities 4
  • Student organizations 54
  • Service-learning participation 99%

 

Outcomes

  • Graduates employed or in graduate school (2020) 99.3%
  • Internships reported (2020) 83.6%
  • Science graduates who go on to earn PhDs Top 5% among baccalaureate institutions