Key Facts
Get to know us
While the full Calvin experience can’t be reduced to rankings and awards, they do tell part of our story. Some of the most important things you should know about our community:
General
- Founded 1876
- President Greg Elzinga
- 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”
- Church Affiliated with the Christian Reformed Church in North America (CRCNA)
- Membership Council of Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU)
- Organization Calvin University is a Section 501(c)(3) tax exempt, nonprofit organization
Student body profile 2024–2025
- Total enrollment 3,681
- Male 47%
- Female 53%
- U.S. ethnic minorities 17%
- International students 13.5%
- First-year (Freshmen) acceptance rate 71%
Academics 2024–2025
- Majors, minors, and programs 116
- Top majors and programs: Business, Engineering, Nursing, Education, Psychology, Kinesiology, Politics & Economics, Biology, Chemistry & Biochemistry, Computer Science, Geology, Communication Arts & Sciences
- Student/faculty ratio 14:1
- Average class size 22
- Faculty with highest degree 85%
- Graduate programs 15
What would you like to study?
Costs 2024–2025
- Tuition $39,350
- Housing $5,150
- Food (19 meal plan included) $6,970
- Books and supplies *$1,300
- Personal living expenses *$1,500
- Transportation *$1,000–$1,500
*Estimated costs. For more information, visit Financial Services »
Financial Aid
- Calvin University students receiving financial aid 100%
- Annual amount awarded to students in scholarships, grants, loans, and work study $87 million
- Number of on-campus student jobs +1,000
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 165
- Academic All-Americans 158 (Top 10 among Division III institutions)
- Intramural, club sport, and group fitness options 60
- Intramural participation 50% of the student body
Fearlessly pursue excellence, athletics »
Student Life
- First- and second-year students living on campus 92%
- Residence halls 7 residence halls and 8 apartments
- Living-learning communities 3
- Student organizations 50
- Service-learning participation 85%
So much to experience, student life »
Outcomes
- Graduates employed or in graduate school (2023) 98%
- Internships reported (2023) 83.3%
- Science graduates who go on to earn PhDs Top 5% among baccalaureate institutions
Dig deeper, outcomes of a Calvin education »
Legal
Calvin University does not discriminate with regard to age, race, color, national origin, gender, or disability in any of its educational programs or activities.
The Clery Act
Calvin University is committed to assisting all members of the Calvin community in providing for their own safety and security. The annual Clery security and fire safety compliance document (pdf) is available from the Campus Safety Department. If you would like to receive a paper copy of the combined Annual Security and Fire Safety Report which contains this information, you can stop by the Calvin University Campus Safety Department in the Mail and Print Services Building at 3230 Lake Drive SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546, or you can request a copy be mailed to you by calling 616-526-6751.
The website and booklet contain information regarding campus security and personal safety including topics such as: crime prevention, fire safety, university security law enforcement authority, crime reporting policies, disciplinary procedures, and other matters of importance related to security and safety on campus. They also contain information about crime statistics for the three previous calendar years concerning reported crimes that occurred on campus; in certain off-campus buildings or property owned or controlled by Calvin University; and on public property within, or immediately adjacent to and accessible from campus property.
This information is required by federal law and is provided by the Calvin University Campus Safety Department.
Safer Spaces
Calvin University is committed to performing all of our tasks as a caring and diverse community. Each person – faculty, staff, student, trustee, volunteer, visitor, contractor, and vendor – who has chosen to engage with the Calvin community thereby affirms a willingness to uphold the community's stated standards of conduct and ensure that Calvin University provides a safe environment for students, staff, faculty, and guests of the university.
Harassment, discrimination, and retaliation of any form are a violation of a person’s rights, dignity, and integrity. Such acts debase the integrity of the educational process and work environment and are contrary to the mission and values of Calvin University. In response to any reported misconduct, the university will take appropriate steps to eliminate the misconduct, prevent its recurrence, and remedy its effects. The university will review and investigate all reports, and provide for fair and impartial evaluation and resolution. Retaliation against a person who makes a good faith report of harassment or discrimination or anyone participating as a witness in an investigation or hearing is prohibited.