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Financial Aid: Paying for Calvin

Lab SceneWhether or not your family has significant financial resources, Calvin can work with — and for — you! Families of all circumstances and income levels can and do receive financial aid at Calvin.

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Calvin's Promises

  • Value: Calvin equips students for life—not just for a job — and offers a life-shaping education within the context of a Christ-centered, academically challenging, socially enriching environment.

  • Service: Calvin is committed to partnering with your family to understand your financial situation.

  • Equity: Calvin will award financial aid fairly, equitably, and consistently.

Calvin's Programs

Renewable academic scholarships, ranging from $1000-$10,000, are awarded to more than 60% of admitted students each year.

Need-based financial aid comes in the form of grants, loans, and on-campus jobs. 61% of Calvin students receive need-based financial aid, with an average award of $14,000.

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Calvin's Price

Study GroupCalvin maintains its tuition well below the national average for private colleges and universities — $3,000 less in fact. (Being a "Best Buy" goes beyond affordability).

At Calvin, being designated as a "Best Value" (Princeton Review) means that the return on your investment far outweighs the original cost. But our moderate price tag doesn't stop us from working hard to help you with finances.

"The quality is definitely worth the money. A small price to pay for your child to learn Christian leadership."—2003 Survey of Calvin Parents

Calvin's Process

Applying for financial aid shouldn't be mysterious or difficult. It just takes careful attention.

  1. Apply for Admission
  2. Apply for Financial Aid

Your Next Steps

Prof Ed Miller with classAfter applying for admission and financial aid, here are some things you can do to help in your college choice:

  1. Investigate outside awards and scholarships or use Calvin's Scholarship Search.
  2. Plan ahead by pre-purchasing tuition.
  3. Compare your financial aid packages and determine the net cost to your family. Contact us if we can help!
  4. Visit the schools you are considering. Find out more about visiting Calvin.

If you need any help or advice, please contact us: 800-688-0122, 616-526-6106, admissions@calvin.edu or finaid@calvin.edu

Useful Links

The following Calvin web pages can provide you with further information and assistance as you work through the process.

Calvin or a lower-cost institution?

In many cases, when families consider need-based financial assistance received from Calvin, they find that there is little or no difference in the actual cost of attending Calvin versus a lower-priced institution.

70%
Last year, among applicants whose families had the greatest financial need, 70% were able to choose a Calvin education. Calvin's financial aid made their choice possible.
1,110
Among students whose families earned more than $70,000 annually, Calvin was still able to provide financial assistance to over 1,100 families.

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