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Students at the Sem Pond

Admissions Facts

Calvin's 400-acre campus is home to more than 4,000 students who find Calvin to be an ideal place for thinking, serving people.

First-Year Profile (middle 50%)

  • GPA (4.0 scale): 3.3-3.9
  • ACT Composite: 23-29
  • SAT Critical Reading and Math: 1070-1320

Admission Standards

  • GPA of 2.5 (on 4.0 scale) in college preparatory courses
  • ACT composite score of 20 or SAT combined score of 940 (critical reading & math)
  • 3 years of college prep math, beginning with Algebra 1 (curriculum recommendations)
  • Applicants must be high school graduates or have earned an equivalent degree (GED).

The Committee on Admissions will review applicants who fall below the GPA and ACT/SAT requirements on an individual basis.

Paying for Calvin

  • 2009-2010 academic year
    • Tuition: $23,810
    • Room & Board: $8,275
    • Fees: $225
  • 92% receive aid (including scholarships, grants and loans)
  • Average need-based award: $16,000
  • 60% receive academic scholarships from $1,000 to $10,000 per year

Student Statistics

(Additional facts & figures in Calvin's Day 10 Report)

  • 4,092 students
  • 53% from Michigan
  • 37% from out of state
  • 9% from other countries
  • 7% students of color
  • 54% female, 46% male
  • 57% from private schools
  • 42% from public schools
  • 1% homeschooled
  • 86% retention rate from first to second year (compared to 70% nationally)
  • 75% six year graduation rate (compared to 57% nationally)
  • student/faculty ratio of 12:1
    • 326 faculty (over 82% with terminal degrees)
  • average class size is 22

Endorsements & Accreditation

Calvin is recognized as one of America's "Best Colleges" and is accredited by the Commission on Higher Learning of the North Central Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools.

Student Perspective

Read student blogsThree current students and one alum blog about life at Calvin and beyond.