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Calvin University vs Northwood University

Calvin University is a private university in Grand Rapids, MI, and Northwood University is a private university in Midland, MI. Northwood University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 65% of applicants against 71% at Calvin University. Calvin University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $22,992 a year against $27,232 at Northwood University. About 76% of students graduate at Calvin University, compared with 62% at Northwood University. Ten years after enrolling, Northwood University alumni earn a median of about $63,075, against $58,375 for Calvin University.

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Calvin University

Grand Rapids, MI · Private

Northwood University

Midland, MI · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Grand Rapids, MI
Midland, MI
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
3,193
1,974
Acceptance rate
71%
65%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.47–3.97
3.39–3.89
SAT (middle 50%)
1083–1330
950–1160
ACT (middle 50%)
24–30
17–23
Test policy
Considered
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$22,992
$27,232
Full cost / yr
$54,222
$48,780
In-state tuition
$39,350
$34,400
Out-of-state tuition
$39,350
$34,400
Application fee
$35
$30
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$19,281
$25,700
$30k - $48k
$18,330
$25,913
$48k - $75k
$19,447
$25,906
$75k - $110k
$21,128
$26,016
Over $110k
$26,713
$28,224
Outcomes
Graduation rate
76%
62%
Freshman retention
87%
79%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$48,039
$54,058
Median earnings (10 yr)
$58,375
$63,075
Median debt at graduation
$23,250
$20,842
Student body
Pell grant recipients
17%
26%
First-generation students
13%
40%
International students
15%
2%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Rolling
Rolling

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is Calvin University or Northwood University harder to get into?
Northwood University is harder to get into. It admits about 65% of applicants, compared with 71% at Calvin University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Calvin University or Northwood University?
Calvin University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $22,992 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $27,232 at Northwood University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at Calvin University and Northwood University?
Before aid, Northwood University costs about $48,780 a year and Calvin University about $54,222. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Calvin University or Northwood University?
Calvin University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $19,281 there, against about $25,700 at Northwood University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Calvin University or Northwood University?
Calvin University is the larger of the two, with about 3,193 undergraduates against 1,974 at Northwood University.
Does Calvin University or Northwood University have a better graduation rate?
Calvin University has the higher graduation rate, at about 76% against 62% at Northwood University.
Do graduates of Calvin University or Northwood University earn more?
Northwood University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $63,075 ten years after enrolling, against about $58,375 for Calvin University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Calvin University and Northwood University require SAT or ACT scores?
Calvin University considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them. Northwood University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Calvin University and Northwood University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1083–1330 at Calvin University and 950–1160 at Northwood University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

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