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Calvin University vs Saginaw Valley State University

Calvin University is a private university in Grand Rapids, MI. Saginaw Valley State University is a public university in University Center, MI. Calvin University admits about 71% of applicants and Saginaw Valley State University about 72%, making Calvin University the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $10,775 a year at Saginaw Valley State University after aid, and about $22,992 at Calvin University. About 76% of students graduate at Calvin University, compared with 51% at Saginaw Valley State University. Ten years after enrolling, Calvin University alumni earn a median of about $58,375, against $51,955 for Saginaw Valley State University.

Calvin University

Grand Rapids, MI · Private

Saginaw Valley State University

University Center, MI · Public
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Grand Rapids, MI
University Center, MI
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
3,193
5,989
Acceptance rate
71%
72%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.47–3.97
3.36–3.86
SAT (middle 50%)
1083–1330
920–1170
ACT (middle 50%)
24–30
18–26
Test policy
Considered
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$22,992
$10,775
Full cost / yr
$54,222
$24,936
In-state tuition
$39,350
$12,930
Out-of-state tuition
$39,350
$30,450
Application fee
$35
Not reported
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$19,281
$9,844
$30k - $48k
$18,330
$19,711
$48k - $75k
$19,447
$20,053
$75k - $110k
$21,128
$18,879
Over $110k
$26,713
$24,103
Outcomes
Graduation rate
76%
51%
Freshman retention
87%
78%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$48,039
$43,530
Median earnings (10 yr)
$58,375
$51,955
Median debt at graduation
$23,250
$25,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
17%
35%
First-generation students
13%
33%
International students
15%
3%
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 Saginaw Valley State University harder to get into?
Calvin University is harder to get into. It admits about 71% of applicants, compared with 72% at Saginaw Valley State 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 Saginaw Valley State University?
Saginaw Valley State University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $10,775 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $22,992 at Calvin 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 Saginaw Valley State University?
Before aid, Saginaw Valley State University costs about $24,936 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 Saginaw Valley State University?
Saginaw Valley State University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $9,844 there, against about $19,281 at Calvin University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Calvin University or Saginaw Valley State University?
Saginaw Valley State University is the larger of the two, with about 5,989 undergraduates against 3,193 at Calvin University.
Does Calvin University or Saginaw Valley State University have a better graduation rate?
Calvin University has the higher graduation rate, at about 76% against 51% at Saginaw Valley State University.
Do graduates of Calvin University or Saginaw Valley State University earn more?
Calvin University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $58,375 ten years after enrolling, against about $51,955 for Saginaw Valley State University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Calvin University and Saginaw Valley State University require SAT or ACT scores?
Calvin University considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them. Saginaw Valley State University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Calvin University and Saginaw Valley State University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1083–1330 at Calvin University and 920–1170 at Saginaw Valley State University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

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