Calvin University vs University of Detroit Mercy
Calvin University is a private university in Grand Rapids, MI, and University of Detroit Mercy is a private university in Detroit, MI. Calvin University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 71% of applicants against 75% at University of Detroit Mercy. University of Detroit Mercy is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $15,232 a year against $22,992 at Calvin University. About 76% of students graduate at Calvin University, compared with 68% at University of Detroit Mercy. Ten years after enrolling, University of Detroit Mercy alumni earn a median of about $71,030, against $58,375 for Calvin University.
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Grand Rapids, MI
Detroit, MI
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
3,193
2,438
Acceptance rate
71%
75%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.47–3.97
3.41–3.91
SAT (middle 50%)
1083–1330
1030–1260
ACT (middle 50%)
24–30
22–28
Test policy
Considered
Considered
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$22,992
$15,232
Full cost / yr
$54,222
$42,211
In-state tuition
$39,350
$32,946
Out-of-state tuition
$39,350
$32,946
Application fee
$35
$0
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$19,281
$13,088
$30k - $48k
$18,330
$11,290
$48k - $75k
$19,447
$14,173
$75k - $110k
$21,128
$15,584
Over $110k
$26,713
$21,691
Outcomes
Graduation rate
76%
68%
Freshman retention
87%
83%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$48,039
$64,534
Median earnings (10 yr)
$58,375
$71,030
Median debt at graduation
$23,250
$23,250
Student body
Pell grant recipients
17%
26%
First-generation students
13%
29%
International students
15%
8%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Nov 1
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.
- Is Calvin University or University of Detroit Mercy harder to get into?
- Calvin University is harder to get into. It admits about 71% of applicants, compared with 75% at University of Detroit Mercy. 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 University of Detroit Mercy?
- University of Detroit Mercy is cheaper on average. Students pay about $15,232 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 University of Detroit Mercy?
- Before aid, University of Detroit Mercy costs about $42,211 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 University of Detroit Mercy?
- University of Detroit Mercy. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $13,088 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 University of Detroit Mercy?
- Calvin University is the larger of the two, with about 3,193 undergraduates against 2,438 at University of Detroit Mercy.
- Does Calvin University or University of Detroit Mercy have a better graduation rate?
- Calvin University has the higher graduation rate, at about 76% against 68% at University of Detroit Mercy.
- Do graduates of Calvin University or University of Detroit Mercy earn more?
- University of Detroit Mercy alumni earn more on average: a median of about $71,030 ten years after enrolling, against about $58,375 for Calvin University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
- Do Calvin University and University of Detroit Mercy require SAT or ACT scores?
- Calvin University considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them. University of Detroit Mercy considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them.
- What SAT scores do Calvin University and University of Detroit Mercy look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 1083–1330 at Calvin University and 1030–1260 at University of Detroit Mercy. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.
Related comparisons
Calvin University vs Hillsdale CollegeCalvin University vs Spring Arbor UniversityCalvin University vs Lawrence Technological UniversityUniversity of Detroit Mercy vs Hillsdale CollegeUniversity of Detroit Mercy vs Spring Arbor UniversityUniversity of Detroit Mercy vs Lawrence Technological University
Which of these is the better fit for you?
These lists are a great start, but the one list that actually matters is yours. Blueprint builds it in two free steps.
1 Discovery quiz: find your major2 Matchmaker: your odds + net price at every school