Overview of Calvin College
Calvin College, located in Grand Rapids, Michigan, is a comprehensive liberal arts institution affiliated with the Christian Reformed Church in North America. Founded in 1876, the college has a long-standing commitment to integrating Christian faith into every aspect of academic and student life. In 2019, Calvin College officially transitioned to become Calvin University, reflecting an expanded academic vision while maintaining its Reformed Christian identity.
Academic Excellence: Calvin College has a reputation for academic excellence and a commitment to the liberal arts. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, communication skills, and a broad-based education across various disciplines. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate programs in arts and humanities, sciences, social sciences, business, and engineering, providing students with a well-rounded education.
The transition to Calvin University allowed for the introduction of new graduate programs. This expansion reflects the institution’s dedication to meeting the educational needs of a diverse student body and contributing to scholarship and research at an advanced level.
Reformed Christian Identity: Central to Calvin’s mission is its commitment to the Reformed Christian tradition. The college integrates faith into the learning experience, encouraging students to explore the intersection of faith and academics. Chapel services, faith-based organizations, and theological discussions are integral parts of campus life, fostering a supportive environment for spiritual growth and exploration.
Community and Campus Life: Calvin College has a vibrant campus life with numerous opportunities for students to engage in extracurricular activities, community service, and leadership roles. The campus features various student organizations, including cultural clubs, academic societies, and service groups. These activities contribute to a sense of community and help students develop interpersonal skills and a sense of responsibility.
Global Engagement: Calvin has a strong emphasis on global perspectives and encourages students to engage in international experiences. The university offers study abroad programs, service-learning trips, and opportunities for cross-cultural engagement. These experiences aim to broaden students’ horizons, deepen their understanding of global issues, and foster a sense of global citizenship.
Undergraduate Research Opportunities: Calvin College values undergraduate research as a way to enhance students’ academic experiences. Through various programs and collaborations with faculty, students have the chance to engage in research projects across disciplines. This emphasis on research contributes to a dynamic and intellectually stimulating environment on campus.
Sustainability Initiatives: In alignment with its commitment to stewardship and creation care, Calvin has undertaken sustainability initiatives. The university has implemented measures to reduce its environmental impact, promote sustainability education, and engage the campus community in environmentally conscious practices.
Athletics: Calvin University is a member of the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) and competes in NCAA Division III. The Knights, as the athletic teams are known, participate in a variety of sports, promoting teamwork, discipline, and physical fitness among students.
Alumni Success: Calvin College has a notable alumni network with graduates making contributions in various fields, including academia, business, the arts, and public service. The university’s emphasis on preparing students for meaningful careers and ethical leadership is reflected in the accomplishments of its alumni.
Calvin College, now Calvin University, offers a distinctive educational experience rooted in the liberal arts, Christian faith, and a commitment to global engagement. The institution’s transition to university status reflects its evolution and commitment to providing a comprehensive and forward-looking education while maintaining its foundational Christian principles. The campus community, diverse academic programs, and focus on holistic development contribute to Calvin’s reputation as a respected institution of higher learning.
3201 Burton Street SE Grand Rapids, MI 49546
Phone: (616) 526-6106
Email: admissions@calvin.edu
Web site: http://www.calvin.edu
Rankings: Calvin College
Located in Grand Rapids, MI, Calvin College is one of the best universities in the state of Michigan. On this page, you will find in-depth rankings for Calvin College in the following areas: graduation rates, teaching resources, financing opportunities, and alumni donations. Latest acceptance rate is also given to show how competitive is Calvin College.
| Rankings, Ratings, and Admissions Statistics | |
| Overall Ranking: | 112 |
| Score: | 49 |
| Peer college rating (out of 5) | 2.9 |
| Graduation and retention ranking: | 85 |
| Average freshman retention rate: | 87.8% |
| 6-year graduation rate: | 75.0% |
| Predicted graduation rate: | 68% |
| Overperformance(+)/Underperformance(-): | 7 |
| Faculty resources ranking: | 202 |
| Classes with under 20 students (2020): | 37.5% |
| Classes with 50 or more students (2020): | 1.2% |
| Student faculty ratio (2020): | 11:1 |
| Percent of faculty who are full-time (2020) | 90.7% |
| Student selectivity ranking: | 113 |
| SAT/ACT 25th-75th percentile (2020) | 23-28 |
| 2020 Freshmen in top 10 percent of high school class: | 27% |
| Freshmen in top 25 percent of high school class (2020): | 53% |
| Fall 2020 Acceptance rate: | 94.0% |
| Financial resources rank: | 138 |
| Alumni giving rank: | 89 |
| Average alumni giving rate (2020): | 29.9% |
Essential Facts: Calvin College
Rules and regulations Sports Activities
| General Information | |
| Percent of undergraduate students who live in college-owned, operated, or affiliated housing: | 57% |
| Percent of undergraduates who are members of a fraternity: | 0% |
| Percent of student body who are members of a sorority: | 0% |
| Average percentage of students on campus during weekends: | 80% |
| Are all students permitted to have cars on campus? | Yes |
| Percent of students who have cars on campus: | 50% |
| Is alcohol permitted on campus for students of legal age? | No |
| Additional policies and regulations: | class attendance policies set by individual instructors |
| Collegiate athletic association: | NCAA III |
| Men’s scholarship sports: | N/A |
| Women’s scholarship sports: | N/A |
| Student activities: | campus ministries, choral groups, concert band, dance, drama/theater, international student organization, jazz band, literary magazine, model UN, music ensembles, musical theater, pep band, student government, student newspaper, student film society, symphony orchestra, yearbook |