Grand Rapids, MI · Private University
Is Calvin University Worth It?
ROI analysis based on real earnings and cost data
Key Numbers
10-Year Earnings
$58,375
median, 10 years after enrollment
In-State Tuition
$38,670
per year
Out-of-State Tuition
$38,670
per year
Total 4-Year Cost
$154,680
tuition only (4 years)
ROI Ratio
1.51x
earnings ÷ annual tuition
Payback Period
6.6 yrs
years to recoup total cost
Graduation Rate
77.4%
6-year graduation rate
Median Debt
$23,250
at graduation
Avg Net Price
$24,783
after aid & scholarships
Earnings vs. Annual Cost
10-year median earnings compared to annual tuition
Calvin University graduates earn $13,375 more than the national median of workers with any education level.
What You'd Actually Pay
Average net price after grants and scholarships, by family income
Source: IPEDS net price data. Actual costs vary based on individual financial circumstances.
Highest-Earning Majors
Top programs at Calvin University ranked by graduate earnings
25 graduates
97 graduates
21 graduates
81 graduates
68 graduates
Earnings shown are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 1-year medians.
ROI by Major at Calvin University
All available majors ranked by graduate earnings. Your major matters as much as your school.
Your major matters more than your school
At Calvin University, the gap between the highest-earning major (Computer Science: $84,959) and the lowest (Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies: $26,637) is $58,322/yr, bigger than the difference between many schools.
| Major | Earnings | ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Computer ScienceBest ROI | $84,959 | 2.2x |
| Engineering, General | $78,363 | 2.0x |
| Accounting and Related Services | $70,257 | 1.8x |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $64,067 | 1.7x |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $61,665 | 1.6x |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness | $47,546 | 1.2x |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas | $45,474 | 1.2x |
| Biology, General | $44,990 | 1.2x |
| Social Work | $44,349 | 1.1x |
| Economics | $42,857 | 1.1x |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $42,024 | 1.1x |
| Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics | $41,960 | 1.1x |
| Communication and Media Studies | $41,748 | 1.1x |
| Psychology, General | $40,721 | 1.1x |
| Rhetoric and Composition/Writing StudiesLowest(1yr data) | $26,637 | 0.7x |
Earnings are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 5-year or 1-year. ROI = earnings ÷ annual tuition.
The Bottom Line
Calvin University offers solid financial returns relative to its cost. Graduates earn $58,375 10 years after starting, $13,375 above the national median of $45,000. Graduates typically break even on their investment within 6.6 years, a reasonable timeline.
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Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Tuition data from IPEDS. ROI calculations are for informational purposes only and reflect median outcomes.