Calvin University vs Dordt University: cost, admissions and outcomes compared
Verified federal figures for Calvin University and Dordt University, side by side. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
Calvin University vs Dordt University at a glance
Calvin University admits 70.9% of applicants and Dordt University 68.5% (CollegesRef 2026–27 edition). The average net price after grants is $21,122 at Calvin University and $25,944 at Dordt University. Six-year graduation rates are 76.8% and 72.5%, respectively.
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025
What the data shows
Key differences
- Calvin University admits 70.9% of applicants and Dordt University 68.5%, so Dordt University is the more selective.
- The average net price after grants is $21,122 a year at Calvin University and $25,944 at Dordt University; Calvin University costs $4,822 less a year.
- For families earning up to $30,000, the net price is $15,829 at Calvin University and $27,498 at Dordt University.
- 76.8% of students graduate within six years at Calvin University, against 72.5% at Dordt University.
- Median earnings ten years after entry are $60,411 for Calvin University and $57,576 for Dordt University; Calvin University is $2,835 higher.
- Graduates leave with median federal debt of $19,500 at Calvin University and $19,500 at Dordt University.
- Calvin University enrolls 3,193 students (midsize city) and Dordt University 1,597 (remote town).
Side by side
Calvin University and Dordt University in numbers
The stronger figure in each cost and outcome row is in bold. Net price is what students who receive aid pay after grants; your own price depends on family income.
| Measure | Calvin University | Dordt University |
|---|---|---|
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance rate | 70.9% | 68.5% |
| Applicants | 3,986 | 1,595 |
| SAT middle 50% (composite) | 1083–1330 | 1070–1330 |
| ACT middle 50% | 24–30 | 21–29 |
| Cost | ||
| Average net price (after grants) | $21,122 | $25,944 |
| Tuition, in state | $40,500 | $38,040 |
| Tuition, out of state | $40,500 | $38,040 |
| Cost of attendance | $54,389 | $53,336 |
| Net price by family income | ||
| Family income up to $30,000 | $15,829 | $27,498 |
| $30,001–$48,000 | $15,960 | $23,796 |
| $48,001–$75,000 | $14,984 | $23,449 |
| $75,001–$110,000 | $18,564 | $24,438 |
| Over $110,000 | $25,383 | $30,170 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Graduation rate (six years) | 76.8% | 72.5% |
| First-year retention | 86.8% | 84.7% |
| Median earnings, 10 years after entry | $60,411 | $57,576 |
| Median federal debt at graduation | $19,500 | $19,500 |
| Typical monthly loan payment | $222 | $222 |
| Size and setting | ||
| Total students | 3,193 | 1,597 |
| Type | Private nonprofit | Private nonprofit |
| Setting | City: Midsize | Town: Remote |
| Location | Grand Rapids, MI | Sioux Center, IA |
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
Bachelor's programs both offer
Calvin University reports 73 bachelor's programs and Dordt University 86; 47 are offered at both. The largest shared programs:
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Engineering, General
- Psychology, General
- Biology, General
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Social Work
- Marketing
Questions about Calvin University vs Dordt University
Every answer uses the figures in the table above.
Is it harder to get into Calvin University or Dordt University?
Dordt University is harder to get into by acceptance rate: Calvin University admits 70.9% of applicants and Dordt University admits 68.5%. Middle 50% SAT scores: Calvin University 1083–1330; Dordt University 1070–1330.
Which is cheaper, Calvin University or Dordt University?
Calvin University has the lower average net price after grants: $21,122 a year at Calvin University against $25,944 at Dordt University. For families earning up to $30,000 it is $15,829 and $27,498. Your own price depends on family income and aid.
Do Calvin University or Dordt University graduates earn more?
Calvin University graduates earn more at the median: $60,411 ten years after entry for Calvin University and $57,576 for Dordt University. Median federal debt at graduation is $19,500 and $19,500.
Which has a higher graduation rate, Calvin University or Dordt University?
Calvin University does: 76.8% of Calvin University students graduate within six years, against 72.5% at Dordt University.
How big are Calvin University and Dordt University?
Calvin University has 3,193 students in Grand Rapids, MI and Dordt University has 1,597 students in Sioux Center, IA.