Students at Calvin University achieve earnings that place the institution among the top 20% nationally for long-term financial outcomes, reflecting strong career preparation and employer relationships.
The combination of solid earnings potential with excellent loan repayment performance demonstrates the university's ability to deliver meaningful return on educational investment.
Calvin University delivers exceptional long-term value for students seeking a faith-based education with strong career outcomes. Located in Grand Rapids, Michigan, this private Christian university consistently produces graduates who earn well above typical expectations, ranking in the top 20% nationally for 10-year earnings among similar institutions. With median graduate earnings of $58,375 ten years after enrollment, Calvin demonstrates how a values-centered education can translate into meaningful financial success.
The university's strength lies in its focused academic programs and personalized approach to student development. Engineering, computer science, and business programs form the core of Calvin's highest-return offerings, with engineering graduates earning around $65,188 and computer science majors reaching $61,020 in their early careers. Despite serving a relatively selective student body with lower representation of Pell Grant recipients, Calvin maintains strong graduation rates above 77% and helps students transition effectively into professional careers.
As a medium-sized private institution, Calvin offers the benefits of close faculty relationships and a tight-knit community while maintaining academic rigor that prepares students for competitive job markets. The university's Christian mission provides a distinctive educational experience that combines intellectual growth with character development, appealing to families who prioritize both academic excellence and faith integration in higher education.
Calvin University's program portfolio reflects a strategic focus on career-oriented fields that deliver strong financial returns. Applied Engineering stands out as both the highest-return program and one of the largest, with 83 graduates earning around $65,188 and generating over $5.4 million in aggregate economic value. This program exemplifies Calvin's ability to combine technical rigor with practical application, preparing students for in-demand engineering roles.
Computer Science represents another area of institutional strength, with 35 graduates earning approximately $61,020 in early career positions. The program's strong earnings reflect the growing demand for technology professionals and Calvin's ability to prepare students for competitive tech careers. Business Administration and Management, as the largest program with 65 graduates, provides a reliable pathway to management roles with median earnings around $45,980.
The university's program mix balances high-return professional fields with mission-driven areas like Agricultural Teacher Education, which serves important community needs despite more modest early earnings around $31,314. This diversity reflects Calvin's commitment to preparing students for various forms of service and leadership, whether in high-paying technical fields or essential public service roles. The overall portfolio demonstrates how a faith-based institution can maintain both academic excellence and career relevance.
Calvin University graduates achieve strong long-term earnings that place the institution among the top performers nationally. Ten years after enrollment, graduates earn a median of $58,375, positioning Calvin in the 80th percentile for earnings outcomes. This performance reflects the university's focus on career-oriented programs and strong employer relationships in the Grand Rapids region and beyond.
The university's highest returns come from its engineering and technology programs. Applied Engineering leads with 83 graduates earning around $65,188, making it both the largest high-return program and a key driver of Calvin's overall earnings strength. Computer Science, with 35 graduates earning approximately $61,020, demonstrates the university's ability to prepare students for high-demand tech careers. Business Administration and Management, the largest program with 65 graduates, produces solid outcomes at $45,980, providing a reliable pathway for students interested in management and entrepreneurship.
Calvin's focused program portfolio emphasizes practical, career-ready fields that align well with regional employer needs. The university's Christian identity and emphasis on ethical leadership create graduates who are particularly valued in professional settings where character and competence both matter. While some programs like Agricultural Teacher Education show more modest early earnings around $31,314, they serve important community needs and often lead to stable, fulfilling careers in education and public service.
Calvin University's affordability profile reflects its position as a private institution with substantial financial aid support. Low-income students pay approximately $20,249 annually after aid, while middle-income families see net costs around $21,973 per year. High-income families face higher net prices of about $28,027, though this remains competitive among private Christian universities of similar quality and reputation.
The university's aid strategy focuses on making education accessible across income levels while maintaining the resources needed for small class sizes and personalized attention. Most students graduate with manageable debt levels, with typical federal loan debt around $23,250 and Parent PLUS borrowing averaging $25,812. These amounts align well with Calvin's strong earnings outcomes, creating a sustainable financial equation for most families.
What makes Calvin particularly attractive from an affordability standpoint is the combination of reasonable debt levels with strong earning potential. The university's 0% federal loan default rate demonstrates that graduates can successfully manage their educational investments, and loan repayment data shows that Calvin borrowers pay down balances faster than national averages. This pattern reflects both the quality of career preparation and the financial responsibility that the university instills in its students.
Calvin University Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
