Drake vs. Calvin University

Comparable Facts

Compare Drake University in Des Moines, IA with Calvin University in Grand Rapids, MI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Drake University is larger than Calvin University based on total student enrollment (4,345 students vs. 3,681 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Drake University is located in Des Moines, IA (Midsize City setting); Calvin University is in Grand Rapids, MI (Midsize City setting).
• Drake University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Calvin University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Drake University 11:1; Calvin University 13:1.

Drake vs. Calvin University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Drake or Calvin University? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Calvin University than Drake ($25,231 vs. $29,565).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Calvin University are 2.7% lower than at Drake University ($12,120 vs. $12,452).
• Drake University is 32.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Calvin University (about $12,780 more per year; $52,130.00 vs. $39,350.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 32.5% higher at Drake than at Calvin University (about $12,780 more per year; $52,130.00 vs. $39,350.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Drake University as at Calvin University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Drake University students is 21.9% larger than aid received by Calvin University students ($35,498 vs. $29,123).

Drake vs. Calvin University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Drake or Calvin University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Calvin University and Drake.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Drake University (1230) is 20 points higher than at Calvin University (1210).
• Incoming Calvin University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (27 vs. 26 at Drake).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Drake University 1110/1350; Calvin University 1083/1330.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Drake University 24/29; Calvin University 24/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Drake - Test optional; Calvin University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Calvin University students have a 0.14 point higher average high school GPA (3.84) than students at Drake (3.7).
• Calvin University has a higher acceptance rate (70.9%) than Drake (63.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 9.8% at Drake vs. 21.4% at Calvin University.

Drake vs. Calvin University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Drake and Calvin University? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Calvin University's six-year graduation rate (77%) is higher than Drake University's (75%).
• Graduates from Drake University earn a median of about $21,500 more per year than Calvin University graduates about ten years after starting college ($68,500 vs. $47,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Drake University graduates have a $449 lower median loan debt than Calvin University graduates ($26,000 vs. $26,449).
• Among borrowers, Drake graduates have an estimated $5 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Calvin University graduates ($268 vs. $273).
• More Drake graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Calvin University students, three years after graduation. (84% vs. 81%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.