Howard vs. Calvin University

Comparable Facts

Compare Howard University in Washington, DC with Calvin University in Grand Rapids, MI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Howard University is larger than Calvin University based on total student enrollment (14,890 students vs. 3,681 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Howard University is located in Washington, DC (Large City setting); Calvin University is in Grand Rapids, MI (Midsize City setting).
• Howard University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Calvin University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Howard University 13:1; Calvin University 13:1.

Howard vs. Calvin University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Howard 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 Howard ($25,231 vs. $33,368).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Calvin University are 30% lower than at Howard University ($12,120 vs. $17,322).
• Calvin University is 9.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Howard (about $3,540 more per year; $39,350.00 vs. $35,810.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 9.9% higher at Calvin University than at Howard University (about $3,540 more per year; $39,350.00 vs. $35,810.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Calvin University than at Howard University (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Calvin University students is 37% larger than aid received by Howard University students ($29,123 vs. $21,262).

Howard vs. Calvin University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Howard 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 Howard.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Howard University (1210) is the same as at Calvin University (1210).
• Incoming Calvin University students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (27 vs. 25 at Howard).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Howard University 1090/1320; Calvin University 1083/1330.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Howard University 22/28; Calvin University 24/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Howard - Test optional; Calvin University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Howard Feb 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Calvin University students have a 0.18 point higher average high school GPA (3.84) than students at Howard (3.66).
• Calvin University has a higher acceptance rate (70.9%) than Howard (41.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 19.4% at Howard vs. 21.4% at Calvin University.

Howard vs. Calvin University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Howard 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 Howard University's (63%).
• Graduates from Howard University earn a median of about $4,800 more per year than Calvin University graduates about ten years after starting college ($51,800 vs. $47,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Calvin University graduates have a $551 lower median loan debt than Howard graduates ($26,449 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Calvin University graduates have an estimated $6 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Howard graduates ($273 vs. $279).
• More Calvin University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Howard students, three years after graduation. (81% vs. 33%)

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.