UNI vs. Calvin University

Comparable Facts

Compare University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls, IA with Calvin University in Grand Rapids, MI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of Northern Iowa is larger than Calvin University based on total student enrollment (9,278 students vs. 3,681 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Northern Iowa is located in Cedar Falls, IA (Small City setting); Calvin University is in Grand Rapids, MI (Midsize City setting).
• University of Northern Iowa is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Calvin University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Northern Iowa 18:1; Calvin University 13:1.

UNI vs. Calvin University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, UNI 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 University of Northern Iowa than Calvin University ($16,437 vs. $25,231).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Northern Iowa are 17.6% lower than at Calvin University ($9,986 vs. $12,120).
• Calvin University is 296% more expensive for in-state tuition than UNI (about $29,414 more per year; $39,350.00 vs. $9,936.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 81.2% higher at Calvin University than at University of Northern Iowa (about $17,638 more per year; $39,350.00 vs. $21,712.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Calvin University than at University of Northern Iowa (100% vs. 83%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Calvin University students is 396.6% larger than aid received by University of Northern Iowa students ($29,123 vs. $5,865).

UNI vs. Calvin University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, UNI 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 UNI.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Calvin University (1210) is 60 points higher than at UNI (1150).
• Incoming Calvin University students have a 5 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (27 vs. 22 at UNI).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Northern Iowa 1020/1280; Calvin University 1083/1330.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Northern Iowa 19/26; Calvin University 24/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: UNI - Test optional; Calvin University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Calvin University students have a 0.23 point higher average high school GPA (3.84) than students at UNI (3.61).
• UNI has a higher acceptance rate (92.7%) than Calvin University (70.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 31.1% at UNI vs. 21.4% at Calvin University.

UNI vs. Calvin University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for UNI 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 University of Northern Iowa's (67%).
• Graduates from University of Northern Iowa earn a median of about $700 more per year than Calvin University graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,700 vs. $47,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Northern Iowa graduates have a $5,824 lower median loan debt than Calvin University graduates ($20,625 vs. $26,449).
• Among borrowers, UNI graduates have an estimated $60 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Calvin University graduates ($213 vs. $273).
• More Calvin University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former UNI students, three years after graduation. (81% vs. 72%)

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.