Calvin University vs Lipscomb University

Side-by-side comparison across admissions, costs, outcomes, campus life, and more. Data from US Department of Education.

πŸ’°
Best Value
Calvin University
Lower Net Price
πŸ’Ό
High Earners
Calvin University
Higher 10yr Salary
πŸ†
Most Selective
Lipscomb University
Harder to get in
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Graduation
Calvin University
Higher success

Calvin University

Grand Rapids, MI

Lipscomb University

Nashville-Davidson, TN
Admissions Difficulty
Acceptance Rate
71.3%
66.6%
Avg SAT Score
1,205
1,248
SAT Range (25th–75th)
1070 – 1340
1145 – 1350
Avg ACT Score
27
26
ACT Range (25th–75th)
22 – 30
22 – 29
Cost & Financial Aid
Avg Net Price
$24,783
$25,610
Tuition (In-State)
$38,670
$38,824
Tuition (Out-of-State)
$38,670
$38,824
Pell Grant Rate % students receiving Pell Grants
14.4%
21.2%
Federal Loan Rate
33.6%
33.4%
Career Outcomes
Median Salary (10yr)
$58,375
$55,541
Graduation Rate
77.2%
69.1%
Retention Rate Freshmen who return for 2nd year
88.5%
85.9%
Campus Life
Total Enrollment
2,921
3,021
Undergrad Enrollment
3,211
3,508
Type
Private
Private
Setting
Urban
Urban

πŸ“‹ Report Cards

Calvin University

Academics
B+
Value
C
Admissions
C
Diversity
B-

Lipscomb University

Academics
B
Value
C
Admissions
C
Diversity
C+

βš–οΈ Expert Analysis

Calvin University and Lipscomb University are both well-regarded institutions, but they differ in important ways. Here's how they compare across key dimensions.

Admissions: Lipscomb University is more selective with a 66.6% acceptance rate compared to Calvin University's 71.3%. Average SAT scores are 1205 and 1248 respectively.

Cost: Calvin University offers a lower average net price at $24,783, which is $827 less than Lipscomb University ($25,610). After financial aid, this can make a significant difference over 4 years.

Career Outcomes: Graduates from Calvin University earn a median salary of $58,375 ten years after enrollment, which is $2,834 more than Lipscomb University graduates ($55,541).

Graduation: Calvin University leads with a 77.2% graduation rate, and freshman retention rates are 88.5% vs 85.9%.

Campus Size: Lipscomb University is the larger campus with 3,021 total students, while Calvin University has 2,921.

Bottom Line: Calvin University stands out as both more affordable and producing higher-earning graduates β€” making it the stronger value proposition overall.

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