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Calvin University crest

Calvin University

Grand Rapids, United States • Founded 1876

Updated Oct 2026 · Source: calvin.edu

Overview

Acronyms: CU
Founded: 1876
Institution Type: University
Control Type: Private
Entity Type: Non-profit
Religious Affiliation: Christian-Reformed
Motto: Cor meum tibi offero Dominie, prompte et sincere
Colours: Maroon and gold
Calvin University academic and student spaces
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Established in 1876, the Calvin University is a non-profit private higher education institution located in the urban setting of the small city of Grand Rapids (population range of 50,000-249,999 inhabitants), Michigan.

Officially accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, Calvin University (CU) is a small-sized coeducational US higher education institution formally affiliated with the Christian-Reformed religion. Calvin University (CU) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as pre-bachelor's degrees (i.e. certificates, diplomas, associate or foundation), bachelor's degrees and master's degrees in several areas of study.

This 148-year-old US higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and students' past academic records and grades. The acceptance rate range is 70-79% making this US higher education organization a moderately selective institution.

International applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment.

CU also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, online courses and distance learning opportunities, as well as administrative services.

Location & Contact

Address, contact details, and online presence for Calvin University are summarised below.

Address: 3201 Burton Street SE
Postal Code: 49546
Phone: +1 (616) 526 6000
Fax: +1 (616) 526 6777
Social Media:

Academic Details

Enrolment, faculty headcount, and accreditation data for Calvin University are listed below.

Recognition: Higher Learning Commission
Total Students: 3,193
Academic Staff Range: 100-199
Campus Setting: Urban
Memberships & Networks
Council for Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU) Council of Independent Colleges (CIC) International Council for Higher Education (ICHE) International Association for the Promotion of Christian Higher Education (IAPCHE) National Athletic Association (NAA) National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)

Academic Structures

Calvin University's faculties, schools, institutes, and constituent units are listed below.

Unit 7 items
  • School of Business
  • School of Education
  • School of Engineering and Computer Science
  • School of Graduate and Continuing Studies
  • School of Health
  • School of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences
  • School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics

Programs Offered

Below are Calvin University's active programmes, grouped by degree level, with search.

121 programmes on record. Each level below shows a sample. Compare these on the programs page All programs in United States

Bachelor's Degree 80 programmes

Bachelor's Degree in Actuarial Science
Actuarial Science

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Bachelor's Degree in Aerospace Engineering
Aerospace & Automotive Engineering

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Bachelor's Degree in Applied Film and Media
Film & Animation

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Bachelor's Degree in Applied Leadership (Degree Completion)
Management & Leadership

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Bachelor's Degree in Area Studies
Social & Cultural Studies
Bachelor's Degree in Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
Biochemistry
Bachelor's Degree in Biological and Physical Sciences
Liberal Arts
Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Management and Operations
Business Administration

Showing 10 of 80.

Master's Degree 19 programmes

Master's Degree in Communication Disorders Sciences and Services
Speech & Language Therapy
Master's Degree in Criminal Justice and Corrections
Criminal Law & Justice
Master's Degree in Curriculum and Instruction
Education & Teaching
Master's Degree in Data Science
Liberal Arts
Master's Degree in Educational Administration and Supervision
Educational Leadership
Master of Social Work
Social Work

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Showing 10 of 19.

Associate's Degree 1 programme

Associate's Degree in Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries
Religious Studies

Certificate 13 programmes

Certificate in Business Administration, Management and Operations
Business Administration
Certificate in Cybersecurity
Cyber Security

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Certificate in Data Science
Liberal Arts
Certificate in Geography and Cartography
Geography
Certificate in Global Business
International Business

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Certificate in International Business
International Business
Certificate in Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
Liberal Arts
Certificate in Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General
Liberal Arts
Certificate in Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries
Religious Studies

Showing 10 of 13.

Postgraduate Certificate 8 programmes

Postgraduate Certificate in Business Administration, Management and Operations
Business Administration
Postgraduate Certificate in Cardiac Rehabilitation
Rehabilitation Sciences

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Postgraduate Certificate in Communication Disorders Sciences and Services
Speech & Language Therapy
Postgraduate Certificate in Geographic Information Science
Geographical Information Systems

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Postgraduate Certificate in GIS for Local Government
Geographical Information Systems

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Postgraduate Certificate in Intercultural/Multicultural and Diversity Studies
Liberal Arts
Postgraduate Certificate in Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
Operations Management
Postgraduate Certificate in Public Administration
Public Administration

Scholarships in United States

Financial-aid options for studying in the United States, applicable across institutions including Calvin University.

How to apply to Calvin University

A five-step guide to applying to Calvin University.

  1. 1
    Research programmes at Calvin University

    Use the programme finder to browse Calvin University's 121 active programmes. Filter by keyword or scan by degree level. Read curriculum details on each programme's dedicated page if available.

  2. 2
    Review admissions criteria

    Programme-level requirements at Calvin University typically include academic transcripts, language proficiency proof, identity documents, and a personal statement or interview. Confirm specific requirements with the admissions office.

  3. 3
    Gather supporting documents

    Prepare academic transcripts, ID/passport copies, language proficiency proof, a personal statement, and reference letters. International candidates may need apostilled or notarised translations — start early to avoid deadline pressure.

  4. 4
    Lodge your application

    Calvin University processes applications through calvin.edu. Create an account, fill out the application form, and submit your documents. Note application deadlines, which vary by intake and programme.

  5. 5
    Confirm receipt and track progress

    Confirm receipt of your application with the admissions office and keep an eye on your portal for status changes. Reach the institution by phone at +1 (616) 526 6000. Quick responses to any follow-up requests keep your application moving smoothly through the review process.

Frequently Asked Questions about Calvin University

Frequently asked questions about Calvin University.

How old is Calvin University?

The institution opened in 1876 (approximately 150 years ago).

What city is Calvin University in?

Calvin University operates from Grand Rapids, United States.

What is Calvin University's control type?

Calvin University is a private institution.

How big is Calvin University's student body?

Calvin University serves approximately 3,193 students.

Does Calvin University have a religious affiliation?

Calvin University is associated with Christian-Reformed.

What is Calvin University's academic structure?

Calvin University is organised into 7 academic units across its disciplines.

Is Calvin University officially recognised?

Yes, Calvin University is recognised by Higher Learning Commission.

How do I find Calvin University online?

The institution's website is calvin.edu.

Top-Ranked Universities in the United States

the United States's most prominent universities are listed below — relevant for assessing Calvin University's national positioning. National prominence signals not just academic strength but also employer recognition.

Members of Council for Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU)

Below: other Council for Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU) member institutions, alongside Calvin University.

Other American Universities Affiliated with Christian-Reformed

Calvin University and the universities below share a Christian-Reformed affiliation.

Faculties at nearby universities

These universities are located near Calvin University, listed below for students comparing options by location.

Where Else to Study Liberal Arts

Other institutions in the United States teaching Liberal Arts are listed below for comparison with Calvin University.

Universities Compared with Calvin University

Comparable universities to Calvin University are listed below.

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