Calvin University
Grand Rapids, United States • Founded 1876
Updated Jun 2026
Overview
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
Mailing address, phone, email, and social channels for Calvin University are gathered below for quick reference. Most enquiries route through the admissions team unless noted otherwise.
Academic Details
The numbers behind Calvin University: student body, academic staff, and the recognising bodies validating its work. A baseline read for assessing institutional capacity and rigour.
Programs Offered
Calvin University's programme finder filters by name across all degree levels. Departmental admissions criteria sometimes differ from institutional minimums — verify against the programme page before relying on either.
98 programmes on record. Each level below shows a sample. Compare these on the programs page All programs in United States
Bachelor's Degree 64 programmes
Showing 10 of 64.
Master's Degree 18 programmes
Showing 10 of 18.
Associate's Degree 1 programme
Certificate 10 programmes
Postgraduate Certificate 5 programmes
How to apply to Calvin University
Below is a five-step path through the application process at Calvin University, useful for first-time applicants and international students.
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1
Research programmes at Calvin University
Use the programme finder to browse Calvin University's 98 active programmes. Filter by keyword or scan by degree level. Read curriculum details on each programme's dedicated page if available.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
Short Q&A on the institutional facts that matter most when shortlisting Calvin University as a study destination.
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 3,000-3,999 students.
Does Calvin University have a religious affiliation?
Calvin University is associated with Christian-Reformed.
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)
If Calvin University's Council for Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU) membership influenced your interest, these institutions belong to the same network and offer comparable mobility and credential-recognition benefits. Membership shapes everything from exchange access to joint research opportunities.
Other American Universities Affiliated with Christian-Reformed
Faith-based scholarships exist at most Christian-Reformed institutions, sometimes restricted to coreligionists, sometimes open to all. The peers below often run parallel funding programmes.
Faculties at nearby universities
Alumni networks within a region often outlast individual institutional choice. Universities near Calvin University share post-grad employer connections that benefit students from any of them.
Where Else to Study Liberal Arts
Looking for Liberal Arts programmes beyond Calvin University? Other universities in the United States cover the same discipline. Cross-comparing modules, assessment styles, and faculty profiles is the fastest way to find the right fit.
Universities Compared with Calvin University
Cross-peer scholarship reciprocity exists in some systems where peer institutions accept each other's scholarship students. Worth checking for Calvin University if location flexibility matters.
Studying in United States: guides and resources
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