About

See what students say:

Academics

Founded in 1876, Calvin University is a mid-sized Christian liberal arts institution located in Grand Rapids, Michigan that trains students “to think critically and live out their vocation in the world while working to advance God’s Kingdom.” The prestigious academics (the nursing and honors programs are standouts) feature a high level of integration of faith within the classroom, and “departments teach their specific content in the context of a Christian worldview.” The coursework is “difficult and challenging,” but faculty “make us feel welcomed and make sure they are available for all of our questions.” Not only are their teaching methods stellar, they are “relatable and offer good advice, genuinely wishing the students a good future.”

Professors have “a desire to share their wealth of experiences and passions with the students” and are “extremely talented, interesting, and connected in their specific fields.” Instructors are also “masters at integration of education and Christianity,” making the classes at Calvin less about teaching the requisites for getting a job and “more about how to continue to learn about the field and how Christianity should figure into it.” Within courses, there is great opportunity to delve into complicated and often controversial topics “in a way that doesn’t ignore culture, science, or social scientific data.” Sharing ideas is encouraged between students. “I feel I can appropriately express my opinions and views without the condemnation of others,” says one. No matter your passion or career choice, “you will be paired with advisors [who have] similar passions,” which “allows freedom to express thoughts and talk openly with willing professors.

Student Body

Calvin's 3,100-strong body of undergrads includes a wide range of students and interests, including a significant number of international students, athletes, those with Dutch heritage, and "valedictorians everywhere." A large percentage of the students "are Christians and come from somewhere in the Midwest," and all are generally "friendly, helpful, outgoing, and hardworking." One student notes, "Some people feel that Calvin University is very diverse and others feel that it is not diverse at all, depending on where they came from." Diversity activities are highly emphasized and encouraged around campus, and the student body is "small enough that Calvin begins to feel like home, but large enough that you don't know everyone." As one student puts it best, "There is a niche for everyone in the social life of the school."

Campus Life

"Dorm life is vibrant" and "a big focus" at Calvin. Within the dorms "there is plenty of opportunity for leadership, and everyone is encouraged to grow together." Floor events in the residential halls are huge bonding occasions. The Student Life Division does a good job of organizing events that many students attend, including movies, board game nights, and concerts, and there are also "lots of clubs on campus that you can get involved in." When people aren't studying (studying in the hammocks around campus is popular) or in class, they often go to coffee shops or to get food together. Most work part-time, and there are "many different opportunities for on-campus jobs." Extracurriculars are big, and students "go backpacking, swing dancing...or hiking." There are also lots of things to do in the Grand Rapids area, and "people go out to meals, movies, bowling, sporting events, the downtown market, and other events in the city such as ArtPrize," or will go to Lake Michigan. Chapel is held daily but is not required, and there are a lot of "study groups and Bible studies to help each other grow toward academic and spiritual goals."

Contact & Visit

Campus Visits Contact

Contact
Stephanie Brink
Assistant Director of Admissions

Address
Office of Admissions
3201 Burton Street
Grand Rapids, MI 49546

Phone
616-526-6106

Email
visit@calvin.edu

Experience College Life

Most Popular Places On Campus
Spoelhof Fieldhouse Complex
Johnny's Cafe
Hekman Library/Peet's Coffee
DeVos Communications Building
Covenant Fine Arts Center

Most Popular Places Off Campus
Van Andel Arena
Frederick Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park
Nearby Lake Michigan Beaches
Gerald R. Ford Museum
Grand Rapids Art Museum
Each fall Art Prize also occurs in downtown Grand Rapids.

Campus Tours

Campus Visiting Center
Monday-Friday
8am-5pm
616-526-6106

Campus Tours
Appointment Required: Yes
Dates: Varies
Times: 8am-5pm M-F
Average Length: 1 hour

On Campus Interview

Campus Interviews
Yes

Information Sessions
Available

Times
8am-5pm M-F

Faculty and Coach Visits

Dates/Times Available
Academic Year

Arrangements
Contact Admissions Office

Advance Notice
1 week

Contact Email Address for Visit
visit@calvin.edu

Class Visits

Dates/Times Available
Academic Year

Arrangements
Contact Admissions Office

Overnight Dorm Stays

Overnight Dorm Stays
Available

Arrangements
Contact Admissions Office

Limitations
Academic year only

Transportation

Types of Transportation Available to Campus
Gerald R. Ford International Airport and Greyhound bus station are a 10 minute drive from campus. Amtrak train station is also nearby. Calvin will provide shuttle service upon request.

Driving Instructions to Campus
I-196 and I-96 from Muskegon and Holland use East Beltline exit South to Calvin. US-131 from Kalamazoo use 28th Street exit East to Breton, North to Burton, East to Calvin. I-96 from Lansing use Kentwood Exit (43A) West on 28th Street to the East Beltline, North to Calvin.

Local Accommodations
The Prince Conference Center (on Calvin's campus) has 66 guest rooms with reduced prices for those visiting Calvin. Includes complimentary continental breakfast and access to Calvin's fitness facilities. Please call (616) 526-7200 or toll free (866) 526-7200. Baymont Inn (2873 Kraft Ave. SE, 616-956-3300, www.baymontinn.com) is 10 minutes from Calvin College. It offers free delivered continental breakfast, pay per view movies. Children with family stay free. Comfort Inn (4155 28th Street SE, 616-957-2080, www.comfortinn.com). Exit 43-A which is on 28th Street West is 1 1/2 miles west of I-96. Free Deluxe gourmet continental breakfast and free airport shuttle available. State of the art fitness center, and all new rooms. Country Inn and Suites (5399 28th Street SE, 616-977-0909) offers indoor pool, hot tub, complimentary continental breakfast, free local calls, and pay-per-view. Courtyard by Marriott (4741 28th Street SE, 616-954-0500, www.mariott.com) offers indoor pool, hot tub, fitness room, and airport shuttle. Breakfast buffet is $6.95 per person. Super 8 (4855 28th Street, 616-957-3000). Complimentary fitness room and continental breakfast available. Hilton Garden Inn (2321 E Beltline Ave SE, 855-680-3239, www.hilton.com). Each stylish guest room is equipped with free WiFi, a 50-inch HDTV, microwave and mini-fridge. Enjoy their indoor pool, indoor-outdoor whirlpool, and patio with fire pit. Walking distance from Calvin College and Woodland Mall. On-site restaurant, free parking, fitness center. Hilton Hotel (4747 28th Street SE, 616-957-0100, www.hilton.com). It offers complimentary airport transportation, complimentary coffee in lobby Monday through Friday, indoor swimming pool with outdoor deck, whirlpool, sauna and fitness area. Spinnaker restaurant and lounge. 24-hour room service and valet service. Homewood Suites (3920 Stahl Drive SE, 616-285-7100; FAX: 616-285-1505). All suite hotel includes expanded continental breakfast, light dinner Monday through Thurdays, fully equipped kitchens, separate living and sleeping areas, king size beds with sofa sleepers. Also indoor pool and hot tub and an outdoor sport court. Quality Inn Terrace Club (4495 28th Street SE, 616-956-8080, www.qualityinn.com). Includes full breakfast buffet and complimentary evening hors d' oeuvres. Indoor pool and whirlpool, exercise equipment, free local calls, free weekday newspaper. Red Roof Inn (5131 28th Street, SE, 616-942-0800, www.redroof.com). Free local calls, ESPN, Showtime, CNN, weather channel, pay-per-view movies. Free coffee and USA Today in lobby.

Admissions

Applicants: 3,985
Acceptance Rate: 75%
Average HS GPA: 3.84







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