Me Visit Apply Request Info Give ▾ News & Events A-Z Calendar Maps People ACADEMICS ADMISSIONS & AID STUDENT LIFE ARTS ATHLETICS ABOUT Search Begin main content ABOUT CALVIN PLAY VIDEO ⟨ ⟩ MENU AGENTS OF RENEWAL Calvin University equips students to think deeply, to act justly, and to live wholeheartedly as Christ’s agents of renewal in the world. ACADEMIC OPTIONS APPLY / ENROLL VISIT REQUEST INFO COSTS & AID BASIC INFORMATION FOUNDED: 1876 PRESIDENT: Michael K. Le Roy, PhD SCHOOL COLORS: Maroon and gold LOCATION: Grand Rapids, Michigan ⟨⟩ KEY FACTS 100+ majors & programs 3,840 total enrollment 46:54 male to female ratio 13:1 student to faculty ratio 24 average class size 16% U.S. ethnic minorities 12% international students 75% acceptance rate 86.7% first-to-second-year retention rate 23-29 ACT composite (middle 50%) 44 National Merit Scholars 400 acre campus See full facts & figures BRIEF HISTORY A FIRM FOUNDATION It started simply, as great things often do. But what began in 1876 as a school of ministry training for just seven students has emerged as a world-class, comprehensive Christian university. 1857 Christian Reformed Church is established in West Michigan. 1876 Calvin College and Seminary is founded. 1900 Calvin begins offering education and pre-professional programs. 1921 Calvin awards its first Bachelor of Arts degree. ⟨⟩ STRATEGIC PLAN A BRIGHT FUTURE Calvin is a school with a big mission: equipping students to be agents of renewal, ready to step into the public square and renew all things for the glory of Christ. We believe that every student has something to offer the world; every student has something that God is calling him or her to do. Calvin’s job is to partner with each student to discover what that is and then help them develop the skills they’ll need to gain that success. In order to achieve this, we’ve charted out a strategic plan with four goals: embody, grow, collaborate, and build. CALVIN STRATEGIC PLAN 2025 VISION 2030 KEY COMMITMENTS EDUCATING FOR SHALOM The great writing prophets of the Bible knew how many ways human life had gone wrong because they knew how many ways human life can go right. And they dreamed of a time when God would put things right again—creating shalom—universal flourishing, wholeness, and delight. This is why we’re here and it’s what we’re all about: educating for shalom. We celebrate diversity When you come to Calvin, we know you have a background, an identity that shapes the stories of your life. And we believe a student population rich in diversity in all its forms is a real benefit to our community and makes for a vibrant learning environment. We’re committed to the flourishing of all students from every race, ethnicity, culture, gender, and ability. We honor the Creator by caring for creation Education at Calvin is infused with thoughtful, biblically based principles that help form a foundation for living that honors the Creator and his creation. Our community gardens, campus recycling program, residence hall sustainability challenges, and academic endeavors are all pursued with both a mind and heart toward God’s plan for the renewal of all creation. We see vocation as more than a career Yes, your Calvin education will prepare you for excellence in your career field—but our focus extends far beyond that. We don’t just equip you to find a job; we empower you to discover your calling. We don’t just hand you a textbook; we teach valuable life skills too, from paying rent to maintaining healthy relationships. We don’t just add you to a tally list of graduates; we train you to be a leader in your work, your church, and your community. AWARDS & ACCLAIM DON’T JUST TAKE OUR WORD FOR IT U.S. News & World Report Calvin is ranked #4 overall among Midwest Regional Universities in U.S. News & World Report’s “Best Colleges Guidebook.” The Princeton Review Professors 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.” Fiske Guide to Colleges “Calvin students describe the overall academic environment as challenging but supportive [...] Calvin graduates have few problems getting accepted to graduate schools of law, medicine, or business.” Money Magazine Calvin is included in “The Best Colleges For Your Money,” a list compiled based on educational quality, affordability, and career outcomes. SOCIAL MEDIA THE LATEST SIGHTS & SOUNDS | #calvinuniversity SHOW