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Calvin University vs Davenport University: which has better ROI?

Private nonprofit, Grand Rapids MI · vs · Private nonprofit, Grand Rapids MI

The verdict

Calvin University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $91,968 in 9.2 years versus not at all at Davenport University, on median earnings of $58,375 vs $45,099 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureCalvin UniversityDavenport University
Net price / yr$22,992$17,707
Total net cost$91,968$70,828
Median earnings, 10 yrs$58,375$45,099
Median debt$23,250$26,000
Payback9.2 yrs
20-year net return$108,332-$136,048

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.

Which is cheaper, Calvin University or Davenport University?

Davenport University, at $17,707 a year after aid versus $22,992 — a gap of $5,285 a year, or $21,140 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do Calvin University or Davenport University graduates earn more?

Calvin University graduates report a median $58,375 ten years after entry, $13,276 more than the $45,099 at Davenport University. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.

Which leaves students with less debt, Calvin University or Davenport University?

Calvin University: its completers carry a median $23,250 in federal loans versus $26,000 at Davenport University, a difference of $2,750. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

74% of students finish at Calvin University, against 57% at Davenport University. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.

Calvin University vs Davenport University: frequently asked questions

Is Calvin University or Davenport University a better value?
Calvin University. It clears its $91,968 net cost in about 9.2 years versus no clear payback at Davenport University, on median earnings of $58,375 vs $45,099 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Calvin University or Davenport University?
Davenport University: $17,707/yr net price after aid versus $22,992/yr at Calvin University — a difference of $5,285 a year, or about $21,140 over four years.
Do Calvin University or Davenport University graduates earn more?
Calvin University graduates earn a median $58,375 ten years after entry, versus $45,099 at Davenport University — a $13,276 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.