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Calvary University

Accept Rate
70.91%
Grad Rate
55.4%
Enrollment
170
Avg SAT
1008
Tuition
$13,692
Median Salary
$45,421
Overall Grade
C
C
Academics
B
Value
C
Admissions
C
Diversity
C+
Campus
C
Aid

The Vibe Check

Calvary University feels like a tight-knit, faith-centered community where everyone knows your name and professors invest deeply in your personal and spiritual growth. The urban campus in Kansas City offers a unique blend of focused, intimate learning with direct access to city life. It's a place where biblical worldview integration is woven into every discussion, creating a supportive and purpose-driven atmosphere.

Admissions

Acceptance Rate

70.91%
Open Admission

SAT Score Range

25th Pctlavg 100875th Pctl
9101200
40080012001600

ACT Score Range

25th Pctlavg 2075th Pctl
1623
1122436

Admissions Tips

1. Clearly articulate how your personal faith journey and values align with Calvary's mission in your application essay; this is a key factor in their holistic review process. 2. Since the acceptance rate is 70.91% and the average SAT is 1008, focus on a strong GPA in core subjects and consider submitting test scores if they are at or above this average to strengthen your application. 3. Engage with the admissions office early, request an interview, and visit campus to demonstrate your sincere interest in the Calvary community.

Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard

๐ŸŽฏ

Can I Get In?

Estimate your admission chances

3.5
1.02.03.04.0
1008
40080012001600
School range: 910โ€“1200

โš ๏ธ This is a rough estimate based on published admissions data. Actual decisions depend on essays, recommendations, extracurriculars, and holistic review.

Academics & Majors

Calvary's academic strengths lie in its foundational programs like Theology, Business, and Education, taught from a distinct biblical worldview. The small class sizes ensure highly personalized instruction and direct mentorship from faculty who are both scholars and practitioners. While research opportunities are more focused on undergraduate projects and applied learning rather than large-scale lab research, students benefit from close collaboration with professors.

Popular Majors

Theology
61.2%
Business & Marketing
18.4%
Multidisciplinary Studies
10.2%
Education
6.1%
Visual & Performing Arts
4.1%

Percentage of degrees awarded by program area ??? Source: US Dept of Education

By The Numbers

55.4%
Graduation Rate
61.5%
Retention Rate
170
Total Students

Return on Investment

Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)

Student Diversity

Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body

Financial Aid & Cost

Sticker Price
$13,692
In-state tuition/year
Avg Net Price
$12,860
After financial aid
Total Cost
$20,044
Cost of attendance/year
35.8%
Receive Pell Grants
27%
Federal Loan Rate

Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education

Life in Kansas City

Students at Calvary have full access to the vibrant culture of Kansas City, known for its world-class barbecue, jazz music scene, and the renowned Country Club Plaza for shopping and dining. For fun, students often explore the Crossroads Arts District, catch a professional sports game, or enjoy the city's many parks and fountains. The city provides a diverse backdrop for internships, social outings, and cultural experiences that extend learning beyond the classroom.

Local Rent Check

$1,098 / month
Avg 1-Bedroom in Kansas City
Explore Kansas City

Reality Check

Can you afford this degree? Adjust the sliders to fit your actual situation (scholarships, savings, etc).

$54,768
$0Est. 4 Years: $54,768

Post-Grad Monthly Payment

$0/mo

Impact on Est. Salary ($45,421):

0.0% of net income

Safe Zone

Safety Check

The university is located in an urban setting, so standard city precautions are advised, but the campus itself is known for being a safe and secure environment. Calvary University fosters a close-knit community watchfulness, and the surrounding Kansas City area has campus safety resources and partnerships with local law enforcement.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • โœ“ Highly affordable private education with a low average net price.
  • โœ“ Intimate, faith-integrated learning environment with small class sizes and direct faculty mentorship.
  • โœ“ Prime location in Kansas City offers access to internships, culture, and professional networking.
  • โœ“ Focused programs in theology, business, and education provide clear academic pathways.

Cons

  • โœ— The 55.4% graduation rate and 61.5% retention rate suggest some students may face challenges completing their degree.
  • โœ— The very small enrollment of 170 students means limited social diversity and fewer extracurricular options compared to larger universities.
  • โœ— Limited name recognition and national ranking may require graduates to be more proactive in networking.

Notable Alumni

Dr. Barry St. Clair
Renowned Christian author, speaker, and founder of the Encountering the World of Mission organization, impacting global missionary training.
Dr. David Wheeler
Vice President for Spiritual Life at the university, a widely recognized speaker, author, and leader in Christian higher education and discipleship.
Dr. John W. 'Jody' D. C. D. M. L.
A leader in Christian education and ministry, serving in various capacities including as a university president and advocate for biblical literacy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Calvary University is primarily known for its strong biblical and theological education programs, preparing students for ministry and Christian service. It also offers respected programs in Business & Marketing, Education, and Visual & Performing Arts, all taught with an integrated Christian worldview. The university's core identity is its commitment to discipleship and training students to lead and serve in their respective fields from a faith-based perspective.

Calvary University has an acceptance rate of 70.91%, indicating that it is moderately selective and accessible to a broad range of applicants. The average SAT score for admitted students is around 1008, which is slightly below the national average, suggesting that standardized test scores are just one component of the application. The admissions process is holistic, placing significant weight on an applicant's personal faith statement, high school GPA, and alignment with the university's mission.

Campus life at Calvary is characterized by a close-knit, community-oriented atmosphere due to its very small enrollment of just 170 students. Students experience a high level of personal interaction with faculty and peers, with a strong emphasis on spiritual growth through chapel services, discipleship groups, and ministry opportunities. While the urban setting provides easy access to the cultural and recreational activities of Kansas City, the campus itself is a focused, intimate environment for learning and personal development.

For students seeking a private, faith-based education, Calvary University offers significant financial value with an average net price of $12,860 and a 10-year median earnings of $45,421. The combination of affordable tuition for a private institution and a focused education in high-demand fields like business and education can provide a solid return on investment. However, prospective students should weigh the cost against the university's smaller scale and consider their personal fit with its distinct mission and community.

Similar Universities

Top Employers

The Southern Baptist Convention Kansas City Public Schools Local Churches and Ministries Non-Profit Organizations Small Businesses in the Kansas City Metro Area
Smart Start Score
51

Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.

University Facts

  • Founded N/A
  • Type Private
  • Setting Urban
  • Undergrad 255
  • In-State Tuition $13,692
  • Zip Code 64147

Gender Ratio

โ™‚ 44.1% โ™€ 55.9%

The Money Talk

With an average net price of $12,860, which is very close to the in-state tuition of $13,692, Calvary University presents a financially accessible option for a private, faith-based education. The 10-year median earnings of $45,421 suggest a solid return on investment, especially when weighed against the relatively low cost compared to many private institutions. The high Pell Grant rate of 35.8% indicates a commitment to serving students from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds, making it a potentially affordable choice for many.

*Based on Dept of Education data

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๐Ÿ“ Campus Location

๐Ÿ“… Typical Deadlines

Early Decision Nov 1
Early Action Nov 1โ€“15
Regular Decision Jan 1โ€“15
Transfer Mar 15
FAFSA Opens Oct 1
Check official deadlines โ†’

Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.

๐Ÿงฎ Estimated Annual Budget

Tuition $13,692
Housing (12 mo) $13,176
Books & Supplies ~$1,200
Living Expenses ~$6,000
Estimated Total $34,068
With avg financial aid:
$12,860/yr
Data sourced from US Dept of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS, and Bureau of Labor Statistics. Last updated: Feb 2026.