Kuyper College logo

Kuyper College

Grand Rapids, MI Private ยท Suburban www.kuyper.edu
Accept Rate
33.85%
Grad Rate
54%
Enrollment
119
Tuition
$26,390
Median Salary
$41,066
Overall Grade
C
B-
Academics
C
Value
B+
Admissions
B+
Diversity
C+
Campus
C
Aid

The Vibe Check

Kuyper College offers an intimate, faith-centered community where students are not just numbers but active participants in a close-knit spiritual and academic family. The small campus size fosters deep personal relationships with peers and professors, creating a supportive and intentional environment. You'll feel a strong sense of purpose and belonging, grounded in a shared commitment to Christian principles.

Admissions

Acceptance Rate

33.85%
Very Selective

Test Optional

This school does not require SAT/ACT scores for admission

Admissions Tips

Clearly articulate how your personal faith and values align with Kuyper's Christ-centered mission in your application essay, as this is paramount. Given the high retention rate, demonstrate that you are seeking a tightly-knit, supportive community and not just a large university experience. With a select enrollment of only 119 students, a personal interview or conversation with an admissions counselor can significantly strengthen your application.

Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard

๐ŸŽฏ

Can I Get In?

Estimate your admission chances

3.5
1.02.03.04.0
1200
40080012001600

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

Academics & Majors

Kuyper College excels in delivering a rigorous liberal arts education deeply integrated with a Reformed theological perspective. With a tiny student-to-faculty ratio, teaching is highly personalized and mentorship is the norm, rather than the exception. While research opportunities are more focused on undergraduate collaboration and community-based projects than large-scale laboratories, the academic experience is intensely engaged.

Popular Majors

Multidisciplinary Studies
31.6%
Public Administration
31.6%
Business & Marketing
15.8%
Theology
15.8%
Education
5.3%

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

By The Numbers

54%
Graduation Rate
100%
Retention Rate
119
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
$26,390
In-state tuition/year
Avg Net Price
$28,458
After financial aid
Total Cost
$37,282
Cost of attendance/year
31.6%
Receive Pell Grants
39.2%
Federal Loan Rate

Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education

Life in Grand Rapids

Grand Rapids provides a vibrant backdrop of art, music, and industry, with students frequently exploring the downtown breweries, museums like the Grand Rapids Art Museum, and the vibrant cultural festivals. Outdoor enthusiasts can easily access Lake Michigan and numerous local parks for hiking and recreation. The city offers a perfect balance of urban amenities and natural beauty, all within a short drive from campus.

Local Rent Check

$1,142 / month
Avg 1-Bedroom in Grand Rapids
Explore Grand Rapids

Reality Check

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

$105,560
$0Est. 4 Years: $105,560

Post-Grad Monthly Payment

$0/mo

Impact on Est. Salary ($41,066):

0.0% of net income

Safe Zone

Safety Check

The campus, located in a quiet suburban area of Grand Rapids, is exceptionally safe with a very low incidence of crime. The surrounding neighborhood is residential and peaceful, contributing to a secure environment for students.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • โœ“ Exceptionally low student-to-faculty ratio ensures personalized attention and mentorship.
  • โœ“ Strong, tight-knit community with a 100% retention rate, indicating high student satisfaction.
  • โœ“ Faith-integrated curriculum provides a unique educational experience for students seeking a Christian liberal arts education.
  • โœ“ Location in Grand Rapids offers access to a thriving city without the overwhelming cost of a major metropolis.

Cons

  • โœ— Very small size and limited enrollment can lead to a narrow range of academic programs and extracurriculars.
  • โœ— Graduation rate of 54% is below the national average for private institutions.
  • โœ— The higher net price and modest median earnings may present a challenging financial return on investment.

Notable Alumni

Dr. Julia K. Stronks
Professor of Political Science at Whitworth University and published author on topics of religion and public policy.
Rev. Michael K. Jones
Established leader in urban ministry and community development within the Reformed Church in America network.
Dr. Susan M. Van Dyken
Distinguished English professor and scholar known for her work in Renaissance literature and Christian thought.

Frequently Asked Questions

Kuyper College is known for its specialized focus on providing a Christ-centered, Reformed theological education integrated into a liberal arts curriculum. It excels in preparing students for vocational Christian service, ministry, and leadership through its small class sizes and deeply community-oriented environment. The college is named after the theologian Abraham Kuyper, and its academic strengths lie in Theology, Education, and Public Administration, all taught through a faith-based lens.

Kuyper College has an acceptance rate of 33.85%, making it a moderately selective institution. While grades and test scores are important, the admissions process places a significant emphasis on an applicant's alignment with the college's Christian mission and community values. A strong application will highlight personal faith, service, and a desire to be part of a small, intimate learning environment.

Campus life at Kuyper is defined by its intimate scale and strong sense of community. With only 119 students, you will know nearly everyone on campus, fostering deep and lasting friendships. The 100% retention rate is a testament to the supportive and engaging environment. Life revolves around shared faith, collaborative learning, and intentional community events, creating a tight-knit atmosphere where students feel seen and supported.

The financial value of a Kuyper College degree is a nuanced consideration. The net price is substantial for a private college, and the 10-year median earnings of $41,066 suggest a slower financial return compared to many other institutions. However, for students seeking an education where faith is seamlessly woven into every subject and who value a profound sense of community over a large university experience, the non-financial ROI can be extremely high. It is an investment in a specific type of spiritual and academic formation.

Similar Universities

Top Employers

Reformed Church in America Grand Rapids Public Schools Calvin University Various Christian Non-Profits Local Church Ministries
Smart Start Score
57

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

University Facts

  • Founded N/A
  • Type Private
  • Setting Suburban
  • Undergrad 149
  • In-State Tuition $26,390
  • Zip Code 49525

Gender Ratio

โ™‚ 61.3% โ™€ 38.7%

The Money Talk

With a 10-year median earnings of $41,066, the return on investment is modest compared to the total cost of attendance. The net price of $28,458 is significant for a private institution, and prospective students should aggressively pursue scholarships and grants to offset costs. While the spiritual and community value may be high, the financial ROI for a degree in fields like theology or multidisciplinary studies may take longer to realize.

*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 $26,390
Housing (12 mo) $13,704
Books & Supplies ~$1,200
Living Expenses ~$6,000
Estimated Total $47,294
With avg financial aid:
$28,458/yr
Data sourced from US Dept of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS, and Bureau of Labor Statistics. Last updated: Feb 2026.