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Private nonprofit, 4-year

Grace Christian University

Wyoming, Michigan · www.gracechristian.edu

中文

Acceptance rate

99.2%

2025

Peer median 69.4%

Tuition per year

$17,190

$27,490 with room and board

Peer median $33,770

Undergraduates

928

Student-faculty ratio 15:1

Peer median 11 : 1

Graduation rate

33.8%

4-year; 6-year rate 49.3%

Peer median 45.1%

“Peers” are all 403 private baccalaureate colleges in the U.S. (by Carnegie Classification).

About

Grace Christian University, located in Grand Rapids, Michigan, is a private Christian institution that emphasizes a holistic approach to education. This university is particularly known for its strong commitment to integrating faith and learning, which is reflected in its mission statement and diverse academic programs. The school offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate degrees across disciplines such as business, education, and ministry, catering to a wide range of student interests and career aspirations. The university’s emphasis on practical training, particularly in fields like counseling and leadership, prepares students for meaningful careers grounded in Christian values.

The campus environment at Grace Christian University fosters a close-knit community where students can grow academically and spiritually. With a vibrant campus culture, students are encouraged to engage in various extracurricular activities, including sports, arts, and service projects. The university promotes a strong sense of community through chapel services, small group meetings, and numerous events throughout the year. Grace Christian University also boasts a dedicated faculty who are not only experts in their fields but also deeply invested in the personal and spiritual development of their students. This supportive environment helps students thrive both academically and personally, making it a cherished institution for those seeking an education rooted in Christian principles.

Analysis of Key Educational Metrics

The data from Grace Christian University reveals significant trends in tuition costs, student retention, and graduation rates, which are crucial for understanding the institution's evolution over the years.

Firstly, the tuition for in-state undergraduate students has consistently risen from $12,235 in 2014 to $15,321 in 2024, reflecting a cumulative increase of approximately 25.6%. This surge in tuition can be attributed to several factors, including inflation, increased operational costs, and a growing demand for higher education. The accompanying increase in room and board expenses—from $7,150 to $9,540—further strains students’ budgets, potentially impacting enrollment decisions.

In addition to rising costs, student retention rates have shown fluctuations. Retention improved significantly from about 61.8% in 2013 to a peak of 77.6% in 2022, before dropping to 68.6% in 2023. This initial upward trend suggests that the university has made strides in ensuring students remain engaged and committed to their studies. However, the recent decline could indicate emerging challenges, possibly linked to shifts in student satisfaction or external factors like economic conditions and job market dynamics.

Graduation rates present another critical indicator. The on-time graduation rate has experienced ups and downs, with a notable increase to 38.4% in 2021, before stabilizing around 20% in subsequent years. This inconsistency raises questions about academic support and program effectiveness, as a higher graduation rate is often correlated with student satisfaction and institutional reputation.

Together, these metrics paint a complex picture of student experience at Grace Christian University. While there are positive trends in retention and graduation, the rising tuition costs and recent declines suggest areas needing further attention to ensure students’ success and institutional sustainability.

This collegeRanked colleges nearby

Setting
Small city
Nearest major city
In Grand Rapids
Nearest international airport
Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR), about 9 mi
Wyoming, Michigan
Academic calendar
Semester
Religious affiliation
Other Protestant
President
Kenneth B. Kemper (President)
Phone
6165382330
City
Wyoming, Michigan
Address
1011 Aldon SW, Wyoming, MI 49509

Rankings & Admission

Acceptance rate (%)

Peer median 69.4% · all 403 private baccalaureate colleges in the U.S.

Acceptance rate by gender, 2025

Men
98.5%
Women
100.0%

In 2020: men 100.0%, women 100.0%.

Data insights

Commentary on Admission Trends at Grace Christian University

Grace Christian University has experienced notable fluctuations in its admission statistics over the years, which reflect broader trends in higher education. The acceptance rates for male and female applicants have varied significantly, with male acceptance rates peaking at approximately 100% in 2020 and 2021, while female rates have shown a strong tendency to remain above 60%. This indicates that the university may have shifted its focus towards inclusivity, particularly for female students, in recent years.
The enrollment numbers also demonstrate a significant increase during certain periods, particularly in 2013, when 134 students enrolled. However, the subsequent years indicate a more erratic pattern, with a notable drop in 2019 to just 97 enrolled students, which raises questions about external factors influencing these trends, such as changing demographics or the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The drastic fluctuation in denial numbers, especially with 611 denials in 2019, suggests a more competitive admission landscape that could be affecting prospective students' decisions.
Moreover, the trend towards a higher number of deferred admissions in recent years points to a growing preference for delaying enrollment, possibly due to uncertainties arising from global events. This shift emphasizes the need for institutions to adapt their strategies to ensure they remain attractive to prospective students. Overall, the data from Grace Christian University not only reflect its unique admission dynamics but also serve as a microcosm of challenges faced by many institutions in today’s ever-evolving educational environment.

Test Scores

SAT/ACT not considered, even if submitted IPEDS (US Department of Education) has no recent SAT/ACT data for admitted students here. GPA, course rigor, essays and activities matter more.

Data insights

Trends in Admission Scores at Grace Christian University

The admission data from Grace Christian University over the years reveals a consistent pattern in standardized test scores and submission rates. Notably, the SAT scores for reading have shown a relatively stable range for the students admitted, with the 25th percentile starting from 460 and the 75th percentile reaching up to 560 in recent years. This suggests that the university maintains a threshold that is not significantly changing over time, indicating a stable applicant pool and possibly a consistent academic standard for admissions.

Moreover, the proportion of applicants submitting SAT scores has notably decreased over the years. For instance, in 2008, 24% of admitted students submitted SAT scores, whereas by 2023, this figure has dwindled to a mere 6%. This decline could reflect a broader trend in higher education where more institutions are adopting test-optional policies, allowing students to apply without standardized test scores. This shift might be attributed to a growing recognition of the limitations of standardized testing in assessing a student’s potential for success in college.

In the context of national trends, many universities are reconsidering the role of standardized tests in admissions due to concerns about equity and access. The data from Grace Christian University mirrors these larger shifts in higher education, highlighting the evolving landscape of college admissions. Overall, while the academic performance indicators remain relatively stable, the submission rates suggest a significant transition in how prospective students approach the application process.

How Hard Is It to Get In

about 10 in 10

239 applicants in 2025, 99.2% admitted

237 admitted 2 not admitted Yield 44.3%

Degrees & Majors

Graduates in 2025 (first major)

Associate580 international (0.0%)
Bachelor's1143 international (2.6%)
Master's280 international (0.0%)
Top 10 Bachelor's majors by graduates
Lay Ministry
28
Psychology, General
26
Human Services, General
17
Business Administration and Management, General
17
Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General
9
Communication, General
6
Christian Studies
3
Bible/Biblical Studies
3
Criminal Justice and Corrections, General
3
Religious Education
1

U.S. studentsInternational

Popular graduate programs

  • Bible/Biblical Studies · Master's13 (0% international)
  • Organizational Leadership · Master's8 (0% international)
  • Higher Education/Higher Education Administration · Master's5 (0% international)
  • Business Administration and Management, General · Master's2 (0% international)

Data insights

Analysis of Graduation Data from Grace Christian University

The graduation data from Grace Christian University reveals some interesting trends across various academic disciplines. Notably, the Bachelor’s degree programs in Lay Ministry and Psychology show significant numbers of graduates, with 34 and 24 students respectively. This indicates a strong interest in these fields, which may reflect a growing demand for professionals in ministry and mental health sectors.

The data also highlights the absence of international students in Bachelor’s and Master’s degree programs across most disciplines. This might suggest potential barriers for international enrollment, such as visa issues or a lack of marketing for international outreach. The only notable international presence is in Religious Education, where one international student graduated with a Bachelor’s degree. This limited diversity in the student body could impact the global perspective within the university's programs.

Furthermore, the Master’s program in Organizational Leadership has 16 graduates, which demonstrates a robust interest in leadership roles within various sectors. The lack of graduates in other Master’s programs such as Human Services and Criminal Justice indicates a potential gap in these areas, possibly pointing to a need for universities to enhance their curriculum or support systems to attract more students.

Lastly, the data reveals a small number of Associate degree graduates, with only a few programs reporting graduates. This could reflect a trend where students prefer pursuing Bachelor’s degrees directly, thereby impacting enrollment in Associate programs. Overall, the data suggests a need for strategic initiatives to bolster international recruitment and diversify program offerings to attract a wider range of students.

All majors, graduates and earnings IPEDS · College Scorecard

*Depends on whether majors have graduates in 2025 or not, Yes / No
**Move mouse on can check deitaled graudates number, click for major detailed information
***Due to privacy policy, graduate salaries are not shown for some majors that has few gradautes

Theology has 68 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnderMaster
Bible/Biblical Studies.-
Religious Education.-
Lay Ministry.$37,323-$45,616
Businesshas 29 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnderMaster
Business Administration and Management, General.-
Organizational Leadership.-
Psychology has 26 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnderMaster
Psychology, General.-
Liberal arts has 25 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnderMaster
General Studies.-
Public administrationhas 17 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnderMaster
Human Services, General.$44,345
Multi/inerdisciplinary studies has 9 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnderMaster
Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General.-
Social sciencehas 8 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnderMaster
Social Sciences, General.-
Communication has 6 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnderMaster
Communication, General.-
Educationhas 5 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnderMaster
Higher Education/Higher Education Administration.-
Philosophy has 3 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnderMaster
Christian Studies.-
Homeland security has 3 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnderMaster
Criminal Justice and Corrections, General.-
Visual and Performing artshas 1 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnderMaster
Music, General.-

Students

1,017 students in 2025 · Undergraduate men to women 44:56 · Freshman retention 65.2%

Undergraduate race and ethnicity (928)

White
532 · 57.3%
Black
178 · 19.2%
Hispanic
91 · 9.8%
Unknown
54 · 5.8%
Two or more races
31 · 3.3%
Asian
17 · 1.8%
International
7 · 0.8%

Data insights

Analysis of Student Demographics at Grace Christian University in 2023

The student body composition at Grace Christian University in 2023 reveals notable trends in both gender distribution and ethnic diversity among various categories of students.

Among the undergraduate freshmen, there is a relatively balanced gender ratio, with males representing 52.7% and females 47.3%. This suggests a healthy gender mix, which is vital for creating a diverse academic environment. However, as we look at the upperclassmen, the gender disparity becomes more pronounced, with females comprising a significant 60% of the undergraduate juniors, while males account for only 40%. This trend continues among transfer students, where the female ratio increases to 64.1%. Such a shift may indicate that more females are persisting in their studies or transferring from other institutions, reflecting broader trends in higher education where female enrollment often surpasses that of males.

In terms of ethnic diversity, the representation of different racial groups is critical. While specific data for the majority of categories is not provided, the overall figures suggest a predominance of white students within the demographics. This is essential for the university to analyze, as fostering an inclusive environment for students from various backgrounds can enhance the educational experience and promote cultural competency among graduates.

Overall, Grace Christian University seems to be on a path toward gender equity in its incoming classes, but it should also aim to strengthen its commitment to diversity and inclusion across all student demographics to ensure a well-rounded education for all its students.

Analysis of Student Age Composition at Grace Christian University

The age distribution of students at Grace Christian University reveals intriguing trends regarding the demographics of its student body. The data indicates a significant presence of younger students, particularly those under 18, who comprise a substantial number of both male and female undergraduates. This age group has the highest enrollment, with 58 male and 87 female students, suggesting that the university attracts a considerable number of traditional-aged students right after high school.

As we move into the 18-19 age bracket, we see a slight decline in female students, although the overall male enrollment remains steady. This pattern continues into the 20-21 category, where the number of male undergraduates decreases further, conversely, the female population remains strong. Interestingly, the 22-24 age group shows a small increase in graduate students, indicating that more students are opting to continue their education immediately after completing their undergraduate studies.

The data also highlights a notable trend among older students, particularly in the 40-49 age group, where there is a significant number of both male and female students. This could reflect a growing trend of adult learners returning to education, possibly motivated by changing career landscapes and the need for continued professional development.

Moreover, the number of students aged 50 and above remains relatively low, but it is noteworthy that the female population in this category outnumbers the males. This could suggest a growing recognition of the importance of lifelong learning and the increasing participation of women in higher education later in life.

Overall, the age distribution at Grace Christian University illustrates a dynamic and diverse student body, with a healthy representation of both younger and returning adult learners, which aligns well with the broader trends seen in higher education today.

International Students

International share over the last 10 years · gray line: median of all 403 private baccalaureate colleges in the U.S.

Undergraduates0.8%

7 in 2025 · 0.4% in 2016

0% 5% 10% 2016: 0.4%2017: 0.4%2018: 0.2%2019: 0.3%2020: 0.0%2021: 0.0%2022: 0.2%2023: 0.1%2024: 0.2%2025: 0.8%
2016Peer median 3.6%2025
Graduate students0.0%

0 in 2025 · 0.0% in 2017

0% 5% 10% 2017: 0.0%2018: 0.0%2019: 0.0%2020: 0.0%2021: 0.0%2022: 0.0%2023: 0.0%2024: 0.0%2025: 0.0%
2017Peer median 1.0%2025

Data insights

Trends in International Student Enrollment at Grace Christian University

The data on international student enrollment at Grace Christian University reveals a concerning trend over the years, particularly in the undergraduate segment. Starting with just 4 international students in 2004, the numbers fluctuated but remained relatively low. The peak in undergraduate enrollment occurred in 2017 with only 4 students, yielding a mere 0.4% representation of the total undergraduate population. This indicates that despite an increase in total undergraduate numbers, the proportion of international students has not significantly improved.

Moreover, the data shows that the total number of international students in the undergraduate program dipped to just 1 by 2023, resulting in a striking decrease to 0.1% of the total undergraduate enrollment. Such a decline raises questions about the university's appeal to international applicants and its recruitment strategies.

The graduate program, while showing some presence of international students, lacks consistent data over the years, with 12 international students recorded in 2017 and an increase to 62 by 2023. However, without an overall context for graduate enrollments, it is hard to assess the success of recruitment efforts fully.

This situation reflects a broader trend within U.S. higher education institutions, where competition for international students has intensified. As global mobility continues to evolve, universities need to reassess their strategies to attract and retain international talent, emphasizing diversity and inclusion to enhance their educational environment and global standing.

Cost

2025 cost per year

$27,490

Undergraduate tuition
$17,190
Room and board
$10,300
Graduate tuition
$11,610
Tuition and room and board over time

Peer median tuition + room and board $46,780 · all 403 private baccalaureate colleges in the U.S.

Tuition rose 40% from 2016 to 2025; room and board rose 39%.

Finances · fiscal year 2024

Revenue$11.6M

Tuition and fees
$5.5M47.7%
Government grants and contracts
$3.3M28.7%
Gifts and private grants
$1.5M13.3%
Auxiliary enterprises
$774K6.7%
Investment return
$233K2.0%
Sales and services of educational activities
$35K0.3%
Other
$143K1.2%

Expenses$12.1M

Instruction
$4.2M35.1%
Student services
$4.2M34.4%
Institutional support
$2.9M23.6%
Academic support
$831K6.9%

Average faculty salary · 2025 (9-month equivalent)

Dark gray ticks: median pay for the same rank at all 403 private baccalaureate colleges in the U.S.

All faculty
$50,820peers $65,931
Professor
$61,173peers $77,501
Associate professor
$56,318peers $68,234
Assistant professor
$41,853peers $61,725

Campus Life

Athletics and varsity athletes NCCAA
2025
NCCAA Division II MENWOMEN
Soccer2415
Baseball36-
Basketball278
Track and Field and Cross Country (combined)1812
Softball-12
Tennis-9
Volleyball-9
Golf3-
Other Sports--
2024
NCCAA Division IIMENWOMEN
Baseball42-
Basketball2711
Soccer28-
Track and Field and Cross Country (combined)109
Softball-13
Volleyball-9
Tennis-6
Golf3-
2023
NCCAA Division IIMENWOMEN
Soccer2716
Track and Field and Cross Country (combined)2416
Basketball2811
Baseball23-
Volleyball-14
Tennis47
Golf8-

Nearby & Safety

Ranked colleges nearby

Data insights

Here are some notable schools near Grace Christian University:

  1. University of Notre Dame - Ranked 20th in the 2024 US News rankings, this prestigious institution is known for its strong academic programs and vibrant campus life.

  2. University of Michigan-Ann Arbor - With a ranking of 21, it is one of the leading research universities in the country, offering a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs.

  3. Michigan State University - Ranked 60th, this major public university is recognized for its research initiatives and diverse academic offerings.

  4. Northwestern University - This esteemed institution ranks 9th and is renowned for its rigorous academic standards and distinguished faculty.

  5. University of Chicago - Holding the 12th rank, it is famous for its academic excellence and a strong emphasis on research and critical thinking.

  6. Kalamazoo College - A top liberal arts college ranked 70th, it is known for its commitment to experiential education and small class sizes.

  7. Hillsdale College - Ranked 39th, this liberal arts college emphasizes a classical education and a strong foundation in Western heritage.

These institutions contribute to a rich educational landscape in the area, each offering unique programs and experiences for students.

Campus safety · incidents per 1,000 students

Peer median 8.9 · all 403 private baccalaureate colleges in the U.S.

Incidents, 2023–2025

Motor vehicle theft
2

From the Clery Act campus safety reports schools file, covering on-campus, non-campus and public property.

Data insights

Analysis of Crime Data at Grace Christian University

The crime data from Grace Christian University over the past decade reveals a significant decline in recorded incidents. In 2013, the university reported a total of one incident, resulting in a crime rate of 2.33 per 1,000 students. This rate decreased over the following years, with 2014 showing a slightly lower rate of 1.73. Notably, from 2015 onwards, the university has not recorded any crimes or violations on campus, achieving a remarkable crime rate of 0.00 per 1,000 students.

This consistent reduction in crime may reflect effective measures taken by the university to enhance campus safety and security. Initiatives such as increased surveillance, improved lighting, and educational programs about personal safety could contribute to this positive trend. Moreover, the absence of serious crimes, including offenses like drug-related arrests, alcohol-related arrests, and domestic violence, indicates a healthy campus environment that fosters student well-being.

In the broader context, this data aligns with national trends in crime reduction on college campuses, where many institutions are experiencing similar decreases in reported incidents. However, it is essential to remain vigilant and proactive in maintaining campus safety, as trends can change. Continuous evaluation of safety strategies and community engagement are vital to ensure that the university remains a safe haven for its students.

For more information on how crime rates are calculated, you can visit this link: Crime Rate Calculation.

References and Data Sources

Data from IPEDS (U.S. Department of Education), U.S. News, THE, QS, ARWU and Clery Act campus safety reports. Data insights are written by the Forward Pathway data team from public data.