Kuyper College
Grand Rapids, Michigan · Private Nonprofit · 69.1% acceptance rate
ROI Score: 25/100 · Poor Value
Kuyper College is a small Reformed Christian institution in Grand Rapids, Michigan, enrolling 145 students and focused on integrating faith with professional preparation. Its overall ROI score of 25 — Poor Value — reflects several compounding challenges: median earnings of $27,000 at six years, a 33.4-year payback period, a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.792, and a 50% completion rate. The estimated four-year cost of $62,576 at net price is substantial for an institution with these earnings outcomes. The sticker tuition of $27,660 drops to an average net price of $15,644 through institutional aid, and lower-income students in certain bands pay closer to $10,765 — the most accessible pricing tier. Pell Grant recipients represent 43% of the student body, consistent with Kuyper's commitment to serving students with limited means. The repayment rate of 78% at three years is one of the few positive data points, suggesting graduates who do borrow generally manage their obligations. The single program with Scorecard earnings data is Social Work, with four-year median earnings of $35,472 — modest but reflective of the mission-driven career paths Kuyper serves. For students specifically called to Reformed Christian ministry, social services, or related vocations, Kuyper's community and theological formation may justify the financial risk. The data make clear, however, that prospective students must minimize borrowing and enter with a concrete vocational plan.
The data raises concerns about Kuyper College
These metrics fall below the thresholds most financial advisors recommend for a sound college investment. Review them carefully before committing.
- ROI Score25/100 - Poor Value tier (below 45). Most 4-year schools we track score 60 or higher.
- Payback period33.4 years - Most 4-year schools we track have payback periods of 4-10 years.
Kuyper College
Quick Numbers
| In-state tuition + fees | $27,660/yr |
| Out-of-state tuition + fees | $27,660/yr |
| Average net price | $15,644/yr |
| Total 4-year cost (net) | $62,576 |
| Median earnings (10yr post-entry) | $41,066 |
| Median earnings (6yr post-entry) | $27,000 |
| Median debt at graduation | $21,389 |
| Estimated monthly loan payment | $227 |
| Estimated payback period | 33.4 years |
| 6-year graduation rate | 50.0% |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 145 |
Data as of 2024-2025. Source: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education).
The Full Financial Picture
The sticker price at Kuyper College is $27,660/year. But sticker price isn't what most students pay. After grants, scholarships, and financial aid, the average student pays a net price of $15,644/year, or roughly $62,576 over four years.
That net price varies significantly by family income. The lowest-income families (under $30,000/year) pay an average of $14,024/year, while families earning over $110,000 pay $21,321/year.
The median graduate leaves with $21,389 in federal loan debt, translating to an estimated monthly payment of $227 on a standard 10-year repayment plan. Against median earnings of $41,066 ten years out, the debt-to-earnings ratio is 0.79 - within the recommended range but worth monitoring.
Net Price by Family Income
What families actually pay after grants and scholarships, by income bracket.
| Family Income | Avg Net Price/Year |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $14,024 |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $10,765 |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $13,865 |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $24,243 |
| $110,001+ | $21,321 |
Cost by Income Bracket Explained
Lower-income families (under $30K)
Students from families earning under $30,000 pay approximately $14,024 annually — roughly $56,000 over four years. Against six-year earnings of $27,000, the standard financial return is negative until well into the payback period. Pell Grants are critical for making Kuyper accessible, and students should model debt scenarios carefully to avoid borrowing beyond what mission-aligned wages can sustain.
Middle-income families ($30K-$110K)
Middle-income students in the $30,000–$48,000 band qualify for the lowest net price band at $10,765 — an unusual circumstance where this middle band pays less than the lowest band. At that price, the investment is more manageable. However, at $13,865–$24,243 for higher middle-income bands, the math becomes more challenging given the $27,000 median earnings at six years.
Higher-income families ($110K+)
Higher-income families paying near $21,321 annually are effectively subsidizing the institution without the same needs-based grant support. The 33.4-year payback period means the investment is premised on non-financial returns — vocational calling, community formation, and theological preparation — rather than economic return.
Earnings by Major
Top 1 most popular majors at Kuyper College with available earnings data.
| Major | Median Earnings | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Social Work | $35,472 | - |
Earnings reflect median 4-year post-completion (or 1-year where 4-year unavailable). Grades based on debt-to-earnings ratio.
Program Analysis
Why these programs deliver their earnings outcomes.
Social Work
The only program with Scorecard earnings data shows four-year median earnings of $35,472. The cohort of 6 graduates is very small, limiting statistical precision. Social work wages reflect the structural constraints of public and nonprofit service sectors. Students in this program who pursue an MSW — which many social work roles require for licensure — may see improved earnings over time, but the undergraduate investment should be kept as low as possible.
How Graduates Do
Earnings
Loan Repayment
| Metric | This School | Nat'l Avg |
|---|---|---|
| 1-year repayment | 74.6% | 52.0% |
| 3-year repayment | 78.2% | 62.0% |
| 5-year repayment | 68.8% | 68.0% |
| 7-year repayment | 77.8% | 72.0% |
Completion Rate
Admissions Snapshot
| Acceptance rate | 69.1% |
| Enrollment | 145 |
| Pell Grant recipients | 43.1% |
| Avg faculty salary (monthly) | $5,553 |
Kuyper admits 69% of applicants and does not publish standardized test score ranges, consistent with a personalized admissions process. Applicants will typically demonstrate Christian faith commitment and alignment with the college's Reformed theological tradition. The small enrollment means cohort-level relationships with faculty begin at admission.
Compared to Similar Schools
Peer institutions matched by type, size, and selectivity.
Kuyper's peer context includes small faith-focused colleges like Adrian and Albion in Michigan. Its ROI profile is among the weakest in this comparison set, largely because its ministry-and-social-work orientation constrains post-graduation earnings. Compared to institutions like Calvin University — a much larger Reformed school in Grand Rapids with broader program offerings and stronger earnings outcomes — Kuyper offers a more intensive but financially riskier faith formation experience.
| School | ROI | Net Price | 10yr Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kuyper College (this school) | 25 | $15,644 | $41,066 |
| Albion College | 65 | $14,301 | $58,799 |
| Adrian College | 39 | $25,368 | $55,504 |
| Universidad Pentecostal Mizpa | 27 | $6,440 | $21,410 |
| Humphreys University-Stockton and Modesto Campuses | 25 | $5,524 | $39,248 |
| Caribbean University-Vega Baja | 20 | $5,235 | $22,842 |
Who Thrives Here
Kuyper College fits students committed to Reformed Christian faith integration who are drawn to careers in ministry, social work, education, or community service. The tiny campus of 145 students creates an unusually close-knit formation environment. Prospective students should understand that the financial case is difficult without significant grant aid and a clear mission-aligned career path. Students primarily motivated by career earnings will find the data compelling grounds to explore other options.
The Verdict: The Numbers Don't Add Up
The financial data raises serious concerns about Kuyper College. With a net cost of $15,644 per year and median graduate earnings of only $41,066 ten years out, the estimated payback period exceeds 33.4 years. For most students, the financial return does not justify the cost.
Areas of concern include weak earnings relative to cost and a 50.0% graduation rate and high debt relative to what graduates earn and a long payback period.
Median debt of $21,389 against $41,066 in earnings is reasonable, though major choice matters significantly. Students in higher-earning programs will see better returns.
NewsletterCollege decisions are better with data.
New analyses, updated school profiles, and tools - when there’s something worth acting on.
Rankings & Links
Guides & Tools
Data: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education)
Vintage: 2024-2025 · Last updated: 2026-03-25
Earnings reflect median outcomes for all federal financial aid recipients. Individual results vary by major, effort, and career path.