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Calvary University: Calvary University Campus - Madison Hall
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Christian college

#4 Best Christian colleges under $20,000 a year in America

Calvary University

Kansas City, MO · Private nonprofit · 4-year · Other Protestant

Real cost

Average price after aid $16,334 a year

Median debt at graduation: $20,839 (all students)

Estimate your own price · the college’s net price calculator

Honor Roll badge

Calvary University is an independent, nondenominational Bible university in Kansas City, Missouri, founded in 1932. Its 2026-27 handbook requires students living on campus to attend chapel, and every bachelor's track includes six core Bible and theology courses, including Old and New Testament surveys.

Faith life at a glance

In the college’s own words

  • “At Calvary we strive to keep God’s Word at the center of our lives.”

    Source: calvary.edu

  • “Calvary places a high priority on students being involved in a local church while being trained for service.”

    Source: calvary.edu

  • “The Calvary University distinctive is found in our undergirding every class and every degree program with the Bible and the biblical worldview.”

    Source: calvary.edu

Questions students ask

Do I have to go to chapel?

Chapel attendance is required of students living on campus or enrolled in a course that meets on chapel days, and all students are invited to attend.

Source: calvary.edu
What's a normal week?

Chapel meets Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 11:05 a.m. in the fall and spring semesters, and Haystack, a worship and prayer time, meets Thursday evenings at 7 p.m.

Source: calvary.edu
Where do I find community?

Residence halls hold weekly devotions on each floor, led by the residence life directors.

Source: calvary.edu
Can I serve or go on mission trips?

The Burnham Center for Global Engagement and the Missions and Outreach Student Team help students serve and reach others with the Gospel.

Source: calvary.edu

Rankings

Where this college places on our top lists. Lists are worked out from official data and our faith research; places in the top quarter of each list are shown. See every list

In America

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Academic Excellence

B-Academic Excellence: B- (grade B-): 0 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.
55 of 100
From federal data, on fixed published scales.

Each measure counts for the share shown.

  • Graduation rate 35% of scoreThis measure counts for 35% of the Academic Excellence score.52%
  • First-year retention 20% of scoreThis measure counts for 20% of the Academic Excellence score.55%
  • Entering students' test scores 15% of scoreThis measure counts for 15% of the Academic Excellence score.SAT 1,050 · ACT 20.5
  • Student-to-faculty ratio 15% of scoreThis measure counts for 15% of the Academic Excellence score.7 to 1
  • Instructional spending per student 15% of scoreThis measure counts for 15% of the Academic Excellence score.$8,558

Bars show points on each measure’s scale. How Academic Excellence is computed.

Source: College Scorecard (College Scorecard, most recent cohorts (data release 06/10/2026))

Faith scorecard

Each area’s grade and what we found. Tap an area to see the findings and their sources.

BWorship and chapel: Good (grade B): 70 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.

Worship and chapel

79 of 100 points · 6 of 7 found

  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Chapel services during the weekTwice a week (Chapel most often Monday and Wednesday. The campus life page lists Monday, Wednesday and Friday; the Friday time is left out because the two pages conflict (see gaps).)
    Sources (1)
    1. Chapel | 2026-27 Student Handbookcalvary.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/2026-27-STUDENT-HANDBOOK.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Chapel services are most often held on Mondays and Wednesdays from 11:00AM -11:50AM in the Liberty Chapel.”
      Chapel is most often held Monday and Wednesday, 11:00 to 11:50 AM, in Liberty Chapel.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Chapel attendance expected of studentsRequired, with a set number of services each term (Students may miss three chapels unexcused each term; attendance is required with a set allowance.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Chapel Participation | 2026-27 Student Handbookcalvary.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/2026-27-STUDENT-HANDBOOK.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Chapel attendance is required of all students living on campus or enrolled in any course that meets on chapel days, but all students are invited to attend.”
      Chapel attendance is required of students living on campus and of students in courses that meet on chapel days.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Student worship nights or praise servicesEvery week (Haystack, a weekly time of worship and prayer on Thursday evenings, is listed as a student-run weekly service.)
    Sources (2)
    1. Missions and Outreach Student Team | 2026-27 Student Handbookcalvary.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/2026-27-STUDENT-HANDBOOK.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “The main activities include: "The Haystack," a weekly time of worship and prayer for Calvary's alumni serving as missionaries around the world”
      Haystack is a weekly time of worship and prayer for Calvary's alumni missionaries.
    2. The Burnham Center for Global Engagement | Calvary Universitycalvary.edu/campus-life/missions-programs/burnham-center · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Haystack meets at 7:00pm on Thursday evenings in the Student Lounge.”
      Haystack meets at 7:00 PM on Thursday evenings in the Student Lounge.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Prayer opportunities (prayer rooms, prayer groups, days or weeks of prayer)Weekly (Haystack is a weekly time of prayer; weekly floor devotions are also held.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Missions and Outreach Student Team | 2026-27 Student Handbookcalvary.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/2026-27-STUDENT-HANDBOOK.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “The main activities include: "The Haystack," a weekly time of worship and prayer for Calvary's alumni serving as missionaries around the world”
      Haystack is a weekly time of worship and prayer for Calvary's alumni missionaries.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Campus pastors or chaplains serving studentsNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    A chapel or worship space on campusYes (Liberty Chapel is named for chapel services.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Chapel | 2026-27 Student Handbookcalvary.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/2026-27-STUDENT-HANDBOOK.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Chapel services are most often held on Mondays and Wednesdays from 11:00AM -11:50AM in the Liberty Chapel.”
      Chapel is most often held Monday and Wednesday, 11:00 to 11:50 AM, in Liberty Chapel.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Published weekly schedule of chapel, worship and prayer3 or 4 times a week (3 weekly times documented: 2 chapel, 1 worship night, 0 prayer.)Computed from the verified chapel services, worship nights and prayer times listed on the college's page (each day a time is offered counts once).
ABible and theology: Strong (grade A): 85 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.

Bible and theology

100 of 100 points · 5 of 6 found

  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Bible or theology courses required of all bachelor's students3 or more courses (Six core Bible and theology courses for every bachelor's track on the official bachelor's page (current website, 2026-27); the 2024-26 catalog's Bible & Theology bachelor's block has eight required Bible and theology courses.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Undergraduate Bachelor's Degrees | Calvary Universitycalvary.edu/academics/undergraduate-bachelors-degrees · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “No matter which track you choose, you will take 6 core Bible & Theology courses as part of your degree program.”
      Every bachelor's track requires six core Bible and theology courses.
      “Core Bible Courses for Bachelor’s Degree Programs: Bible Study/Hermeneutics, Old Testament Survey, New Testament Survey, Systematic Theology I, Systematic Theology II, Systematic Theology III.”
      The six core courses include Old Testament Survey and New Testament Survey.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Required courses include study of the Old and New TestamentsRequired of all students (Old Testament Survey and New Testament Survey are core courses for all bachelor's tracks.)
    Sources (2)
    1. Undergraduate Bachelor's Degrees | Calvary Universitycalvary.edu/academics/undergraduate-bachelors-degrees · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Core Bible Courses for Bachelor’s Degree Programs: Bible Study/Hermeneutics, Old Testament Survey, New Testament Survey, Systematic Theology I, Systematic Theology II, Systematic Theology III.”
      The six core courses include Old Testament Survey and New Testament Survey.
    2. Bible & Theology (B.S.) | University Catalog 2024-2026calvary.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/University-Catalog-2024-2026.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “BI120 Old Testament Survey 3 BI130 New Testament Survey 3”
      The Bible & Theology bachelor's degree requires Old Testament and New Testament Surveys.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Christian worldview or faith-and-learning courses requiredNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Faith integrated across the curriculum (stated in academic or faculty policy)Yes (The official statement says every class and degree program is undergirded by the Bible and the biblical worldview.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Mission, Values, and Beliefs | Calvary Universitycalvary.edu/about/mission-beliefs · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “The Calvary University distinctive is found in our undergirding every class and every degree program with the Bible and the biblical worldview.”
      Every class and degree program is undergirded by the Bible and the biblical worldview.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Bible, theology or ministry major offeredYes (A Bible & Theology major is offered (B.S., 2024-26 catalog; majors offered on the current page).)
    Sources (1)
    1. Undergraduate Bachelor's Degrees | Calvary Universitycalvary.edu/academics/undergraduate-bachelors-degrees · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “No matter which track you choose, you will take 6 core Bible & Theology courses as part of your degree program.”
      Every bachelor's track requires six core Bible and theology courses.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    A published statement of faithYes
    Sources (1)
    1. Mission, Values, and Beliefs | Calvary Universitycalvary.edu/about/mission-beliefs · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “We believe the Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments to be the verbally and plenarily inspired Word of God”
      The university publishes a statement of beliefs beginning with the inspired Word of God.
BChristian community: Good (grade B): 70 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.

Christian community

84 of 100 points · 6 of 7 found

  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Spiritual life staff (pastors, ministers and professional staff)1 to 2 (Two named ministry leaders on the staff page: the Director of Practical Christian Ministries and the Burnham Center director.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Faculty & Staff | Calvary Universitycalvary.edu/about/leadership/faculty-staff · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Carrie Paxton Director of Practical Christian Ministries”
      Carrie Paxton is listed as Director of Practical Christian Ministries.
      “Director of the Burnham Center for Global Engagement”
      Dr. Joshua Paxton is listed as Department Chair of Ministry Studies and Director of the Burnham Center.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Retreats or spiritual emphasis weeks each yearSeveral (Spiritual Emphasis Week, the January Conference on Global Engagement and the Day of Prayer are each held yearly.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Spiritual Emphasis Week; Day of Prayer | 2026-27 Student Handbookcalvary.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/2026-27-STUDENT-HANDBOOK.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “A special week is set aside for Spiritual Emphasis Week near the beginning of the fall semester.”
      Spiritual Emphasis Week is held each fall.
      “The Conference on Global Engagement is a week set aside in January for missionaries to come and take part in the students’ everyday lives.”
      A week in January brings missionaries to take part in student life.
      “The Day of Prayer is a special time where students may get into small groups and pray with each other along with faculty and staff.”
      The Day of Prayer is a special day where students pray in small groups.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Bible studies, small groups and Christian student organizationsMany (Weekly floor devotions, the Apologia Club, the Missions and Outreach Student Team and Haystack are listed.)
    Sources (2)
    1. Student Clubs & Organizations | Calvary Universitycalvary.edu/campus-life/clubs · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “At Calvary we strive to keep God’s Word at the center of our lives. One way Student Development encourages that is by having weekly devotions led by the hall RDLs (Student Residence Life Directors).”
      Weekly devotions are led by the hall residence life directors.
      “The Apologia Club at Calvary University is dedicated to equipping students with the skills to thoughtfully and effectively defend the Christian faith.”
      The Apologia Club is a student group focused on defending the Christian faith.
    2. Missions and Outreach Student Team | 2026-27 Student Handbookcalvary.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/2026-27-STUDENT-HANDBOOK.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “The Missions and Outreach Student Team is a volunteer-based student organization comprised of students from many degree programs who share a passion for missions and reaching the lost.”
      The Missions and Outreach Student Team is a volunteer student organization for missions.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Faculty affirm the college's statement of faithNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Faith life in residence halls (hall Bible studies, resident ministry leaders)In every hall (Weekly devotional meetings are organized for each floor of the residence hall, led by the hall residence life directors; only one residence hall's floors are described.)
    Sources (2)
    1. Residence Hall Devotional Time | 2026-27 Student Handbookcalvary.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/2026-27-STUDENT-HANDBOOK.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “weekly devotional meetings are organized for each floor in the Residence Hall. These meetings are held every Monday night.”
      Weekly devotional meetings are organized for each floor, held Monday nights.
    2. Student Clubs & Organizations | Calvary Universitycalvary.edu/campus-life/clubs · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “At Calvary we strive to keep God’s Word at the center of our lives. One way Student Development encourages that is by having weekly devotions led by the hall RDLs (Student Residence Life Directors).”
      Weekly devotions are led by the hall residence life directors.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Help finding a local church (church fairs, rides, partner churches)Yes (A Church Search semester helps new students find a church home.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Practical Christian Ministries | Calvary Universitycalvary.edu/campus-life/missions-programs/practical-christian-ministries · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Every freshman and new student is given one semester of ministry as a “Church Search” to find a church home where they can attend and become involved during their time at Calvary.”
      Every new student has a semester of ministry as a Church Search to find a church home.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Office or senior leader for spiritual life or Christian missionYes (The Burnham Center for Global Engagement is a mission office with a director.)
    Sources (1)
    1. The Burnham Center for Global Engagement | Calvary Universitycalvary.edu/campus-life/missions-programs/burnham-center · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “The mission of the Burnham Center for Global Engagement is to mobilize cross-cultural servants of Christ for reaching all peoples with the Gospel.”
      The Burnham Center's mission is to mobilize cross-cultural servants of Christ.
AMissions and service: Strong (grade A): 85 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.

Missions and service

91 of 100 points · 5 of 6 found

  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Service or outreach officeYes (The Practical Christian Ministries program is an organized program with a director.)
    Sources (2)
    1. Practical Christian Ministries | Calvary Universitycalvary.edu/campus-life/missions-programs/practical-christian-ministries · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “All undergraduate students and graduate students who are in the Master of Arts in Biblical Counseling, Master of Arts in Bible and Theology, and Master of Divinity program are required to be formally involved in the Practical Christian Ministries Program.”
      All undergraduate students are required to be formally involved in the Practical Christian Ministries program.
    2. Faculty & Staff | Calvary Universitycalvary.edu/about/leadership/faculty-staff · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Carrie Paxton Director of Practical Christian Ministries”
      Carrie Paxton is listed as Director of Practical Christian Ministries.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Service hours or service-learning in the curriculumRequired of all students (Undergraduates must be formally involved in a ministry each semester (at least 24 hours per semester per the program page).)
    Sources (1)
    1. Practical Christian Ministries | Calvary Universitycalvary.edu/campus-life/missions-programs/practical-christian-ministries · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “All undergraduate students and graduate students who are in the Master of Arts in Biblical Counseling, Master of Arts in Bible and Theology, and Master of Divinity program are required to be formally involved in the Practical Christian Ministries Program.”
      All undergraduate students are required to be formally involved in the Practical Christian Ministries program.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Missions trips offered to studentsNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Partnerships with local churches and ministries for serviceSome
    Sources (1)
    1. Practical Christian Ministries | Calvary Universitycalvary.edu/campus-life/missions-programs/practical-christian-ministries · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Calvary places a high priority on students being involved in a local church while being trained for service.”
      Calvary places a high priority on students being involved in a local church.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Cross-cultural or global ministry programsMany (The Burnham Center partners with missions agencies, a January missions conference, and a study program in Greece.)
    Sources (2)
    1. Conference on Global Engagement | 2026-27 Student Handbookcalvary.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/2026-27-STUDENT-HANDBOOK.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “The Conference on Global Engagement is a week set aside in January for missionaries to come and take part in the students’ everyday lives.”
      A week in January brings missionaries to take part in student life.
    2. The Burnham Center for Global Engagement | Calvary Universitycalvary.edu/campus-life/missions-programs/burnham-center · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “The Burnham Center seeks to provide opportunities for students to connect with and engage in conversation with missions agencies.”
      The Burnham Center connects students with missions agencies.
      “Through its partnership with Greek Bible College in Athens, Calvary students have the opportunity to study in Greece for up to a year and earn credit towards their degree at Calvary.”
      Students can study abroad in Greece through a partnership.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Service explicitly rooted in the Christian missionYes
    Sources (2)
    1. Mission, Values, and Beliefs | Calvary Universitycalvary.edu/about/mission-beliefs · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Calvary University is an independent, nondenominational institution, providing undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate education which prepares Christians to live and serve in the church and the world according to the biblical worldview.”
      Calvary prepares Christians to live and serve in the church and world according to the biblical worldview.
    2. The Burnham Center for Global Engagement | Calvary Universitycalvary.edu/campus-life/missions-programs/burnham-center · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “The mission of the Burnham Center for Global Engagement is to mobilize cross-cultural servants of Christ for reaching all peoples with the Gospel.”
      The Burnham Center's mission is to mobilize cross-cultural servants of Christ.

Strengths

  • Every bachelor's track requires six core Bible and theology courses, including Old and New Testament surveys.
    Sources (1)
    1. Undergraduate Bachelor's Degrees | Calvary Universitycalvary.edu/academics/undergraduate-bachelors-degrees · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “No matter which track you choose, you will take 6 core Bible & Theology courses as part of your degree program.”
      Every bachelor's track requires six core Bible and theology courses.
      “Core Bible Courses for Bachelor’s Degree Programs: Bible Study/Hermeneutics, Old Testament Survey, New Testament Survey, Systematic Theology I, Systematic Theology II, Systematic Theology III.”
      The six core courses include Old Testament Survey and New Testament Survey.
  • Chapel attendance is required for students living on campus, and a weekly missions-focused worship time is listed.
    Sources (1)
    1. Chapel Participation | 2026-27 Student Handbookcalvary.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/2026-27-STUDENT-HANDBOOK.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Chapel attendance is required of all students living on campus or enrolled in any course that meets on chapel days, but all students are invited to attend.”
      Chapel attendance is required of students living on campus and of students in courses that meet on chapel days.
      “The main activities include: "The Haystack," a weekly time of worship and prayer for Calvary's alumni serving as missionaries around the world”
      Haystack is a weekly time of worship and prayer for Calvary's alumni missionaries.
  • A church search semester and a required ministry program help students connect with a local church.
    Sources (1)
    1. Practical Christian Ministries | Calvary Universitycalvary.edu/campus-life/missions-programs/practical-christian-ministries · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Every freshman and new student is given one semester of ministry as a “Church Search” to find a church home where they can attend and become involved during their time at Calvary.”
      Every new student has a semester of ministry as a Church Search to find a church home.
      “All undergraduate students and graduate students who are in the Master of Arts in Biblical Counseling, Master of Arts in Bible and Theology, and Master of Divinity program are required to be formally involved in the Practical Christian Ministries Program.”
      All undergraduate students are required to be formally involved in the Practical Christian Ministries program.

Concerns

  • Chapel is listed on two or three weekdays, and the two official pages give different chapel times.
    Sources (2)
    1. Campus Life | Calvary Universitycalvary.edu/campus-life · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Chapels are held at 11:05am on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday during the Fall and Spring semesters.”
      The campus life page lists chapel on Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 11:05 AM.
    2. Chapel | 2026-27 Student Handbookcalvary.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/2026-27-STUDENT-HANDBOOK.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Chapel services are most often held on Mondays and Wednesdays from 11:00AM -11:50AM in the Liberty Chapel.”
      Chapel is most often held Monday and Wednesday, 11:00 to 11:50 AM, in Liberty Chapel.
  • Cross-cultural study trips are described as planned for the future rather than a regular trip program.
    Sources (1)
    1. The Burnham Center for Global Engagement | Calvary Universitycalvary.edu/campus-life/missions-programs/burnham-center · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Through its partnership with Greek Bible College in Athens, Calvary students have the opportunity to study in Greece for up to a year and earn credit towards their degree at Calvary.”
      Students can study abroad in Greece through a partnership.

Know something we missed? Suggest a correction.

Grades come from the documented indicators under the published rubric. “Not enough information” does not mean the school lacks it.

Campus ministry home

Practical Christian Ministries and Burnham Center for Global Engagement

  • Address: 15800 Calvary Road, Kansas City, MO 64147
  • Location: On campus
  • Facilities: Liberty Chapel, Student Lounge

View on map ↗

Source: calvary.edu, verified Oct. 20, 2026, calvary.edu, verified Oct. 20, 2026

Campus ministry

Sources (2)
  1. Practical Christian Ministries | Calvary Universitycalvary.edu/campus-life/missions-programs/practical-christian-ministries · verified Oct. 20, 2026
    “All undergraduate students and graduate students who are in the Master of Arts in Biblical Counseling, Master of Arts in Bible and Theology, and Master of Divinity program are required to be formally involved in the Practical Christian Ministries Program.”
    All undergraduate students are required to be formally involved in the Practical Christian Ministries program.
  2. The Burnham Center for Global Engagement | Calvary Universitycalvary.edu/campus-life/missions-programs/burnham-center · verified Oct. 20, 2026
    “The mission of the Burnham Center for Global Engagement is to mobilize cross-cultural servants of Christ for reaching all peoples with the Gospel.”
    The Burnham Center's mission is to mobilize cross-cultural servants of Christ.

Christian clubs and student life

6 groups and regular activities · 5 on campus, 1 off campus

Service 2

  • Practical Christian MinistriesOff campus
    Required ministry involvement for undergraduates in a local church or ministry.
    calvary.edu, calvary.edu
  • Missions and Outreach Student TeamOn campus
    A volunteer student team that promotes missions and runs Haystack and the missions conference.
    calvary.edu

Faith formation 1

  • Residence hall devotionsOn campus
    Mondays
    Weekly floor devotional meetings led by the hall residence life directors.
    calvary.edu, calvary.edu

Clubs and groups 1

  • Apologia ClubOn campus
    Student club for defending the Christian faith.
    calvary.edu

Worship and prayer 1

  • HaystackOn campus
    Thursdays 7:00 PM
    A weekly time of worship and prayer for alumni missionaries, in the Student Lounge.
    calvary.edu, calvary.edu

Other 1

  • Conference on Global EngagementOn campus
    January
    A January week with missionaries taking part in student life.
    calvary.edu

Everything listed is published by the school, its campus ministry, or the church. Ask the campus minister what’s happening this semester.

Chapel, worship and prayer

Confirm with the campus ministry

Chapel 1

  • Monday, Wednesday11:00 AMLiberty Chapel · Most often; during the Fall and Spring semesters (2026-27 handbook).

Worship night 1

  • Thursday7:00 PMStudent Lounge · Haystack worship and prayer.

Times come only from official campus ministry, chaplaincy, or school pages, and can change with the season. Last verified Oct. 20, 2026.

Sources for these times (2)
  1. Chapel | 2026-27 Student Handbookcalvary.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/2026-27-STUDENT-HANDBOOK.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
    “Chapel services are most often held on Mondays and Wednesdays from 11:00AM -11:50AM in the Liberty Chapel.”
    Chapel is most often held Monday and Wednesday, 11:00 to 11:50 AM, in Liberty Chapel.
  2. The Burnham Center for Global Engagement | Calvary Universitycalvary.edu/campus-life/missions-programs/burnham-center · verified Oct. 20, 2026
    “Haystack meets at 7:00pm on Thursday evenings in the Student Lounge.”
    Haystack meets at 7:00 PM on Thursday evenings in the Student Lounge.

Plan a campus visit Chapel and worship times for your dates, questions to ask, and a calendar button.

What families pay, by income

Average yearly price after grants and scholarships, for students who receive federal aid.

Family incomePrice after aid
Up to $30,000$16,764
$30,001–$48,000$15,734
$48,001–$75,000$21,115
$75,001–$110,000$16,666
Over $110,000$13,749

Full cost of attendance before aid: $23,938 a year.

Use the college’s net price calculator for your own estimate.

Cost and value

Federal data, shown separately. Cost, debt, and earnings are never part of any grade.

Undergraduate students
Fall enrollment (IPEDS)
198
Men and women
College Scorecard, fall 2023
Men 45% · Women 55%
First-generation students
College Scorecard
35%
Total students262
Average net price (per year)
After grants and scholarships, for students receiving federal aid
$16,334
Cost of attendance (per year)$23,938
Median federal debt at graduation$20,839
Graduation rate
First-time, full-time students finishing within 150% of normal time
52%
Borrowers paying down their loans within 3 years
College Scorecard, within 3 years
47%
First-year retention55%
Median earnings 10 years after entry$45,421
Admission rate72%
Application fee
IPEDS, 2023–24
No application fee
Typical rent
HUD fair market rent, FY2026
About $1,197 a month for a one-bedroom
Students receiving Pell grants31%
Admitted students’ middle range:SAT 980–1140ACT 17–24
Admission test scores (middle 50% of admitted students who submitted scores)
Average SAT1050
SAT reading & writing500–610
SAT math480–530
ACT composite17–24
Test policyRequired

Value index: 62 / 100 (how it’s computed)

Sources: College Scorecard · IPEDS College Navigator · Net price calculator
College Scorecard, most recent cohorts (data release 06/10/2026); IPEDS 2024-25 directory and institutional characteristics; fall 2023 enrollment.

What students study most

Share of bachelor’s degrees by field, first majors in 2023–24 (IPEDS).

FieldShare of degrees
Theology and religious studies38%
Business36%
Interdisciplinary studies15%
Education5%
Visual and performing arts5%

Campus facts

School colors
SettingCity
Part-time undergraduates31%
Undergraduates aged 25 and older19%
On-campus room and board (per year)$6,492
ROTCArmy
Students per faculty member7 to 1
Faculty who are full-time48%College Scorecard, fall 2023
Endowment per student$2,348IPEDS, 2023, per student
Dorm spaceFor about 97% of studentsBeds per undergraduate; not who lives on campus
Nearest airport with airline serviceKansas City International Airport (MCI)About 33 miles away
Town population510,612Census, 2020–2024
Nearest city of 250,000 people or moreKansas CityAbout 20 miles away
Typical weather30°F in January · 78°F in JulyNOAA, 1991–2020, from Olathe Johnson Co Exec Airport, KS, about 10 miles away

Federal data (IPEDS and College Scorecard), except school colors. None of this changes the faith grades.

Campus safety reports

On-campus crimes reported in 2024, per 1,000 students.

CategoryThis campusU.S. rate
Rape0.000.07
Robbery0.000.01
Aggravated assault0.000.04
Burglary0.000.08
Motor vehicle theft0.000.15

Numbers reflect what each campus reported. They differ with campus size and how reporting is done, so compare with care. U.S. rate: total reported offenses divided by total students at every institution in the report.

Source: Official data: U.S. Department of Education

Christian churches nearby

Map of Calvary University, its Christian center and nearby Christian churches0.25 miPractical Christian Ministries and Burnham Center for Global Engagement: 0.1 miCalvary University (campus)N0.1 mi
CampusChristian centerOpen a street map ›

No Christian churches are mapped in OpenStreetMap within 3 miles. The map may be incomplete; check a local church directory.

Within 3 miles, as mapped by OpenStreetMap contributors. The map may be incomplete. Confirm with the church.

Questions families ask

Is Calvary University a Christian college?
Yes. Calvary University is a Christian college.
What is Calvary University’s Compass Score?
80 out of 100 (grade A). It combines faith (75%) and academics (25%), each rated from official sources.
Where is chapel held at Calvary University?
Chapel is listed at Liberty Chapel. Days and times are on this page; please confirm with the college’s spiritual life office before you go.
Is Calvary University Compass Recommended?
Yes. Calvary University meets the Compass Recommended standard for Christian identity and academics.

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About this school’s data
  • IPEDS unit ID 176789
  • Carnegie classification: Baccalaureate college (diverse fields)
  • Accreditation: Association for Biblical Higher Education, Commission on Accreditation; Higher Learning Commission (U.S. Department of Education DAPIP)
  • Religious affiliation (IPEDS): Other Protestant
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