Grace Christian University
Grace Christian University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Grace Christian University at a Glance
Grace Christian University, known from 1961 to 2018 as Grace Bible College, is a private Christian university in Grand Rapids, Michigan, United States. It is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and the Association for Biblical Higher Education to award associate, baccalaureate, and graduate degrees. The university is affiliated with the Grace Gospel Fellowship.
1945
81 years old
—
$400,000
900
28
23 acres
Identity
Is Grace Christian University Worth It?
At a value score of 39/100, Grace Christian University is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $41,663 — 23% below average — while paying $12,404/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.2 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 46% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 5 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
With a 99% acceptance rate, admission is essentially open — the question isn't whether you'll get in, but whether the investment will pay off.
With median debt of $24,375 representing 59% of first-year earnings, loan repayment will be a significant burden for most graduates.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at Grace Christian University has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Grace Christian University compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #11 of 87 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Turtle Mountain College | 100 | $3,428 | $32,079 |
| #2 | College of Biblical Studies-Houston | 100 | $672 | $39,260 |
| #3 | Albizu University-San Juan | 73 | $9,732 | $41,544 |
| #4 | Pillar College | 49 | $8,470 | $45,577 |
| #5 | Aquinas College | 48 | $16,626 | $49,584 |
| #6 | University of Fort Lauderdale | 48 | $19,965 | $38,062 |
| #11 | Grace Christian University | 39 | $12,404 | $41,663 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Grace Christian University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 2 in MI.
Best Programs at Grace Christian University
Program-level earnings data isn't available for Grace Christian University. When evaluating whether to attend, research outcomes for your specific major using the Department of Education's College Scorecard or ask the admissions office for placement rates.
As a general rule: STEM, nursing, accounting, and computer science programs tend to deliver the strongest ROI regardless of institution. Humanities and arts programs can still be worthwhile, but require more intentional career planning to achieve financial payoff.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $12,404/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Similar Colleges in MI
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Wyoming, MI
- Student Body
- 716 students
- Admission Rate
- 99%
- Graduation Rate
- 46%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $12,404
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $41,663
- Median Student Debt
- $24,375