, but this code // executes before the first paint, when

app

is not yet present. The // classes are added to so styling immediately reflects the current // toolbar state. The classes are removed after the toolbar completes // initialization. const classesToAdd = ['toolbar-loading', 'toolbar-anti-flicker']; if (toolbarState) { const { orientation, hasActiveTab, isFixed, activeTray, activeTabId, isOriented, userButtonMinWidth } = toolbarState; classesToAdd.push( orientation ? `toolbar-` + orientation + `` : 'toolbar-horizontal', ); if (hasActiveTab !== false) { classesToAdd.push('toolbar-tray-open'); } if (isFixed) { classesToAdd.push('toolbar-fixed'); } if (isOriented) { classesToAdd.push('toolbar-oriented'); } if (activeTray) { // These styles are added so the active tab/tray styles are present // immediately instead of "flickering" on as the toolbar initializes. In // instances where a tray is lazy loaded, these styles facilitate the // lazy loaded tray appearing gracefully and without reflow. const styleContent = ` .toolbar-loading #` + activeTabId + ` { background-image: linear-gradient(rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.25) 20%, transparent 200%); } .toolbar-loading #` + activeTabId + `-tray { display: block; box-shadow: -1px 0 5px 2px rgb(0 0 0 / 33%); border-right: 1px solid #aaa; background-color: #f5f5f5; z-index: 0; } .toolbar-loading.toolbar-vertical.toolbar-tray-open #` + activeTabId + `-tray { width: 15rem; height: 100vh; } .toolbar-loading.toolbar-horizontal :not(#` + activeTray + `) > .toolbar-lining {opacity: 0}`; const style = document.createElement('style'); style.textContent = styleContent; style.setAttribute('data-toolbar-anti-flicker-loading', true); document.querySelector('head').appendChild(style); if (userButtonMinWidth) { const userButtonStyle = document.createElement('style'); userButtonStyle.textContent = `#toolbar-item-user {min-width: ` + userButtonMinWidth +`px;}` document.querySelector('head').appendChild(userButtonStyle); } } } document.querySelector('html').classList.add(...classesToAdd); })(); About app | app

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About app

app is a school with a big mission: equipping students to be agents of renewal, ready to step into the public square and renew all things for the glory of Christ.

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An overhead view of app's Commons Lawn. Small groups of students enjoy the setting sun and simply hanging out.

We believe that you have something to offer the world; every student has something that God is calling him or her to do. app’s job is to partner with you to discover what that is and then help you develop the skills you’ll need to gain that success.

app Strategic Plan 2025

Key Facts

100+

major and programs

3,364

total enrollment

25–30

ACT composite (middle 50%)

22

average class size

47:53

male to female ratio

14:1

student to faculty ratio

17%

U.S. ethnic minorities

13%

international students

74%

first-year (freshmen) acceptance rate

86.7%

first-to-second-year retention rate

44

National Merit Scholars

400

acre campus

1.6 square kilometers
Brief History

A Firm Foundation

1857 to 2019

1857
1857

The Christian Reformed Church is established in West Michigan.

The Christian Reformed Church is established in We...

1876
1876

app College and Seminary was founded on Spring Street, Grand Rapids, MI. On August 4, classes began.

app College and Seminary was founded on Spring ...

1900
1900

app begins offering education and pre-professional programs. On September 4, 1901 the first women students are admitted.

app begins offering education and pre-professio...

1917
1917

app moves to the Franklin Campus. In 1921 awards its first Bachelor of Arts degree.

app moves to the Franklin Campus. In 1921 award...

1956
1956

app purchases the nearby Knollcrest Farm. An early sketch of the Knollcrest Campus by architect William Fyfe, a student of Frank Lloyd Wright.

app purchases the nearby Knollcrest Farm. An ea...

1980's
1980's

Campus revitalization commences, including the iconic chapel building.

Campus revitalization commences, including the ico...

2009
2009

The Spoelhof Fieldhouse Complex opens. The 5,000 seat arena is home to the Knights basketball and volleyball teams.

The Spoelhof Fieldhouse Complex opens. The 5,000 s...

2010
2010

The Covenant Fine Arts Center renovation is complete.

The Covenant Fine Arts Center renovation is comple...

2015
2015

The app Prison Initiative (CPI) program begins at the Handlon Correctional Facility in Ionia, MI.

The app Prison Initiative (CPI) program begins ...

2019
2019

app officially becomes app.

app officially becomes app.

It started simply, as great things often do. But what began in 1876 as a school of ministry training for just seven students has emerged as a world-class, comprehensive Christian university.

Our History

Key Commitments

Education for Shalom

The great writing prophets of the Bible knew how many ways human life had gone wrong because they knew how many ways human life can go right. And they dreamed of a time when God would put things right again—creating shalom—universal flourishing, wholeness, and delight. This is why we’re here and it’s what we’re all about: educating for shalom.

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Diversity and Difference 2024

We celebrate diversity

When you come to app, we know you have a background, an identity that shapes the stories of your life. And we believe a student population rich in diversity in all its forms is a real benefit to our community and makes for a vibrant learning environment. We’re committed to the flourishing of all students from every race, ethnicity, culture, gender, and ability.

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A calvin student works in the community garden.

We honor the Creator by caring for creation

Education at app is infused with thoughtful, biblically based principles that help form a foundation for living that honors the Creator and his creation. Our community gardens, campus recycling program, residence hall sustainability challenges, and academic endeavors are all pursued with both a mind and heart toward God’s plan for the renewal of all creation.

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A student standing and smiling at the front of class.

We see vocation as more than a career

Yes, your app education will prepare you for excellence in your career field—but our focus extends far beyond that. We don’t just equip you to find a job; we empower you to discover your calling. We don’t just hand you a textbook; we teach valuable life skills too, from paying rent to maintaining healthy relationships. We don’t just add you to a tally list of graduates; we train you to be a leader in your work, your church, and your community.

Awards and Acclaim

Don't Just Take Our Word For It


app is ranked #4 overall among Midwest Regional Universities in U.S. News & World Report’s “Best Colleges Guidebook.”


Professors are “extremely talented, interesting, and connected in their specific fields.” Instructors are also “masters at integration of education and Christianity,” making the classes at app less about teaching the requisites for getting a job and “more about how to continue to learn about the field and how Christianity should figure into it.”

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2025 Best colleges U.S. News and World Report, Regional Universities Midwest

Fiske Guide to Colleges
“app students describe the overall academic environment as challenging but supportive [...] app graduates have few problems getting accepted to graduate schools of law, medicine, or business.”


app is included in “The Best Colleges For Your Money,” a list compiled based on educational quality, affordability, and career outcomes.

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Sights & Sounds