Grand Valley State University
Allendale, MI · Public · Bachelor's degrees · Town
Overall Grade
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About Grand Valley State University
Grand Valley State University (GVSU, GV, or Grand Valley) is a public university in Allendale, Michigan, United States. It was established in 1960 as Grand Valley State College. Its main campus is situated on 1,322 acres (5.35 km2) approximately 12 miles (19 km) west of Grand Rapids. The university also features campuses in Grand Rapids and Holland and regional centers in Battle Creek, Detroit, Muskegon, and Traverse City. GVSU enrolled more than 22,000 students as of fall 2025 from 82 of 83 Michigan counties and dozens of other states and foreign countries. It employed nearly 4,000 people, with about 1,800 faculty and 2,000 staff. The university has alumni from 50 U.S. states, Canada, and 25 other countries. GVSU's NCAA Division II sports teams are the Lakers and they compete in the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) in all 20 intercollegiate varsity sports. They have won 31 NCAA Division II National Championships.
Excerpt from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA.
83%
Acceptance
$16,317
Net price
18,854
Enrollment
67%
Grad rate
Report Card
Academics
Graduation & retention rates
Value
Earnings vs. cost of attendance
Career Outcomes
Graduate earnings after 10 years
Affordability
Average net price after aid
Selectivity
How hard it is to get in
Diversity
Racial & ethnic balance of students
Grades are computed from official U.S. Department of Education metrics (graduation, cost, earnings, selectivity and student diversity).
Admissions
83%
Acceptance rate
1,074
SAT average
—
ACT midpoint
Bars show the middle 50% (25th–75th percentile) of admitted students.
Cost & Financial Aid
$16,317
Average net price
$15,140
In-state tuition
$21,548
Out-of-state tuition
$11,550
Room & board
$800
Books & supplies
$28,367
Total cost of attendance
29%
Students receiving Pell grants
50%
Students with federal loans
$24,500
Median student debt
Average net price by family income
Net price is the average annual cost after grants and scholarships for federally-aided students.
Popular Majors
After Graduation
$56,118
Median earnings (10 yrs)
$47,840
Median earnings (6 yrs)
67%
Graduation rate
76%
Retention rate
83%
Earn more than a HS grad
$10,704
Instructional spend / student
Student Body
18,854
Total enrollment
9%
Part-time
20
Avg. age at entry
27%
First-generation
Gender balance
Race & ethnicity
Grand Valley State University FAQ
Is Grand Valley State University a public or private school?
Grand Valley State University is a public institution located in Allendale, MI.
What is the acceptance rate at Grand Valley State University?
Grand Valley State University has an acceptance rate of 83%, based on the latest U.S. Department of Education data.
How much does Grand Valley State University cost?
The average annual net price at Grand Valley State University is $16,317 — the typical cost after grants and scholarships for federally-aided students. Published tuition is $15,140 in-state and $21,548 out-of-state.
What is the graduation rate at Grand Valley State University?
About 67% of students at Grand Valley State University complete their degree, according to federal completion data.
How much do Grand Valley State University graduates earn?
Ten years after enrolling, Grand Valley State University students earn a median of $56,118 per year.
What SAT or ACT scores do you need for Grand Valley State University?
Admitted students at Grand Valley State University have an average SAT score of 1,074. Requirements vary, so check the school's admissions office for the latest.
How many students attend Grand Valley State University?
Grand Valley State University enrolls about 18,854 students.
Campus
Campus photo via Wikimedia Commons — Gpwitteveen · CC BY-SA 3.0. Additional images are representative.
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