Grand Valley State University
About Grand Valley State University
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
Grand Valley State University is a public university in Allendale, Michigan, near Grand Rapids. It offers more than 200 programs in health sciences, engineering, business, and education with a campus along the Grand River.
Founded
1960
Location
Allendale, Michigan
Students
21,863
Institution
Public
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
83%
Open admission
Graduation Rate
67%
Near national average
In-State Tuition
$15,140
Out-of-state: $21,548
Avg Net Price
$16,317
After financial aid
SAT Average
1074
Out of 1600
Median Earnings
$56,118
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Moderate
Most students who apply are accepted
How to Apply
Test Policy
Test Optional
Application Fee
$30
Early
N/A
Deadline
Rolling
Grand Valley State University accepts the majority of applicants at 83%. If you meet the basic requirements, this is an accessible option worth considering.
SAT Scores
1074/ 1600
ACT Scores
24/ 36
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Average
67% complete their degree within six years
Retention
76.3%
4-Year Grad
41%
6-Year Grad
67%
Teaching Quality
15:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
65.6%
$/Student
$10.7K
Class Size
Medium
The 41% graduation rate is below average, but 76.3% of freshmen return for year two. Students are staying, even if completion takes longer than four years.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$15,140
In-State
$21,548
Out-of-State
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$11,550
Books & Supplies
$800
Total Cost of Attendance
$28,367
After Financial Aid
$16,317
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$12,272
Receive Grants
29.2%
Take Loans
50.1%
The total cost of attendance runs about $28,367/yr, including $11,550 for room and board. After financial aid, the average student pays $16,317.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at Grand Valley State University fund their education.
While in School
29.2%
Get Grants
Free money
50.1%
Take Loans
Must repay
$63,788
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$24,500
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$260/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
Students typically graduate with $24,500 in debt, below the national median. That's a manageable amount for most career paths.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends Grand Valley State University.
Gender
60.4%
Female
40%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
18,854
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
3,009
Graduates
27.3%
First-Gen
20 yrs
Avg Age
7.1%
Age 25+
Women make up the majority at 60% of the student body. 27.3% are first-generation college students, so there's a strong community of students who understand that experience.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
Town: Fringe
Campus Quick Facts
18,854
Students
public
Institution
Medium
Campus Size
Doctoral
Classification
What This College Offers
Semester calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
No
Teacher Cert
Yes
ROTC
Yes
Evening College
Yes
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
Yes
Career Counseling
Yes
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
Grand Valley State University fields 12 varsity teams with 943 student athletes, about 5% of the student body.
Division
NCAA
Division II with football
Conference
Great Lakes
The league its teams compete in
Varsity Sports
12
Biggest: Track & Cross Country
Student Athletes
943
5% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
60% / 40%
566
Men
377
Women
8
Men's Teams
10
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
Every Varsity Team
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of Grand Valley State Universityearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$56,118
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Biology, General
$41K
282 grads
1yr Earnings
Psychology, General
$30K
276 grads
1yr Earnings
Marketing
$46K
269 grads
1yr Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
$71K
239 grads
1yr Earnings
Finance and Financial Management Services
$53K
239 grads
1yr Earnings
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness
$30K
235 grads
1yr Earnings
Graduates earn about $48K six years out, growing to $56K by year ten. Above average, though your choice of major will be the biggest factor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Grand Valley State University
What is the acceptance rate at Grand Valley State University?▾
How much does Grand Valley State University cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at Grand Valley State University?▾
How much do Grand Valley State University graduates earn?▾
Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.