Adrian College vs. GVSU

Comparable Facts

Compare Adrian College in Adrian, MI with Grand Valley State University in Allendale, MI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Grand Valley State University is larger than Adrian College based on total student enrollment (22,011 students vs. 1,765 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Adrian College is located in Adrian, MI (Distant Town setting); Grand Valley State University is in Allendale, MI (Large Suburban setting).
• Adrian College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Grand Valley State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Adrian College 16:1; Grand Valley State University 15:1.

Adrian College vs. GVSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Adrian College or GVSU? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Grand Valley State University than Adrian College ($17,198 vs. $25,922).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Grand Valley State University are 43% lower than at Adrian College ($11,550 vs. $20,260).
• Adrian College is 175.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than GVSU (about $26,544 more per year; $41,684.00 vs. $15,140.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 93.4% higher at Adrian College than at Grand Valley State University (about $20,136 more per year; $41,684.00 vs. $21,548.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Adrian College than at Grand Valley State University (99% vs. 90%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Adrian College students is 167.8% larger than aid received by Grand Valley State University students ($29,966 vs. $11,188).

Adrian College vs. GVSU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Adrian College or GVSU? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between GVSU and Adrian College.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Grand Valley State University (1070) is 60 points higher than at Adrian College (1010).
• Incoming GVSU students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (26 vs. 24 at Adrian College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Adrian College 873/1140; Grand Valley State University 940/1190.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Adrian College 21/27; Grand Valley State University 22/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Adrian College - Test optional; GVSU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Adrian College Aug 1, 2027; GVSU May 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman GVSU students have a 0.45 point higher average high school GPA (3.65) than students at Adrian College (3.2).
• GVSU has a higher acceptance rate (83%) than Adrian College (72.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 26.3% at Adrian College vs. 18.6% at GVSU.

Adrian College vs. GVSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Adrian College and GVSU? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Grand Valley State University's six-year graduation rate (63%) is higher than Adrian College's (49%).
• Graduates from Grand Valley State University earn a median of about $4,700 more per year than Adrian College graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,600 vs. $39,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Grand Valley State University graduates have a $2,000 lower median loan debt than Adrian College graduates ($25,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, GVSU graduates have an estimated $21 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Adrian College graduates ($258 vs. $279).
• More Adrian College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former GVSU students, three years after graduation. (63% vs. 62%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.