FAU vs. GVSU

Comparable Facts

Compare Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton, FL with Grand Valley State University in Allendale, MI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Florida Atlantic University is larger than GVSU based on total student enrollment (31,607 students vs. 22,011 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Florida Atlantic University is located in Boca Raton, FL (Small City setting); Grand Valley State University is in Allendale, MI (Large Suburban setting).
• Florida Atlantic University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Grand Valley State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Florida Atlantic University 24:1; Grand Valley State University 15:1.

FAU vs. GVSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, FAU 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 Florida Atlantic University than GVSU ($10,225 vs. $17,198).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Grand Valley State University are 27.2% lower than at Florida Atlantic University ($11,550 vs. $15,860).
• Grand Valley State University is 210.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than FAU (about $10,261 more per year; $15,140.00 vs. $4,879.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 24.4% higher at GVSU than at Florida Atlantic University (about $4,224 more per year; $21,548.00 vs. $17,324.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Grand Valley State University than at Florida Atlantic University (90% vs. 86%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Grand Valley State University students is 3% larger than aid received by Florida Atlantic University students ($11,188 vs. $10,857).

FAU vs. GVSU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, FAU 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 FAU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Florida Atlantic University (1120) is 50 points higher than at GVSU (1070).
• Incoming GVSU students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (26 vs. 23 at FAU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Florida Atlantic University 1040/1200; Grand Valley State University 940/1190.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Florida Atlantic University 21/26; Grand Valley State University 22/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: FAU - Required; GVSU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: FAU May 1, 2027; GVSU May 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman FAU students have a 0.09 point higher average high school GPA (3.74) than students at GVSU (3.65).
• GVSU has a higher acceptance rate (83%) than FAU (66.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 20.3% at FAU vs. 18.6% at GVSU.

FAU vs. GVSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for FAU 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 Florida Atlantic University's (43%).
• Graduates from Florida Atlantic University earn a median of about $1,600 more per year than GVSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($46,200 vs. $44,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Florida Atlantic University graduates have a $8,139 lower median loan debt than GVSU graduates ($16,861 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, FAU graduates have an estimated $84 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than GVSU graduates ($174 vs. $258).
• More GVSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former FAU students, three years after graduation. (62% vs. 54%)

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.