GVSU vs. Bethany College

Comparable Facts

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

Grand Valley State University is larger than Bethany College based on total student enrollment (22,011 students vs. 640 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Grand Valley State University is located in Allendale, MI (Large Suburban setting); Bethany College is in Bethany, WV (Rural Fringe setting).
• Grand Valley State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Bethany College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Grand Valley State University 15:1; Bethany College 12:1.

GVSU vs. Bethany College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, GVSU or Bethany College? 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 Bethany College ($17,198 vs. $19,035).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Grand Valley State University are 12.6% lower than at Bethany College ($11,550 vs. $13,210).
• Bethany College is 142.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than GVSU (about $21,625 more per year; $36,765.00 vs. $15,140.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 70.6% higher at Bethany College than at Grand Valley State University (about $15,217 more per year; $36,765.00 vs. $21,548.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Bethany College than at Grand Valley State University (100% vs. 90%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bethany College students is 182.9% larger than aid received by Grand Valley State University students ($31,646 vs. $11,188).

GVSU vs. Bethany College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, GVSU or Bethany College? 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 Bethany College and GVSU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Grand Valley State University (1070) is 80 points higher than at Bethany College (990).
• Incoming GVSU students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (26 vs. 22 at Bethany College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Grand Valley State University 940/1190; Bethany College 870/1110.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Grand Valley State University 22/30; Bethany College 18/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: GVSU - Test optional; Bethany College - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: GVSU May 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman GVSU students have a 0.8 point higher average high school GPA (3.65) than students at Bethany College (2.85).
• GVSU has a higher acceptance rate (83%) than Bethany College (58.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.6% at GVSU vs. 27.3% at Bethany College.

GVSU vs. Bethany College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for GVSU and Bethany College? 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 Bethany College's (48%).
• Graduates from Grand Valley State University earn a median of about $600 more per year than Bethany College graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,600 vs. $44,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Grand Valley State University graduates have a $5,884 lower median loan debt than Bethany College graduates ($25,000 vs. $30,884).
• Among borrowers, GVSU graduates have an estimated $61 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Bethany College graduates ($258 vs. $319).
• More GVSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Bethany College students, three years after graduation. (62% vs. 56%)

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.