GVSU vs. Bluffton University

Comparable Facts

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

Grand Valley State University is larger than Bluffton University based on total student enrollment (22,011 students vs. 646 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Grand Valley State University is located in Allendale, MI (Large Suburban setting); Bluffton University is in Bluffton, OH (Distant Town setting).
• Grand Valley State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Bluffton University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Grand Valley State University 15:1; Bluffton University 11:1.

GVSU vs. Bluffton University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, GVSU or Bluffton University? 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 Bluffton University ($17,198 vs. $20,429).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Grand Valley State University are 5.5% lower than at Bluffton University ($11,550 vs. $12,220).
• Bluffton University is 146.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than GVSU (about $22,222 more per year; $37,362.00 vs. $15,140.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 73.4% higher at Bluffton University than at Grand Valley State University (about $15,814 more per year; $37,362.00 vs. $21,548.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Bluffton University than at Grand Valley State University (100% vs. 90%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bluffton University students is 181.4% larger than aid received by Grand Valley State University students ($31,481 vs. $11,188).

GVSU vs. Bluffton University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, GVSU or Bluffton University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (midpoint estimates from the mid-50% ranges in the table above), enrolled-tester score ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Bluffton University and GVSU.

• The typical SAT score (midpoint estimate) at Grand Valley State University (1070) is 70 points higher than at Bluffton University (1000).
• Incoming GVSU students have a 7 point higher typical ACT composite (midpoint estimate) (26 vs. 19 at Bluffton University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Grand Valley State University 940/1190; Bluffton University 860/1130.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Grand Valley State University 22/30; Bluffton University 16/22.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: GVSU - Test optional; Bluffton University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: GVSU May 1, 2027.
• Enrolled freshman GVSU students have a 0.39 point higher average high school GPA (3.65) than students at Bluffton University (3.26).
• GVSU has a higher acceptance rate (83%) than Bluffton University (67.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.6% at GVSU vs. 9% at Bluffton University.

GVSU vs. Bluffton University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for GVSU and Bluffton University? Where federal data is available for both schools, the bullets below compare graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt using the same College Scorecard / IPEDS fields as the comparison table. If a metric is missing for one school, that school is noted separately.

• Grand Valley State University's six-year graduation rate (63%) is higher than Bluffton University's (59%).
• Graduates from Grand Valley State University earn a median of about $4,000 more per year than Bluffton University graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,600 vs. $40,600), 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 Bluffton University graduates ($25,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, GVSU graduates have an estimated $21 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Bluffton University graduates ($258 vs. $279).
• More Bluffton University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former GVSU students, three years after graduation. (67% 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.