GVSU vs. Capital University

Comparable Facts

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

Grand Valley State University is larger than Capital University based on total student enrollment (22,011 students vs. 2,263 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Grand Valley State University is located in Allendale, MI (Large Suburban setting); Capital University is in Columbus, OH (Large Suburban setting).
• Grand Valley State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Capital University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Grand Valley State University 15:1; Capital University 9:1.

GVSU vs. Capital University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, GVSU or Capital 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 Capital University ($17,198 vs. $22,395).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Grand Valley State University are 11% lower than at Capital University ($11,550 vs. $12,984).
• Capital University is 185.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than GVSU (about $28,094 more per year; $43,234.00 vs. $15,140.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 100.6% higher at Capital University than at Grand Valley State University (about $21,686 more per year; $43,234.00 vs. $21,548.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Capital University than at Grand Valley State University (99% vs. 90%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Capital University students is 208.1% larger than aid received by Grand Valley State University students ($34,471 vs. $11,188).

GVSU vs. Capital University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, GVSU or Capital University? 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 Capital University and GVSU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Grand Valley State University (1070) is 20 points higher than at Capital University (1050).
• Incoming GVSU students have a 5 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (26 vs. 21 at Capital University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Grand Valley State University 940/1190; Capital University 910/1180.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Grand Valley State University 22/30; Capital University 18/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: GVSU - Test optional; Capital University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: GVSU May 1, 2027; Capital University May 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman GVSU students have a 0.02 point higher average high school GPA (3.65) than students at Capital University (3.63).
• GVSU has a higher acceptance rate (83%) than Capital University (70.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.6% at GVSU vs. 11.8% at Capital University.

GVSU vs. Capital University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for GVSU and Capital University? 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 Capital University's (61%).
• Graduates from Capital University earn a median of about $2,700 more per year than GVSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,300 vs. $44,600), 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 Capital University graduates ($25,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, GVSU graduates have an estimated $21 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Capital University graduates ($258 vs. $279).
• More Capital University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former GVSU students, three years after graduation. (64% 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.