GVSU vs. Carthage

Comparable Facts

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

Grand Valley State University is larger than Carthage based on total student enrollment (22,011 students vs. 2,844 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Grand Valley State University is located in Allendale, MI (Large Suburban setting); Carthage College is in Kenosha, WI (Midsize Suburban setting).
• Grand Valley State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Carthage College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Grand Valley State University 15:1; Carthage College 14:1.

GVSU vs. Carthage Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, GVSU or Carthage? 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 Carthage ($17,198 vs. $27,066).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Grand Valley State University are 14.1% lower than at Carthage College ($11,550 vs. $13,450).
• Carthage College is 155.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than GVSU (about $23,610 more per year; $38,750.00 vs. $15,140.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 79.8% higher at Carthage than at Grand Valley State University (about $17,202 more per year; $38,750.00 vs. $21,548.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Carthage College than at Grand Valley State University (100% vs. 90%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Carthage College students is 112.6% larger than aid received by Grand Valley State University students ($23,784 vs. $11,188).

GVSU vs. Carthage Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Carthage College (1100) is 30 points higher than at GVSU (1070).
• Incoming GVSU students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (26 vs. 22 at Carthage).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Grand Valley State University 940/1190; Carthage College 1000/1205.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Grand Valley State University 22/30; Carthage College 19/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: GVSU - Test optional; Carthage - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: GVSU May 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman GVSU students have a 0.29 point higher average high school GPA (3.65) than students at Carthage (3.36).
• Carthage has a higher acceptance rate (87.1%) than GVSU (83%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.6% at GVSU vs. 11.3% at Carthage.

GVSU vs. Carthage Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for GVSU and Carthage? 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 Carthage College's (59%).
• Graduates from Carthage College earn a median of about $4,200 more per year than GVSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,800 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 Carthage graduates ($25,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, GVSU graduates have an estimated $21 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Carthage graduates ($258 vs. $279).
• More Carthage graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former GVSU students, three years after graduation. (73% 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.