GVSU vs. Cleveland State

Comparable Facts

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

Grand Valley State University is larger than Cleveland State based on total student enrollment (22,011 students vs. 14,074 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Grand Valley State University is located in Allendale, MI (Large Suburban setting); Cleveland State University is in Cleveland, OH (Large City setting).
• Grand Valley State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Cleveland State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Grand Valley State University 15:1; Cleveland State University 16:1.

GVSU vs. Cleveland State Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, GVSU or Cleveland State? 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 Cleveland State University than GVSU ($16,230 vs. $17,198).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Grand Valley State University are 23.5% lower than at Cleveland State University ($11,550 vs. $15,104).
• Grand Valley State University is 16.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Cleveland State (about $2,152 more per year; $15,140.00 vs. $12,988.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 16.4% higher at GVSU than at Cleveland State University (about $3,038 more per year; $21,548.00 vs. $18,510.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Grand Valley State University as at Cleveland State University (90% vs. 90%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Grand Valley State University students is 14.2% larger than aid received by Cleveland State University students ($11,188 vs. $9,795).

GVSU vs. Cleveland State Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Grand Valley State University (1070) is 60 points higher than at Cleveland State (1010).
• Incoming GVSU students have a 5 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (26 vs. 21 at Cleveland State).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Grand Valley State University 940/1190; Cleveland State University 880/1130.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Grand Valley State University 22/30; Cleveland State University 18/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: GVSU - Test optional; Cleveland State - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: GVSU May 1, 2027; Cleveland State Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman GVSU students have a 0.34 point higher average high school GPA (3.65) than students at Cleveland State (3.31).
• Cleveland State has a higher acceptance rate (91.3%) than GVSU (83%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.6% at GVSU vs. 15.7% at Cleveland State.

GVSU vs. Cleveland State Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for GVSU and Cleveland State? 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 Cleveland State University's (30%).
• Graduates from Grand Valley State University earn a median of about $400 more per year than Cleveland State graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,600 vs. $44,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Cleveland State University graduates have a $3,500 lower median loan debt than GVSU graduates ($21,500 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, Cleveland State graduates have an estimated $36 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than GVSU graduates ($222 vs. $258).
• More GVSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Cleveland State students, three years after graduation. (62% vs. 47%)

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.