GVSU vs. Dakota State

Comparable Facts

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

Grand Valley State University is larger than Dakota State based on total student enrollment (22,011 students vs. 3,774 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Grand Valley State University is located in Allendale, MI (Large Suburban setting); Dakota State University is in Madison, SD (Distant Town setting).
• Grand Valley State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Dakota State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Grand Valley State University 15:1; Dakota State University 18:1.

GVSU vs. Dakota State Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, GVSU or Dakota 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 Grand Valley State University than Dakota State ($17,198 vs. $20,438).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Dakota State University are 15.7% lower than at Grand Valley State University ($9,742 vs. $11,550).
• Grand Valley State University is 56.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Dakota State (about $5,486 more per year; $15,140.00 vs. $9,654.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 68.9% higher at GVSU than at Dakota State University (about $8,792 more per year; $21,548.00 vs. $12,756.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Grand Valley State University than at Dakota State University (90% vs. 88%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Grand Valley State University students is 108.3% larger than aid received by Dakota State University students ($11,188 vs. $5,371).

GVSU vs. Dakota State Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Dakota State University (1320) is 250 points higher than at GVSU (1070).
• Incoming GVSU students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (26 vs. 23 at Dakota State).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Grand Valley State University 940/1190; Dakota State University 1190/1440.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Grand Valley State University 22/30; Dakota State University 20/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: GVSU - Test optional; Dakota State - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: GVSU May 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman GVSU students have a 0.32 point higher average high school GPA (3.65) than students at Dakota State (3.33).
• Dakota State has a higher acceptance rate (88%) than GVSU (83%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.6% at GVSU vs. 18% at Dakota State.

GVSU vs. Dakota State Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for GVSU and Dakota 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 Dakota State University's (34%).
• Graduates from Grand Valley State University earn a median of about $2,400 more per year than Dakota State graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,600 vs. $42,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Dakota State University graduates have a $1,500 lower median loan debt than GVSU graduates ($23,500 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, Dakota State graduates have an estimated $16 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than GVSU graduates ($242 vs. $258).
• More Dakota State 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.