GVSU vs. Kalamazoo College

Comparable Facts

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

Grand Valley State University is larger than Kalamazoo College based on total student enrollment (22,011 students vs. 1,166 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Grand Valley State University is located in Allendale, MI (Large Suburban setting); Kalamazoo College is in Kalamazoo, MI (Small City setting).
• Grand Valley State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Kalamazoo College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Grand Valley State University 15:1; Kalamazoo College 10:1.

GVSU vs. Kalamazoo College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, GVSU or Kalamazoo College? 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 Kalamazoo College ($17,198 vs. $26,956).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Grand Valley State University are 8% lower than at Kalamazoo College ($11,550 vs. $12,549).
• Kalamazoo College is 303.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than GVSU (about $45,910 more per year; $61,050.00 vs. $15,140.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 183.3% higher at Kalamazoo College than at Grand Valley State University (about $39,502 more per year; $61,050.00 vs. $21,548.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Kalamazoo College than at Grand Valley State University (99% vs. 90%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Kalamazoo College students is 322.3% larger than aid received by Grand Valley State University students ($47,252 vs. $11,188).

GVSU vs. Kalamazoo College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Kalamazoo College (1280) is 210 points higher than at GVSU (1070).
• Incoming GVSU students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (26 vs. 24 at Kalamazoo College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Grand Valley State University 940/1190; Kalamazoo College 1170/1380.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Grand Valley State University 22/30; Kalamazoo College 20/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: GVSU - Test optional; Kalamazoo College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: GVSU May 1, 2027; Kalamazoo College Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Kalamazoo College students have a 0.08 point higher average high school GPA (3.73) than students at GVSU (3.65).
• GVSU has a higher acceptance rate (83%) than Kalamazoo College (75.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.6% at GVSU vs. 11.7% at Kalamazoo College.

GVSU vs. Kalamazoo College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for GVSU and Kalamazoo College? 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).

• Kalamazoo College's six-year graduation rate (80%) is higher than Grand Valley State University's (63%).
• Graduates from Kalamazoo College earn a median of about $9,800 more per year than GVSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($54,400 vs. $44,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Grand Valley State University graduates have a $1,450 lower median loan debt than Kalamazoo College graduates ($25,000 vs. $26,450).
• Among borrowers, GVSU graduates have an estimated $15 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Kalamazoo College graduates ($258 vs. $273).
• More Kalamazoo College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former GVSU students, three years after graduation. (81% 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.