GVSU vs. LRC

Comparable Facts

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

Grand Valley State University is larger than LRC based on total student enrollment (22,011 students vs. 2,153 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Grand Valley State University is located in Allendale, MI (Large Suburban setting); La Roche University is in Pittsburgh, PA (Large Suburban setting).
• Grand Valley State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. La Roche University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Grand Valley State University 15:1; La Roche University 11:1.

GVSU vs. LRC Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, GVSU or LRC? 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 LRC ($17,198 vs. $24,108).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Grand Valley State University are 13.7% lower than at La Roche University ($11,550 vs. $13,390).
• La Roche University is 124.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than GVSU (about $18,912 more per year; $34,052.00 vs. $15,140.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 58% higher at LRC than at Grand Valley State University (about $12,504 more per year; $34,052.00 vs. $21,548.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Grand Valley State University than at La Roche University (90% vs. 81%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by La Roche University students is 106.3% larger than aid received by Grand Valley State University students ($23,083 vs. $11,188).

GVSU vs. LRC Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Grand Valley State University (1070) is the same as at LRC (1070).
• Incoming GVSU students have a 8 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (26 vs. 18 at LRC).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Grand Valley State University 940/1190; La Roche University 940/1200.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Grand Valley State University 22/30; La Roche University 15/22.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: GVSU - Test optional; LRC - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: GVSU May 1, 2027; LRC Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman GVSU students have a 0.45 point higher average high school GPA (3.65) than students at LRC (3.2).
• GVSU has a higher acceptance rate (83%) than LRC (75.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.6% at GVSU vs. 9.8% at LRC.

GVSU vs. LRC Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for GVSU and LRC? 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 La Roche University's (51%).
• Graduates from Grand Valley State University earn a median of about $300 more per year than LRC graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,600 vs. $44,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Grand Valley State University graduates have a $1,000 lower median loan debt than LRC graduates ($25,000 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, GVSU graduates have an estimated $10 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than LRC graduates ($258 vs. $268).
• More GVSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former LRC students, three years after graduation. (62% 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.