GVSU vs. Lake Superior State University

Comparable Facts

Compare Grand Valley State University in Allendale, MI with Lake Superior State University in Sault Ste Marie, MI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Grand Valley State University is larger than Lake Superior State University based on total student enrollment (22,011 students vs. 1,567 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Grand Valley State University is located in Allendale, MI (Large Suburban setting); Lake Superior State University is in Sault Ste Marie, MI (Remote Town setting).
• Grand Valley State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Lake Superior State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Grand Valley State University 15:1; Lake Superior State University 13:1.

GVSU vs. Lake Superior State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, GVSU or Lake Superior State University? 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 Lake Superior State University than GVSU ($12,339 vs. $17,198).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Lake Superior State University are 0.8% lower than at Grand Valley State University ($11,459 vs. $11,550).
• Grand Valley State University is 1.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Lake Superior State University (about $250 more per year; $15,140.00 vs. $14,890.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 44.7% higher at GVSU than at Lake Superior State University (about $6,658 more per year; $21,548.00 vs. $14,890.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Lake Superior State University than at Grand Valley State University (91% vs. 90%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Lake Superior State University students is 30.8% larger than aid received by Grand Valley State University students ($14,632 vs. $11,188).

GVSU vs. Lake Superior State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, GVSU or Lake Superior State University? 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 Lake Superior State University and GVSU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Lake Superior State University (1110) is 40 points higher than at GVSU (1070).
• Incoming GVSU students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (26 vs. 22 at Lake Superior State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Grand Valley State University 940/1190; Lake Superior State University 1000/1225.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Grand Valley State University 22/30; Lake Superior State University 19/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: GVSU - Test optional; Lake Superior State University - Not reported.
• Typical fall application deadline: GVSU May 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman GVSU students have a 0.45 point higher average high school GPA (3.65) than students at Lake Superior State University (3.2).

GVSU vs. Lake Superior State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for GVSU and Lake Superior State University? 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 Lake Superior State University's (35%).
• Graduates from Grand Valley State University earn a median of about $4,300 more per year than Lake Superior State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,600 vs. $40,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Lake Superior State University graduates have a $1,750 lower median loan debt than GVSU graduates ($23,250 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, Lake Superior State University graduates have an estimated $18 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than GVSU graduates ($240 vs. $258).
• More GVSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Lake Superior State University students, three years after graduation. (62% vs. 57%)

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.