GVSU vs. Michigan State

Comparable Facts

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

Michigan State University is larger than GVSU based on total student enrollment (52,089 students vs. 22,011 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Grand Valley State University is located in Allendale, MI (Large Suburban setting); Michigan State University is in East Lansing, MI (Rural Fringe setting).
• Grand Valley State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Michigan State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Grand Valley State University 15:1; Michigan State University 17:1.

GVSU vs. Michigan State Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, GVSU or Michigan 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 Michigan State ($17,198 vs. $23,657).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Grand Valley State University are 8.1% lower than at Michigan State University ($11,550 vs. $12,564).
• Michigan State University is 8.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than GVSU (about $1,318 more per year; $16,458.00 vs. $15,140.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 103.5% higher at Michigan State than at Grand Valley State University (about $22,294 more per year; $43,842.00 vs. $21,548.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Grand Valley State University than at Michigan State University (90% vs. 88%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Grand Valley State University students is 14.7% larger than aid received by Michigan State University students ($11,188 vs. $9,750).

GVSU vs. Michigan State Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Michigan State University (1270) is 200 points higher than at GVSU (1070).
• Incoming Michigan State students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (28 vs. 26 at GVSU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Grand Valley State University 940/1190; Michigan State University 1180/1360.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Grand Valley State University 22/30; Michigan State University 25/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: GVSU - Test optional; Michigan State - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: GVSU May 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Michigan State students have a 0.07 point higher average high school GPA (3.72) than students at GVSU (3.65).
• Michigan State has a higher acceptance rate (84.8%) than GVSU (83%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.6% at GVSU vs. 18.3% at Michigan State.

GVSU vs. Michigan State Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for GVSU and Michigan 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).

• Michigan State University's six-year graduation rate (77%) is higher than Grand Valley State University's (63%).
• Graduates from Michigan State University earn a median of about $15,400 more per year than GVSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($60,000 vs. $44,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Grand Valley State University graduates have a $484 lower median loan debt than Michigan State graduates ($25,000 vs. $25,484).
• Among borrowers, GVSU graduates have an estimated $5 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Michigan State graduates ($258 vs. $263).
• More Michigan State graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former GVSU students, three years after graduation. (68% 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.