GVSU vs. Michigan Tech

Comparable Facts

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

Grand Valley State University is larger than Michigan Tech based on total student enrollment (22,011 students vs. 7,403 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

GVSU vs. Michigan Tech Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, GVSU or Michigan Tech? 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 Michigan Technological University than GVSU ($16,879 vs. $17,198).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Grand Valley State University are 11.5% lower than at Michigan Technological University ($11,550 vs. $13,050).
• Michigan Technological University is 26.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than GVSU (about $3,983 more per year; $19,123.00 vs. $15,140.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 99.5% higher at Michigan Tech than at Grand Valley State University (about $21,440 more per year; $42,988.00 vs. $21,548.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Michigan Technological University than at Grand Valley State University (99% vs. 90%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Michigan Technological University students is 77.9% larger than aid received by Grand Valley State University students ($19,898 vs. $11,188).

GVSU vs. Michigan Tech Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Michigan Technological University (1240) is 170 points higher than at GVSU (1070).
• Incoming Michigan Tech 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 Technological University 1130/1350.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Grand Valley State University 22/30; Michigan Technological University 25/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: GVSU - Test optional; Michigan Tech - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: GVSU May 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Michigan Tech students have a 0.13 point higher average high school GPA (3.78) than students at GVSU (3.65).
• Michigan Tech has a higher acceptance rate (92.4%) than GVSU (83%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.6% at GVSU vs. 12.9% at Michigan Tech.

GVSU vs. Michigan Tech Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for GVSU and Michigan Tech? 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 Technological University's six-year graduation rate (65%) is higher than Grand Valley State University's (63%).
• Graduates from Michigan Technological University earn a median of about $21,400 more per year than GVSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($66,000 vs. $44,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Grand Valley State University graduates have a $1,900 lower median loan debt than Michigan Tech graduates ($25,000 vs. $26,900).
• Among borrowers, GVSU graduates have an estimated $20 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Michigan Tech graduates ($258 vs. $278).
• More Michigan Tech graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former GVSU students, three years after graduation. (79% 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.