GVSU vs. Northern Michigan University

Comparable Facts

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

Grand Valley State University is larger than Northern Michigan University based on total student enrollment (22,011 students vs. 7,409 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Grand Valley State University is located in Allendale, MI (Large Suburban setting); Northern Michigan University is in Marquette, MI (Remote Town setting).
• Grand Valley State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Northern Michigan University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Grand Valley State University 15:1; Northern Michigan University 18:1.

GVSU vs. Northern Michigan University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, GVSU or Northern Michigan 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 Northern Michigan University than GVSU ($15,707 vs. $17,198).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Grand Valley State University are 13% lower than at Northern Michigan University ($11,550 vs. $13,274).
• Grand Valley State University is 6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Northern Michigan University (about $863 more per year; $15,140.00 vs. $14,277.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 9% higher at GVSU than at Northern Michigan University (about $1,775 more per year; $21,548.00 vs. $19,773.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Northern Michigan University than at Grand Valley State University (94% vs. 90%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Northern Michigan University students is 7.4% larger than aid received by Grand Valley State University students ($12,012 vs. $11,188).

GVSU vs. Northern Michigan University Admissions comparison

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

• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Grand Valley State University 940/1190.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Grand Valley State University 22/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: GVSU - Test optional; Northern Michigan University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: GVSU May 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman GVSU students have a 0.32 point higher average high school GPA (3.65) than students at Northern Michigan University (3.33).
• Northern Michigan University has a higher acceptance rate (84%) than GVSU (83%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.6% at GVSU vs. 15.3% at Northern Michigan University.

GVSU vs. Northern Michigan University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for GVSU and Northern Michigan 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 Northern Michigan University's (48%).
• Graduates from Grand Valley State University earn a median of about $6,200 more per year than Northern Michigan University graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,600 vs. $38,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Northern Michigan University graduates have a $2,708 lower median loan debt than GVSU graduates ($22,292 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, Northern Michigan University graduates have an estimated $28 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than GVSU graduates ($230 vs. $258).
• More GVSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Northern Michigan University students, three years after graduation. (62% vs. 56%)

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.