GVSU vs. Northland College

Comparable Facts

Compare Grand Valley State University in Allendale, MI with Northland College in Ashland, WI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Grand Valley State University is larger than Northland College based on total student enrollment (22,011 students vs. 286 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Grand Valley State University is located in Allendale, MI (Large Suburban setting); Northland College is in Ashland, WI (Remote Town setting).
• Grand Valley State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Northland College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Grand Valley State University 15:1; Northland College 5:1.

GVSU vs. Northland College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, GVSU or Northland College? 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 Northland College ($17,198 vs. $23,253).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Grand Valley State University are 0.4% lower than at Northland College ($11,550 vs. $11,600).
• Northland College is 193.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than GVSU (about $29,263 more per year; $44,403.00 vs. $15,140.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 106.1% higher at Northland College than at Grand Valley State University (about $22,855 more per year; $44,403.00 vs. $21,548.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Northland College than at Grand Valley State University (100% vs. 90%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Northland College students is 200.1% larger than aid received by Grand Valley State University students ($33,572 vs. $11,188).

GVSU vs. Northland College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Grand Valley State University (1070) is 20 points higher than at Northland College (1050).
• Incoming GVSU students have a 5 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (26 vs. 21 at Northland College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Grand Valley State University 940/1190; Northland College 950/1140.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Grand Valley State University 22/30; Northland College 18/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: GVSU - Test optional; Northland College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: GVSU May 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman GVSU students have a 0.35 point higher average high school GPA (3.65) than students at Northland College (3.3).
• GVSU has a higher acceptance rate (83%) than Northland College (75%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.6% at GVSU vs. 9.6% at Northland College.

GVSU vs. Northland College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for GVSU and Northland College? 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 Northland College's (48%).
• Graduates from Grand Valley State University earn a median of about $9,700 more per year than Northland College graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,600 vs. $34,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Grand Valley State University graduates have a $1,943 lower median loan debt than Northland College graduates ($25,000 vs. $26,943).
• Among borrowers, GVSU graduates have an estimated $20 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Northland College graduates ($258 vs. $278).
• More Northland College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former GVSU students, three years after graduation. (73% 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.