GVSU vs. OC Comets

Comparable Facts

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

Grand Valley State University is larger than OC Comets based on total student enrollment (22,011 students vs. 979 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Grand Valley State University is located in Allendale, MI (Large Suburban setting); The University of Olivet is in Olivet, MI (Distant Rural setting).
• Grand Valley State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. The University of Olivet is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Grand Valley State University 15:1; The University of Olivet 17:1.

GVSU vs. OC Comets Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, GVSU or OC Comets? 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 OC Comets ($17,198 vs. $19,362).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Grand Valley State University are 8.1% lower than at The University of Olivet ($11,550 vs. $12,567).
• The University of Olivet is 125% more expensive for in-state tuition than GVSU (about $18,928 more per year; $34,068.00 vs. $15,140.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 58.1% higher at OC Comets than at Grand Valley State University (about $12,520 more per year; $34,068.00 vs. $21,548.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at The University of Olivet than at Grand Valley State University (100% vs. 90%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by The University of Olivet students is 149% larger than aid received by Grand Valley State University students ($27,858 vs. $11,188).

GVSU vs. OC Comets Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, GVSU or OC Comets? 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 OC Comets and GVSU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Grand Valley State University (1070) is 50 points higher than at OC Comets (1020).
• Incoming GVSU students have a 6 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (26 vs. 20 at OC Comets).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Grand Valley State University 940/1190; The University of Olivet 910/1120.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Grand Valley State University 22/30; The University of Olivet 18/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: GVSU - Test optional; OC Comets - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: GVSU May 1, 2027.
• OC Comets has a higher acceptance rate (83.2%) than GVSU (83%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.6% at GVSU vs. 20.4% at OC Comets.

GVSU vs. OC Comets Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for GVSU and OC Comets? 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 The University of Olivet's (46%).
• Graduates from Grand Valley State University earn a median of about $5,300 more per year than OC Comets graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,600 vs. $39,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Grand Valley State University graduates have a $2,000 lower median loan debt than OC Comets graduates ($25,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, GVSU graduates have an estimated $21 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than OC Comets graduates ($258 vs. $279).
• More GVSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former OC Comets students, three years after graduation. (62% vs. 53%)

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.