GVSU vs. Saginaw Valley State University

Comparable Facts

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

Grand Valley State University is larger than Saginaw Valley State University based on total student enrollment (22,011 students vs. 6,822 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Grand Valley State University is located in Allendale, MI (Large Suburban setting); Saginaw Valley State University is in University Center, MI (Rural Fringe setting).
• Grand Valley State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Saginaw Valley State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Grand Valley State University 15:1; Saginaw Valley State University 16:1.

GVSU vs. Saginaw Valley State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, GVSU or Saginaw Valley State 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 Saginaw Valley State University than GVSU ($11,546 vs. $17,198).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Grand Valley State University are 6.4% lower than at Saginaw Valley State University ($11,550 vs. $12,340).
• Grand Valley State University is 17.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Saginaw Valley State University (about $2,210 more per year; $15,140.00 vs. $12,930.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 41.3% higher at Saginaw Valley State University than at Grand Valley State University (about $8,902 more per year; $30,450.00 vs. $21,548.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Saginaw Valley State University than at Grand Valley State University (98% vs. 90%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Saginaw Valley State University students is 20.8% larger than aid received by Grand Valley State University students ($13,512 vs. $11,188).

GVSU vs. Saginaw Valley State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, GVSU or Saginaw Valley State 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 Saginaw Valley State University and GVSU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Grand Valley State University (1070) is 20 points higher than at Saginaw Valley State University (1050).
• Incoming GVSU students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (26 vs. 22 at Saginaw Valley State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Grand Valley State University 940/1190; Saginaw Valley State University 920/1170.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Grand Valley State University 22/30; Saginaw Valley State University 18/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: GVSU - Test optional; Saginaw Valley State University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: GVSU May 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman GVSU students have a 0.17 point higher average high school GPA (3.65) than students at Saginaw Valley State University (3.48).
• GVSU has a higher acceptance rate (83%) than Saginaw Valley State University (72.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.6% at GVSU vs. 16% at Saginaw Valley State University.

GVSU vs. Saginaw Valley State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for GVSU and Saginaw Valley State 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 Saginaw Valley State University's (39%).
• Graduates from Grand Valley State University earn a median of about $3,600 more per year than Saginaw Valley State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,600 vs. $41,000), 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 Saginaw Valley State University graduates ($25,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, GVSU graduates have an estimated $21 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Saginaw Valley State University graduates ($258 vs. $279).
• More GVSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Saginaw Valley State University students, three years after graduation. (62% vs. 48%)

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.