GVSU vs. St. Cloud State University

Comparable Facts

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

Grand Valley State University is larger than St. Cloud State University based on total student enrollment (22,011 students vs. 10,732 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Grand Valley State University is located in Allendale, MI (Large Suburban setting); Saint Cloud State University is in Saint Cloud, MN (Small City setting).
• Grand Valley State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Saint Cloud State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Grand Valley State University 15:1; Saint Cloud State University 18:1.

GVSU vs. St. Cloud State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, GVSU or St. Cloud 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 Saint Cloud State University than GVSU ($14,735 vs. $17,198).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Saint Cloud State University are 8.3% lower than at Grand Valley State University ($10,596 vs. $11,550).
• Grand Valley State University is 47.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than St. Cloud State University (about $4,895 more per year; $15,140.00 vs. $10,245.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 110.3% higher at GVSU than at Saint Cloud State University (about $11,303 more per year; $21,548.00 vs. $10,245.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Grand Valley State University than at Saint Cloud State University (90% vs. 84%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Grand Valley State University students is 59% larger than aid received by Saint Cloud State University students ($11,188 vs. $7,036).

GVSU vs. St. Cloud State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, GVSU or St. Cloud 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 St. Cloud State University and GVSU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Saint Cloud State University (1140) is 70 points higher than at GVSU (1070).
• Incoming GVSU students have a 5 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (26 vs. 21 at St. Cloud State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Grand Valley State University 940/1190; Saint Cloud State University 1025/1260.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Grand Valley State University 22/30; Saint Cloud State University 17/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: GVSU - Test optional; St. Cloud State University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: GVSU May 1, 2027; St. Cloud State University Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman GVSU students have a 0.25 point higher average high school GPA (3.65) than students at St. Cloud State University (3.4).
• St. Cloud State University has a higher acceptance rate (94.8%) than GVSU (83%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.6% at GVSU vs. 16.6% at St. Cloud State University.

GVSU vs. St. Cloud State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for GVSU and St. Cloud 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 Saint Cloud State University's (48%).
• Graduates from Saint Cloud State University earn a median of about $2,100 more per year than GVSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($46,700 vs. $44,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Saint Cloud State University graduates have a $2,500 lower median loan debt than GVSU graduates ($22,500 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, St. Cloud State University graduates have an estimated $26 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than GVSU graduates ($232 vs. $258).
• More St. Cloud State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former GVSU students, three years after graduation. (67% 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.