GVSU vs. Texas State

Comparable Facts

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

Texas State University is larger than GVSU based on total student enrollment (40,674 students vs. 22,011 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Grand Valley State University is located in Allendale, MI (Large Suburban setting); Texas State University is in San Marcos, TX (Distant Town setting).
• Grand Valley State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Texas State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Grand Valley State University 15:1; Texas State University 21:1.

GVSU vs. Texas State Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, GVSU or Texas State? 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 Texas State University than GVSU ($15,716 vs. $17,198).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Grand Valley State University are 8.6% lower than at Texas State University ($11,550 vs. $12,630).
• Grand Valley State University is 32.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Texas State (about $3,690 more per year; $15,140.00 vs. $11,450.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 6.4% higher at Texas State than at Grand Valley State University (about $1,382 more per year; $22,930.00 vs. $21,548.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Grand Valley State University than at Texas State University (90% vs. 76%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Texas State University students is 12.2% larger than aid received by Grand Valley State University students ($12,556 vs. $11,188).

GVSU vs. Texas State Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, GVSU or Texas State? 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 Texas State and GVSU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Texas State University (1090) is 20 points higher than at GVSU (1070).
• Incoming GVSU students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (26 vs. 22 at Texas State).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Grand Valley State University 940/1190; Texas State University 980/1200.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Grand Valley State University 22/30; Texas State University 19/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: GVSU - Test optional; Texas State - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: GVSU May 1, 2027; Texas State Jun 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman GVSU students have a 0.27 point higher average high school GPA (3.65) than students at Texas State (3.38).
• Texas State has a higher acceptance rate (89.3%) than GVSU (83%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.6% at GVSU vs. 26.9% at Texas State.

GVSU vs. Texas State Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for GVSU and Texas State? 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 Texas State University's (56%).
• Graduates from Texas State University earn a median of about $4,600 more per year than GVSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($49,200 vs. $44,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Texas State University graduates have a $3,750 lower median loan debt than GVSU graduates ($21,250 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, Texas State graduates have an estimated $39 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than GVSU graduates ($219 vs. $258).
• More GVSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Texas State students, three years after graduation. (62% vs. 55%)

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.