GVSU vs. University of Akron

Comparable Facts

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

Grand Valley State University is larger than University of Akron based on total student enrollment (22,011 students vs. 13,332 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Grand Valley State University is located in Allendale, MI (Large Suburban setting); University of Akron Main Campus is in Akron, OH (Midsize City setting).
• Grand Valley State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Akron Main Campus is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Grand Valley State University 15:1; University of Akron Main Campus 17:1.

GVSU vs. University of Akron Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, GVSU or University of Akron? 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 University of Akron Main Campus than GVSU ($14,693 vs. $17,198).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Grand Valley State University are 3% lower than at University of Akron Main Campus ($11,550 vs. $11,904).
• Grand Valley State University is 15.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than University of Akron (about $2,005 more per year; $15,140.00 vs. $13,135.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 3.5% higher at GVSU than at University of Akron Main Campus (about $733 more per year; $21,548.00 vs. $20,815.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Akron Main Campus than at Grand Valley State University (95% vs. 90%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Akron Main Campus students is 3.2% larger than aid received by Grand Valley State University students ($11,551 vs. $11,188).

GVSU vs. University of Akron Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, GVSU or University of Akron? 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 University of Akron and GVSU.

• University of Akron Main Campus reports an open admissions policy.
• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Grand Valley State University (1070) is 20 points higher than at University of Akron (1050).
• Incoming GVSU students have a 5 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (26 vs. 21 at University of Akron).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Grand Valley State University 940/1190; University of Akron Main Campus 900/1190.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Grand Valley State University 22/30; University of Akron Main Campus 17/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: GVSU - Test optional; University of Akron - Open admission.
• Typical fall application deadline: GVSU May 1, 2027; University of Akron Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman GVSU students have a 0.18 point higher average high school GPA (3.65) than students at University of Akron (3.47).
• GVSU has a higher acceptance rate (83%) than University of Akron (59.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.6% at GVSU vs. 18.3% at University of Akron.

GVSU vs. University of Akron Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for GVSU and University of Akron? 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 University of Akron Main Campus's (38%).
• Graduates from Grand Valley State University earn a median of about $4,500 more per year than University of Akron graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,600 vs. $40,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Grand Valley State University graduates have a $500 lower median loan debt than University of Akron graduates ($25,000 vs. $25,500).
• Among borrowers, GVSU graduates have an estimated $5 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than University of Akron graduates ($258 vs. $263).
• More GVSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former University of Akron students, three years after graduation. (62% vs. 45%)

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.