GVSU vs. Memphis

Comparable Facts

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

Grand Valley State University is larger than Memphis based on total student enrollment (22,011 students vs. 20,276 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

GVSU vs. Memphis Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, GVSU or Memphis? 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 Memphis than GVSU ($12,756 vs. $17,198).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Memphis are 1.8% lower than at Grand Valley State University ($11,342 vs. $11,550).
• Grand Valley State University is 41.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Memphis (about $4,412 more per year; $15,140.00 vs. $10,728.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 40.1% higher at GVSU than at University of Memphis (about $6,164 more per year; $21,548.00 vs. $15,384.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Memphis than at Grand Valley State University (92% vs. 90%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Memphis students is 5.4% larger than aid received by Grand Valley State University students ($11,793 vs. $11,188).

GVSU vs. Memphis Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Grand Valley State University (1070) is 20 points higher than at Memphis (1050).
• Incoming GVSU students have a 5 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (26 vs. 21 at Memphis).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Grand Valley State University 940/1190; University of Memphis 915/1180.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Grand Valley State University 22/30; University of Memphis 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: GVSU - Test optional; Memphis - Required.
• Typical fall application deadline: GVSU May 1, 2027; Memphis Jul 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman GVSU students have a 0.17 point higher average high school GPA (3.65) than students at Memphis (3.48).
• GVSU has a higher acceptance rate (83%) than Memphis (72%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.6% at GVSU vs. 18.1% at Memphis.

GVSU vs. Memphis Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for GVSU and Memphis? 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 Memphis's (38%).
• Graduates from Grand Valley State University earn a median of about $2,400 more per year than Memphis graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,600 vs. $42,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Grand Valley State University graduates have a $250 lower median loan debt than Memphis graduates ($25,000 vs. $25,250).
• Among borrowers, GVSU graduates have an estimated $3 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Memphis graduates ($258 vs. $261).
• More GVSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Memphis students, three years after graduation. (62% vs. 37%)

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.