GVSU vs. W&J

Comparable Facts

Compare Grand Valley State University in Allendale, MI with Washington & Jefferson College in Washington, PA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Grand Valley State University is larger than W&J based on total student enrollment (22,011 students vs. 1,309 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Grand Valley State University is located in Allendale, MI (Large Suburban setting); Washington & Jefferson College is in Washington, PA (Large Suburban setting).
• Grand Valley State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Washington & Jefferson College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Grand Valley State University 15:1; Washington & Jefferson College 11:1.

GVSU vs. W&J Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, GVSU or W&J? 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 Grand Valley State University than W&J ($17,198 vs. $22,702).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Grand Valley State University are 21.5% lower than at Washington & Jefferson College ($11,550 vs. $14,710).
• Washington & Jefferson College is 94.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than GVSU (about $14,252 more per year; $29,392.00 vs. $15,140.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 36.4% higher at W&J than at Grand Valley State University (about $7,844 more per year; $29,392.00 vs. $21,548.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Washington & Jefferson College than at Grand Valley State University (100% vs. 90%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Washington & Jefferson College students is 80.1% larger than aid received by Grand Valley State University students ($20,152 vs. $11,188).

GVSU vs. W&J Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, GVSU or W&J? 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 W&J and GVSU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Washington & Jefferson College (1130) is 60 points higher than at GVSU (1070).
• Incoming GVSU students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (26 vs. 23 at W&J).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Grand Valley State University 940/1190; Washington & Jefferson College 1010/1250.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Grand Valley State University 22/30; Washington & Jefferson College 19/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: GVSU - Test optional; W&J - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: GVSU May 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman GVSU students have a 0.11 point higher average high school GPA (3.65) than students at W&J (3.54).
• GVSU has a higher acceptance rate (83%) than W&J (80.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.6% at GVSU vs. 12.6% at W&J.

GVSU vs. W&J Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for GVSU and W&J? 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).

• Washington & Jefferson College's six-year graduation rate (74%) is higher than Grand Valley State University's (63%).
• Graduates from Washington & Jefferson College earn a median of about $12,300 more per year than GVSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($56,900 vs. $44,600), 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 W&J graduates ($25,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, GVSU graduates have an estimated $21 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than W&J graduates ($258 vs. $279).
• More W&J graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former GVSU students, three years after graduation. (79% 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.