GVSU vs. WMU

Comparable Facts

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

Grand Valley State University is larger than WMU based on total student enrollment (22,011 students vs. 16,744 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

GVSU vs. WMU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, GVSU or WMU? 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 WMU ($17,198 vs. $17,331).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Grand Valley State University are 5.1% lower than at Western Michigan University ($11,550 vs. $12,174).
• Western Michigan University is 0.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than GVSU (about $112 more per year; $15,252.00 vs. $15,140.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 13.2% higher at GVSU than at Western Michigan University (about $2,514 more per year; $21,548.00 vs. $19,034.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Western Michigan University than at Grand Valley State University (94% vs. 90%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Grand Valley State University students is 1.3% larger than aid received by Western Michigan University students ($11,188 vs. $11,048).

GVSU vs. WMU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Western Michigan University (1110) is 40 points higher than at GVSU (1070).
• Incoming GVSU students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (26 vs. 23 at WMU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Grand Valley State University 940/1190; Western Michigan University 990/1220.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Grand Valley State University 22/30; Western Michigan University 20/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: GVSU - Test optional; WMU - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: GVSU May 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman GVSU students have a 0.15 point higher average high school GPA (3.65) than students at WMU (3.5).
• WMU has a higher acceptance rate (84.6%) than GVSU (83%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.6% at GVSU vs. 13.5% at WMU.

GVSU vs. WMU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for GVSU and WMU? 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 Western Michigan University's (56%).
• Graduates from Western Michigan University earn a median of about $4,300 more per year than GVSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,900 vs. $44,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Grand Valley State University graduates have a $1,633 lower median loan debt than WMU graduates ($25,000 vs. $26,633).
• Among borrowers, GVSU graduates have an estimated $17 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than WMU graduates ($258 vs. $275).
• More GVSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former WMU students, three years after graduation. (62% vs. 54%)

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.