ISU vs. GVSU

Comparable Facts

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

Grand Valley State University is larger than ISU based on total student enrollment (22,011 students vs. 21,546 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Illinois State University is located in Normal, IL (Small City setting); Grand Valley State University is in Allendale, MI (Large Suburban setting).
• Illinois State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Grand Valley State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Illinois State University 19:1; Grand Valley State University 15:1.

ISU vs. GVSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, ISU or GVSU? 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 ISU ($17,198 vs. $21,369).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Grand Valley State University are 1.7% lower than at Illinois State University ($11,550 vs. $11,754).
• Illinois State University is 6.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than GVSU (about $1,004 more per year; $16,144.00 vs. $15,140.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 30.9% higher at ISU than at Grand Valley State University (about $6,662 more per year; $28,210.00 vs. $21,548.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Illinois State University than at Grand Valley State University (96% vs. 90%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Illinois State University students is 16% larger than aid received by Grand Valley State University students ($12,974 vs. $11,188).

ISU vs. GVSU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Illinois State University (1100) is 30 points higher than at GVSU (1070).
• Incoming GVSU students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (26 vs. 24 at ISU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Illinois State University 990/1210; Grand Valley State University 940/1190.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Illinois State University 21/27; Grand Valley State University 22/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: ISU - Test optional; GVSU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: ISU Apr 1, 2027; GVSU May 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman GVSU students have a 0.24 point higher average high school GPA (3.65) than students at ISU (3.41).
• ISU has a higher acceptance rate (88.2%) than GVSU (83%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 22.5% at ISU vs. 18.6% at GVSU.

ISU vs. GVSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for ISU and GVSU? 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).

• Illinois State University's six-year graduation rate (71%) is higher than Grand Valley State University's (63%).
• Graduates from Illinois State University earn a median of about $4,400 more per year than GVSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($49,000 vs. $44,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Illinois State University graduates have a $3,000 lower median loan debt than GVSU graduates ($22,000 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, ISU graduates have an estimated $31 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than GVSU graduates ($227 vs. $258).
• More ISU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former GVSU students, three years after graduation. (74% 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.