IWU vs. GVSU

Comparable Facts

Compare Indiana Wesleyan University Marion in Marion, IN 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 IWU based on total student enrollment (22,011 students vs. 2,204 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Indiana Wesleyan University Marion is located in Marion, IN (Distant Town setting); Grand Valley State University is in Allendale, MI (Large Suburban setting).
• Indiana Wesleyan University Marion is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Grand Valley State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Indiana Wesleyan University Marion 12:1; Grand Valley State University 15:1.

IWU vs. GVSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, IWU 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 IWU ($17,198 vs. $23,402).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Indiana Wesleyan University Marion are 5.9% lower than at Grand Valley State University ($10,868 vs. $11,550).
• Indiana Wesleyan University Marion is 113.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than GVSU (about $17,212 more per year; $32,352.00 vs. $15,140.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 50.1% higher at IWU than at Grand Valley State University (about $10,804 more per year; $32,352.00 vs. $21,548.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Indiana Wesleyan University Marion than at Grand Valley State University (100% vs. 90%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Indiana Wesleyan University Marion students is 91.3% larger than aid received by Grand Valley State University students ($21,405 vs. $11,188).

IWU vs. GVSU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, IWU 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 IWU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Indiana Wesleyan University Marion (1070) is the same as at GVSU (1070).
• Incoming GVSU students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (26 vs. 23 at IWU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Indiana Wesleyan University Marion 960/1180; Grand Valley State University 940/1190.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Indiana Wesleyan University Marion 19/28; Grand Valley State University 22/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: IWU - Test optional; GVSU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: GVSU May 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman GVSU students have a 0.04 point higher average high school GPA (3.65) than students at IWU (3.61).
• IWU has a higher acceptance rate (88.9%) than GVSU (83%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 17% at IWU vs. 18.6% at GVSU.

IWU vs. GVSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for IWU 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).

• Indiana Wesleyan University Marion's six-year graduation rate (70%) is higher than Grand Valley State University's (63%).
• Graduates from Indiana Wesleyan University Marion earn a median of about $9,700 more per year than GVSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($54,300 vs. $44,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Indiana Wesleyan University Marion graduates have a $896 lower median loan debt than GVSU graduates ($24,104 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, IWU graduates have an estimated $9 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than GVSU graduates ($249 vs. $258).
• More GVSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former IWU students, three years after graduation. (62% vs. 55%)

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.