St. Ambrose University vs. GVSU

Comparable Facts

Compare Saint Ambrose University in Davenport, IA 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 St. Ambrose University based on total student enrollment (22,011 students vs. 2,498 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Saint Ambrose University is located in Davenport, IA (Small City setting); Grand Valley State University is in Allendale, MI (Large Suburban setting).
• Saint Ambrose University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Grand Valley State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Saint Ambrose University 11:1; Grand Valley State University 15:1.

St. Ambrose University vs. GVSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, St. Ambrose University 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 St. Ambrose University ($17,198 vs. $25,345).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Grand Valley State University are 13.7% lower than at Saint Ambrose University ($11,550 vs. $13,378).
• Saint Ambrose University is 142.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than GVSU (about $21,518 more per year; $36,658.00 vs. $15,140.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 70.1% higher at St. Ambrose University than at Grand Valley State University (about $15,110 more per year; $36,658.00 vs. $21,548.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Saint Ambrose University than at Grand Valley State University (100% vs. 90%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Saint Ambrose University students is 131.3% larger than aid received by Grand Valley State University students ($25,877 vs. $11,188).

St. Ambrose University vs. GVSU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, St. Ambrose University 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 St. Ambrose University .

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Grand Valley State University (1070) is 20 points higher than at St. Ambrose University (1050).
• Incoming GVSU students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (26 vs. 22 at St. Ambrose University ).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Saint Ambrose University 930/1170; Grand Valley State University 940/1190.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Saint Ambrose University 20/25; Grand Valley State University 22/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: St. Ambrose University - Test optional; GVSU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: GVSU May 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman GVSU students have a 0.26 point higher average high school GPA (3.65) than students at St. Ambrose University (3.39).
• GVSU has a higher acceptance rate (83%) than St. Ambrose University (77.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 16.7% at St. Ambrose University vs. 18.6% at GVSU.

St. Ambrose University vs. GVSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for St. Ambrose University 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).

• Grand Valley State University's six-year graduation rate (63%) is higher than Saint Ambrose University's (62%).
• Graduates from Saint Ambrose University earn a median of about $3,700 more per year than GVSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,300 vs. $44,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Grand Valley State University graduates have a $764 lower median loan debt than St. Ambrose University graduates ($25,000 vs. $25,764).
• Among borrowers, GVSU graduates have an estimated $8 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than St. Ambrose University graduates ($258 vs. $266).
• More St. Ambrose University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former GVSU students, three years after graduation. (71% 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.