UIU vs. GVSU

Comparable Facts

Compare Upper Iowa University in Fayette, 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 UIU based on total student enrollment (22,011 students vs. 3,941 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Upper Iowa University is located in Fayette, IA (Remote Rural setting); Grand Valley State University is in Allendale, MI (Large Suburban setting).
• Upper Iowa 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: Upper Iowa University 25:1; Grand Valley State University 15:1.

UIU vs. GVSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, UIU 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 UIU ($17,198 vs. $20,426).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Upper Iowa University are 12.4% lower than at Grand Valley State University ($10,121 vs. $11,550).
• Upper Iowa University is 28.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than GVSU (about $4,335 more per year; $19,475.00 vs. $15,140.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 10.6% higher at GVSU than at Upper Iowa University (about $2,073 more per year; $21,548.00 vs. $19,475.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Upper Iowa University than at Grand Valley State University (97% vs. 90%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Upper Iowa University students is 21.5% larger than aid received by Grand Valley State University students ($13,596 vs. $11,188).

UIU vs. GVSU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, UIU 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 UIU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Upper Iowa University (1070) is the same as at GVSU (1070).
• Incoming GVSU students have a 9 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (26 vs. 17 at UIU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Upper Iowa University 970/1160; Grand Valley State University 940/1190.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Upper Iowa University 14/21; Grand Valley State University 22/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: UIU - Test optional; GVSU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: GVSU May 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman GVSU students have a 0.31 point higher average high school GPA (3.65) than students at UIU (3.34).
• UIU has a higher acceptance rate (96.5%) than GVSU (83%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 33.9% at UIU vs. 18.6% at GVSU.

UIU vs. GVSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for UIU 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 Upper Iowa University's (45%).
• Graduates from Grand Valley State University earn a median of about $2,500 more per year than UIU graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,600 vs. $42,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Upper Iowa University graduates have a $1,000 lower median loan debt than GVSU graduates ($24,000 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, UIU graduates have an estimated $10 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than GVSU graduates ($248 vs. $258).
• More GVSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former UIU students, three years after graduation. (62% vs. 50%)

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.