Valpo vs. GVSU

Comparable Facts

Compare Valparaiso University in Valparaiso, 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 Valpo based on total student enrollment (22,011 students vs. 2,579 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Valparaiso University is located in Valparaiso, IN (Large Suburban setting); Grand Valley State University is in Allendale, MI (Large Suburban setting).
• Valparaiso 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: Valparaiso University 10:1; Grand Valley State University 15:1.

Valpo vs. GVSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Valpo 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 Valpo ($17,198 vs. $21,766).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Grand Valley State University are 15.2% lower than at Valparaiso University ($11,550 vs. $13,618).
• Valparaiso University is 220% more expensive for in-state tuition than GVSU (about $33,310 more per year; $48,450.00 vs. $15,140.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 124.8% higher at Valpo than at Grand Valley State University (about $26,902 more per year; $48,450.00 vs. $21,548.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Valparaiso University than at Grand Valley State University (100% vs. 90%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Valparaiso University students is 235.6% larger than aid received by Grand Valley State University students ($37,548 vs. $11,188).

Valpo vs. GVSU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Valpo 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 Valpo.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Valparaiso University (1170) is 100 points higher than at GVSU (1070).
• Incoming Valpo students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (27 vs. 26 at GVSU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Valparaiso University 1060/1280; Grand Valley State University 940/1190.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Valparaiso University 23/31; Grand Valley State University 22/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Valpo - Test optional; GVSU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: GVSU May 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Valpo students have a 0.11 point higher average high school GPA (3.76) than students at GVSU (3.65).
• Valpo has a higher acceptance rate (89.4%) than GVSU (83%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 9.6% at Valpo vs. 18.6% at GVSU.

Valpo vs. GVSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Valpo 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).

• Valparaiso University's six-year graduation rate (71%) is higher than Grand Valley State University's (63%).
• Graduates from Valparaiso University earn a median of about $9,400 more per year than GVSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($54,000 vs. $44,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Grand Valley State University graduates have a $2,000 lower median loan debt than Valpo graduates ($25,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, GVSU graduates have an estimated $21 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Valpo graduates ($258 vs. $279).
• More Valpo graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former GVSU students, three years after graduation. (77% 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.