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#6 Best Public Universities in Michigan

Grand Valley State University

Allendale, Michigan

 3 Reviews

Overview

Enrollment

21,648
Grand Valley State University overview
Location Allendale, Michigan
Online gvsu.edu
School Type Public 4 Year
Setting Large Suburban
Grand Valley State University overview
Size Large
Status Non-profit
On Campus Housing Yes
Level of Study Undergrad/Graduate
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Grand Valley State University's main campus spans 1,322 acres in Allendale, Michigan, located 12 miles west of Grand Rapids, with additional facilities in downtown Grand Rapids and satellite locations across western Michigan. Founded in 1960, GVSU has evolved from a small liberal arts college into a comprehensive public university featuring modern academic buildings and residential facilities that house a significant portion of its undergraduate population. The university maintains a moderately selective admission process and operates through eight academic colleges, with notable strengths in health sciences, business, engineering, and education programs. GVSU's campus architecture combines contemporary academic buildings with traditional brick structures, centered around a landscaped ravine system, and includes extensive student housing complexes and recreational facilities. The Lakers compete in NCAA Division II athletics as members of the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference.

Ratings

6/10

Overall

6/10

Academics

5/10

Resources

6/10

Outcomes

4/10

Value

GVSU is rated within the top 50% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 6 out of 10. Learn how ratings are calculated

Rankings

Rankings for Grand Valley State University within the 2024 CollegeSimply Best Colleges Lists.

View the CollegeSimply ranking methodology.

Getting In

Admission Standards

Moderate
Grand Valley State University overview
SAT 960/1210
ACT 21/27
GPA 3.65

Applications Accepted

90.4% 
Grand Valley State University overview
Applications Due May 1, 2025
Applicant Competition Very Low
Application Fee $30

Explore admissions requirements

Annual Cost to Attend

Michigan Resident Tuition

$13,952
In State Costs for Grand Valley State University
Fee Cost
Books and Supplies$756
Other Fees$0
Room and Board $10,140
Budget for Other Expenses$2,349
Total One Year Cost$27,197

Out of State Resident Tuition

$19,856
Out of State Costs for Grand Valley State University
Fee Cost
Books and Supplies$756
Other Fees$0
Room and Board $10,140
Budget for Other Expenses$2,349
Total One Year Cost$33,101

Tuition and financial aid details

Outcomes

Average Salary After 10 Years

$44,600 per year

Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate

63% within 6 years

Explore Post Graduation Outcomes

Popular Areas of Study

Popular subjects studied by Grand Valley State University students
Subject Percent of Class
Business 23%
Health Professions 16%
Psychology 9%
Communication 7%
Social Sciences 7%

View All 70 Majors

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Students considering GVSU are frequently interested in these similar colleges.

Questions and Answers

CollegeSimply Advisor posts about Grand Valley State University.

Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=170082 IPEDS survey data for Grand Valley State University.

Current students may use the Grand Valley State University GPA calculator to determine their current college GPA.

Last updated February 24, 2024