Grand Valley State University

6/10 Overall Rating
4 Year
Allendale, MI
3.7 3 reviews

#5 Best Public Universities in Michigan

Overview Admission Cost Majors Diversity Outcomes Salaries Location Compare Reviews Admission Calculator

Overview

Total enrollment

22,011

Location Allendale, Michigan
Website gvsu.edu
Type Public 4 Year
Setting Large Suburban

Best Colleges Rank

#461

Size Large
Status Non-profit
Housing Yes
Level of Study Undergrad/Graduate

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.

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Ratings

GVSU is rated within the top 45% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 6 out of 10.

Overall Rating

6 out of 10
Academics

7 out of 10
Resources

5 out of 10
Outcomes

6 out of 10
Value

7 out of 10

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Rankings

Rankings for Grand Valley State University within the 2027 CollegeSimply Best Colleges Lists.

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Admissions

Admission Standards

Average

SAT (enrolled mid-50) 940/1190
ACT (enrolled mid-50) 22/30
GPA 3.65

Acceptance Rate

83%

Applications Due May 1, 2027
Enrollment Rate 18.6%
Application Fee $30

Applicant Competition Very Low

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Annual Cost to Attend

Michigan Resident Tuition

$15,140

Out of State Resident Tuition

$21,548

Breakdown

Tuition $15,140
Books and Supplies $800
Other Fees $0
Room and Board $11,550
Budget for Other Expenses $2,558
Total One Year Cost $30,048

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Student Outcomes

Average Salary After 10 Years

$44,600 per year

Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate

63% within 6 years

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Popular Areas of Study

Popular majors at Grand Valley State University are Business, Health Professions, and Psychology. 23% of students major in Business, 16% in Health Professions, and 9% in Psychology.