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Grand Valley State University

Grand Valley

Allendale, Michigan 49401-9403

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Campus Vibe

College townGreek life

Known for business — excellent value

Grand Valley State University is a public institution in Allendale with particular strength in business and health sciences. With an average SAT of 1079, the school attracts a broad applicant pool.

A large campus of 19.1K undergraduates with a 15:1 student-faculty ratio. The town location creates a classic college-town feel.

69% of students graduate within four years, and graduates earn a median of $56,118 a decade after enrollment. Net price after aid averages $17,096.

Established
1960
Motto
Educating students to shape their lives, their professions, and their societies.
Mascot
Louie the Laker
Type
Public university
Conference
Great Lakes
Division
Division II

Campus Visits

4 upcoming visits · Next: Thu, Apr 9 · Campus Tour
95%Acceptance
1079SAT Avg
19,073Students
15:1Student:Faculty
69%Grad Rate
$56,118Earnings 10yr
$17,096Net Price

News & Alerts

program2026-03-15

Grand Valley State University Launches New Data Science Minor

tuition2026-02-28

Tuition Increase Announced for 2026-27

Admissions

Acceptance Rate94.7%

SAT Score Ranges

Average: 1079

Reading & Writing
480600
Math
460590

ACT Score Range

Composite
2128

Admissions Intel

Acceptance Rate

94.7%

Trend

SAT Avg

1079

Yield Rate

35.0%

Cost & Financial Aid

Sticker Price

Tuition (in-state)$14,628
Tuition (out-of-state)$20,820
Room & Board$11,142
Books & Supplies$780
Total Cost of Attendance$26,578
Average Net Price$17,096
Median Debt at Graduation$24,500
Monthly Payment (10yr)$260

Net Price by Family Income

$0–30K$11,395
$30–48K$11,390
$48–75K$14,507
$75–110K$20,860
$110K+$23,541

Financial Intel

Avg Net Price

$17,096

Tuition Trend

Graduate w/ Zero Debt

5100.0%

Avg Tuition Increase

3.2%/yr

Median Debt at Grad

$19,500

Campus Safety

Total Incidents (2024)

126

Peer Average

92

3-Year Trend

Emergency System

24/7 campus police department, blue-light phone network, emergency mass notification system

Programs (148)

Student Life

Student Body

Undergrads
19,073
Gender Split
60% / 40%
Women / Men
First Generation
27%
Pell Grant Recipients
26%

Race & Ethnicity

White 77%
Black 6%
Hispanic 8%
Asian 3%
Two+ 4%
Int'l 1%

Outcomes

4-Year Graduation Rate68.7%
Freshman Retention76.7%

Median Earnings After Graduation

6 Years$47,840
8 Years$51,712
10 Years$56,118

10-Year Earnings by Gender

Women
$41,900
Men
$55,100

Rankings

U.S. News
#228
Forbes
#481
Washington Monthly
#187

More About This School

Rankings

History & Fun Facts

Source: Wikipedia

Location & Lifestyle

Cost of Living

90Average

Estimated from MI state average

Climate (School Year)

Snowfall: 60"Sunny days: 200Rainy days: 125

Nearest Cities

Milwaukeepop. 570K
102 mi(177 min)
Chicagopop. 2.7M
116 mi(201 min)
Detroitpop. 640K
151 mi(262 min)

Getting There

Visit Planning

Deadline Calendar

Grand Valley State University Application Checklist

Decision Notifications