Grand Valley State University
A good fit for students who want accessible admissions and students who want a large campus community. no major red flags in the data. a public school with 18,854 students.
About This School
Grand Valley State University is a public institution located in Allendale, Michigan with approximately 18,854 undergraduate students enrolled. Grand Valley State University has an open or accessible admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 83%. The average net price after financial aid is $16,317 per year. The graduation rate is 67%, and the typical graduate earns $47,200 within 10 years of enrollment.
Grand Valley State University is a public university in Allendale, Michigan, United States. It was established in 1960 as Grand Valley State College. Its main campus is situated on 1,322 acres (5.35 km2) approximately 12 miles (19 km) west of Grand Rapids. The university also features campuses in Grand Rapids and Holland and regional centers in Battle Creek, Detroit, Muskegon, and Traverse City.
The numbers tell a reasonably encouraging story here — with an average net price of $17,096 and median debt of just $19,500 at graduation, this is one of the more affordable public university options in the Midwest. The 95% acceptance rate makes it accessible, and the Grand Rapids-area location offers real internship and career connections, particularly in healthcare and business. That said, a 69% graduation rate and median earnings of $47,200 a decade out suggest you'll want to go in with a clear major and career plan — students who drift may not finish, and the financial payoff is modest unless you choose a field with strong regional demand.
Popular Programs
Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.
Notable Alumni
Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.
Admissions
SAT Scores
ACT Scores
Cost & Financial Aid
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual cost after grants/scholarships, by household income. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Financial Aid
Full Cost
After Graduation
Earnings 6 Years After Enrollment, by Gender
Gap: 18% less for female graduates. National avg ~16%.
Will This School Pay Off?
Solid return. Earnings outpace debt, though major choice matters.
Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.
Student Body
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (18,854 undergraduates).
Contact & Location
Official Links
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Oakland Community College
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Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo, MI · Public
Sources & Methodology
Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.
School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.
- Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
- Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
- Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
- Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
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