Grand Valley State University Overview

Grand Valley State University is a four-year, full-time, inclusive, higher transfer-in, higher education institution located in Allendale, MI. It has an enrollment of 19,239 undergraduate students. The admissions acceptance rate is 91.65%.

The average annual cost of attendance after financial aid is $17,210. Tuition is $13,560.00 without financial aid.

Grand Valley State University is a predominantly bachelor’s-degree granting school.

At Grand Valley State University, 82.93% of students return after freshman year (national average: 68%).

Grand Valley State University has a student-to-faculty ratio of 15 to 1.

Grand Valley State University Website

Grand Valley State University Admissions

For the incoming class in 2023, the acceptance rate was 91.65%.

SAT or ACT scores are recommended

• The average SAT score was unreported for the incoming class of 2023.
• The median ACT score was unreported for the incoming class to 2023.

Grand Valley State University Cost

The average annual cost of attendance after financial aid is $17,210. The in-state tuition is $13,560.00. Out-of-state tuition is $19,296.00

The average tuition is:

• $9,910, when family income is less than $30,000

• $10,828, when family income is between $30,001 and $48,000 

• $14,392, when family income is between $48,001 and $75,000

• $19,560, when family income is between $75,001 and $110,000

• $22,237, when family income is more than $110,000 

The average tuition shown here is based on the NET costs to students who receive financial aid. For the incoming class of 2023, 51.70% of students received a federal student loan and 25.80% of students received a Pell Grant.

Tuition is $19,296.00 without financial aid, or the in-state tuition discount.

Grand Valley State University Net Price Calculator

Grand Valley State University Majors/Salaries

Grand Valley State University has academic offerings within the core majors listed below.  

Please note that different schools classify majors differently, so it is best to view the school’s website to see the various programs it offers. See detailed information about the individual majors at Grand Valley State University here.

Recent Graduate Salaries

(Average salaries of students from select majors two years after graduation)

• Natural Resources Conservation and Research. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $32,245
• Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $28,381
• Communication and Media Studies. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $30,288
• Journalism. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $35,420
• Radio, Television, and Digital Communication. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $30,891
• Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $37,151
• Communication, Journalism, and Related Programs, Other. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $35,274
• Computer and Information Sciences, General. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $65,969
• Computer and Information Sciences, General. (Master’s Degree) – $69,338
• Information Science/Studies. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $59,124
• Education, General. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $36,803
• Education, General. (Master’s Degree) – $48,198
• Curriculum and Instruction. (Master’s Degree) – $44,468
• Educational Administration and Supervision. (Master’s Degree) – $45,539
• Special Education and Teaching. (Master’s Degree) – $52,941
• Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $30,157
• Mechanical Engineering. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $69,338
• Quality Control and Safety Technologies/Technicians. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $58,479
• Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $34,847
• Legal Support Services. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $35,701
• English Language and Literature, General. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $34,467
• Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $27,103
• Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $34,814
• Biology, General. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $32,791
• Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $34,526
• Biomathematics, Bioinformatics, and Computational Biology. (Master’s Degree) – $68,666
• Mathematics. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $40,580
• Statistics. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $43,128
• Biological and Physical Sciences. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $35,996
• Philosophy. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $20,140
• Chemistry. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $40,737
• Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $37,568
• Psychology, General. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $29,802
• Criminal Justice and Corrections. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $38,959
• Public Administration. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $33,880
• Public Administration. (Master’s Degree) – $46,869
• Social Work. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $30,228
• Social Work. (Master’s Degree) – $43,269
• Social Sciences, General. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $35,487
• Anthropology. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $26,353
• Economics. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $42,682
• Geography and Cartography. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $36,560
• International Relations and National Security Studies. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $30,305
• Political Science and Government. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $33,993
• Sociology. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $31,926
• Dance. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $24,035
• Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $20,140
• Film/Video and Photographic Arts. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $24,697
• Fine and Studio Arts. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $25,360
• Music. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $33,687
• Communication Disorders Sciences and Services. (Master’s Degree) – $52,643
• Health and Medical Administrative Services. (Master’s Degree) – $44,170
• Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $52,789
• Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. (Master’s Degree) – $105,839
• Health/Medical Preparatory Programs. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $27,640
• Public Health. (Master’s Degree) – $44,356
• Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $35,594
• Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. (Master’s Degree) – $55,078
• Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. (Doctoral Degree) – $67,939
• Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $57,535
• Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. (Doctoral Degree) – $96,539
• Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $31,285
• Business/Commerce, General. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $44,971
• Business/Commerce, General. (Master’s Degree) – $71,015
• Business Administration, Management and Operations. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $55,151
• Accounting and Related Services. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $50,782
• Accounting and Related Services. (Master’s Degree) – $62,691
• Business/Managerial Economics. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $49,084
• Finance and Financial Management Services. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $49,370
• Hospitality Administration/Management. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $34,779
• International Business. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $50,606
• Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $45,956
• Marketing. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $45,956
• History. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $31,236

Grand Valley State University Diversity

The racial diversity of students who received financial aid at Grand Valley State University

• American Indian/Alaska Native: 0.36%
• Asian: 2.69%
• Black: 4.16%
• Hispanic: 6.28%
• Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander: 0.09%
• Non-resident alien: 1.08%
• Two or more races: 3.79%
• Unknown: 0.28%
• White: 81.27%

At Grand Valley State University, 7.40% of undergraduate students are 25 years old, or older.

Grand Valley State University Frequently Asked Questions

How is school spirit at Grand Valley State University?

Grand Valley State University has a strong culture of school spirit, with a variety of traditions and events that bring students, faculty, staff, and alumni together to celebrate and support the university. These include weekly pep rallies during the fall sports season, Homecoming festivities, and a number of student organizations that promote school pride and engagement. Attendees at GVSU sporting events are enthusiastic and passionate, creating a fun and exciting atmosphere at games and matches. The university also has its own fight song, alma mater, and mascot, the Lakers, which add to the sense of school pride on campus.

What are some popular extracurriculars at Grand Valley State University?

Grand Valley State University has a wide variety of extracurricular activities that cater to different interests. Some popular extracurriculars at GVSU include: 1. Student Organizations: GVSU has over 400 student organizations ranging from academic, athletic, cultural, and recreational groups. 2. Club Sports: GVSU offers various club sports like hockey, soccer, tennis, volleyball, and many more, which students can participate in. 3. Service Learning: GVSU offers various service-learning opportunities where students can volunteer and participate in community service projects. 4. Greek Life: GVSU has a vibrant Greek life with 31 fraternities and sororities. 5. Music and Performance Arts: GVSU has several choirs, bands, orchestras, and dance teams for students interested in music and performing arts. 6. Outdoor Adventure: GVSU offers hiking, biking, kayaking, skiing, and camping clubs for students who love outdoor activities. 7. Leadership Programs: GVSU offers several leadership programs and workshops to develop students’ leadership skills and potential. These are just a few examples of popular extracurriculars at GVSU. However, there are many other options to explore based on individual interests.

How are the food choices at Grand Valley State University?

Grand Valley State University offers a variety of dining options across its campuses. Students can choose from multiple dining halls, cafes, convenience stores, and food trucks. The dining halls offer a diverse range of cuisines, including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. The university also has partnerships with local businesses like Starbucks, Subway, and Smashburger. The food at GVSU is generally well-reviewed by students, with some noting that the quality can vary depending on the specific dining location. Overall, there are plenty of food choices available on campus to meet a variety of dietary needs and preferences.

Is there Greek life at Grand Valley State University?

Yes, Grand Valley State University (GVSU) has Greek life organizations on campus. It has 22 recognized fraternities and sororities that are active in the campus community. These organizations are overseen by the Office of Student Life at GVSU and are members of national Greek organizations. Some of the popular fraternities and sororities at GVSU include Delta Tau Delta, Delta Zeta, Phi Sigma Sigma, and Sigma Chi. Participation in Greek life can provide students with opportunities to develop leadership skills, engage in community service, and make lasting friendships.

What is Grand Valley State University known for?

Grand Valley State University is known for its strong liberal arts and science programs, as well as its business, education, and health professions programs. It is also recognized for its commitment to sustainability, as well as its community engagement and service-learning opportunities. GVSU is consistently ranked as one of the top regional universities in the Midwest by U.S. News & World Report.

What are the most popular school clubs at Grand Valley State University?

Grand Valley State University has a wide variety of student organizations and clubs. Some of the most popular ones are: 1. Student government: The Student Senate is the official student representative body on campus and is responsible for organizing various events and initiatives. 2. Greek life: Grand Valley State University has a wide variety of fraternities and sororities, which are known for their philanthropy and community involvement. 3. Club sports: There are over 20 club sports available at GVSU, including basketball, soccer, volleyball, and more. 4. Cultural organizations: There are several cultural organizations at GVSU, including the Black Student Union, Hispanic Student Association, and Asian Student Union. 5. Environmental organizations: GVSU has a number of environmental organizations, including the Environmental Coalition and the Sustainability Coalition, that focus on sustainable living and environmental awareness.

Is the campus at Grand Valley State University safe?

Grand Valley State University is generally considered a safe campus. The university has its own police department that is actively involved in preventing crime and maintaining safety on campus. Additionally, the university has a number of safety initiatives, such as emergency preparedness plans, safety escorts, and a campus-wide emergency notification system. However, is always advisable to exercise caution and remain aware of your surroundings, especially when walking on campus at night.