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Grand Valley State University

#7 in Top Public Universities in Michigan
  • B+
    Overall Grade
  • 4 Year
  • Allendale, MI
  • 3,639 reviews
    B+
    Overall Niche Grade
    How are grades calculated?
    1. Academics
      B
    2. Value
      B+
    3. Diversity
      B+
    4. Campus
      A
    5. Athletics
      A+
    6. Party Scene
      B+
    7. Professors
      B
    8. Location
      B-
    9. Dorms
      A-
    10. Campus Food
      A-
    11. Student Life
      A
    12. Safety
      B+
    View Full Report Card
    Grand Valley State is an above-average public university located in Allendale, Michigan in the Grand Rapids Area. It is a large institution with an enrollment of 19,373 undergraduate students. The Grand Valley State acceptance rate is 81%. Popular majors include Education, Marketing, and Psychology. Graduating 65% of students, Grand Valley State alumni go on to earn a starting salary of $35,300.
    About Grand Valley State University...
    Athletic Division
    NCAA Division II (with football)
    Athletic Conference
    Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference
    Address
    One Campus Drive
    Allendale, MI 49401
    Website
    gvsu.edu

    Grand Valley State University Rankings

    Niche rankings are based on rigorous analysis of key statistics from the U.S. Department of Education and millions of reviews.

    Admissions

    Acceptance Rate
    81%
    Application Deadline
    Rolling Admissions
    SAT Range
    1050-1230
    ACT Range
    21-26
    Application Fee
    $30
    SAT/ACT
    Required
    High School GPA
    Required
    Early Decision/Early Action
    No

    Test Prep

    SAT and ACT Prep Options
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    Cost

    Net Price
    $16,175/ year
    National
    $15,523
    Average cost after financial aid for students receiving grant or scholarship aid, as reported by the college.
    Average Total Aid Awarded
    $6,374/ year
    National
    $7,535
    Students Receiving Financial Aid
    86%

    Academics

    Professors
    B
    Based on faculty accomplishments, salary, student reviews, and additional factors.
    Student Faculty Ratio
    16:1
    Evening Degree Programs
    Yes
    85%
    of students agree that professors put a lot of effort into teaching their classes.220 responses
    69%
    of students agree that it is easy to get the classes they want.241 responses
    58%
    of students agree that the workload is easy to manage.241 responses

    Majors

    Most Popular Majors
    • Education
      302 Graduates
    • Marketing
      265 Graduates
    • Psychology
      264 Graduates
    • Finance
      240 Graduates
    • Kinesiology and Exercise Science
      219 Graduates
    • Health Professions
      215 Graduates
    • Pre-Medicine Studies
      215 Graduates
    • Management Sciences and Information Systems
      204 Graduates
    • Nursing
      197 Graduates
    • Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Administration
      184 Graduates

    Students

    Full-Time Enrollment
    19,373Undergrads
    Part-Time Undergrads
    2,564
    Undergrads Over 25
    4%
    Pell Grant
    29%
    Varsity Athletes
    3%
    Poll
    What one word or phrase best describes the typical student at this school?
    Based on 154 responses
    Report
    • Friendly
      42%
    • Good people
      16%
    • Hard working
      15%
    • Sociable
      12%
    • Rich
      5%
    • Unique and hardworking
      3%
    • Not very friendly toward " outsiders"
      3%

    Campus Life

    Freshmen Live On-Campus
    —
    Poll
    65%
    of students say that Greek life is average, and no one will treat you differently if you don't join.272 responses
    Poll
    62%
    of students say varsity sports are a big part of campus life.330 responses
    Poll
    What one word or phrase best describes your school?
    Based on 166 responses
    Report
    • Opportunities
      27%
    • Diverse
      15%
    • Academic
      12%
    • Cares about student success
      11%
    • Undergrad
      8%
    • Awesome
      8%
    • Expensive
      7%

    After College

    Median Earnings 6 Years After Graduation
    $42,800/ year
    National
    $33,028
    Graduation Rate
    65%
    National
    49%
    Employed 2 Years After Graduation
    95%
    National
    83%
    86%
    of students feel confident they will find a job in their field after graduation.153 responses
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    Grand Valley State University Reviews

    3,639 reviews
    All Categories
    Proud to be a Laker! I loved my four years at the "college in the cornfield" which continues to grow in both the primary Allendale and downtown Grand Rapids campuses. The primary campus is so lovely that we returned to have our wedding in the arboretum and reception at the Alumni House. The sprawling layout leads to lots of walking, biking, or skating but also affords a sense of community as students tend to live and study with those seeking similar majors. I was a member of the Honors College which afforded the opportunity to get to know our professors well since some of our classes spanned multiple sememsters. A very strong athletic department means great games to attend and an enormous FieldHouse to allow year-round indoor participation in every sport imaginable even in the midst of a Michigan winter.
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    I am currently a senior at Grand Valley pursuing my undergraduate degree in nursing. I have had very great experiences at this school, such as meeting life long friends, being accepted into the nursing program, attending football tailgates and games, etc. Although many of the courses I have taken thus far have been challenging, the majority of the professors are amazing and willing to help you achieve the grade you desire in the class if you are willing to put in the work. I am very excited to finish getting my degree in this next year and I will be proud to say that I am a Grand Valley alum!
    Great campus and great people! Overall an amazing college experience. I am proud to be a Laker for a lifetime. The campus is very conveniently located from the Grand Rapids downtown area and in the suburbs of Allendale. GV does a really good job at being a big school, but with a small school feel with their class sizes and the attention that each and every student gets. Grand Valley State University is a very up and coming educational institute as it as seen tremendous growth in every aspect of Education.