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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
    B
  11. Student Life
    B+
  12. Safety
    B
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Grand Valley State University is ...
Public
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
82%
Application Deadline
Rolling Admissions
SAT Range
940-1165
ACT Range
21-26
Application Fee
$30
SAT/ACT
Required
High School GPA
Required
Early Decision/Early Action
No
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Cost

Net Price
$15,904/ year
National
$15,523
Average cost after financial aid for students receiving grant or scholarship aid, as reported by the college.
Net Price by Household Income
  • <$30k
    $11,247/ year
  • $30-48k
    $11,956/ year
  • $49-75k
    $15,506/ year
  • $76-110k
    $18,862/ year
  • $110k+
    $20,293/ year
Student Loan Options from Lenders
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  • Affordable fixed or variable rates
  • No application, origination or disbursement fees
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  • Loans from community lenders that put people before profits
  • Easy, online app with ability to add a cosigner in minutes
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  • Simple, straightforward student loans with an easy application
  • Flexible repayment options, and strong borrower protections

Academics

Professors
B
Based on faculty accomplishments, salary, student reviews, and additional factors.
Student Faculty Ratio
17:1
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.235 responses
57%
of students agree that the workload is easy to manage.235 responses

Majors

Most Popular Majors
  • Psychology
    292 Graduates
  • Physical Education Teaching and Coaching
    271 Graduates
  • Pre-Medicine Studies
    260 Graduates
  • Foundations of Education
    230 Graduates
  • Marketing
    223 Graduates
  • Nursing
    209 Graduates
  • Finance
    194 Graduates
  • Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Administration
    176 Graduates
  • Management Sciences and Information Systems
    176 Graduates

Students

Full-Time Enrollment
19,668Undergrads
Undergrads Over 25
5%
Pell Grant
30%
Varsity Athletes
3%
Poll
What one word or phrase best describes the typical student at this school?
Based on 148 responses
Report
  • Friendly
    43%
  • Hard working
    16%
  • Good people
    16%
  • Sociable
    11%
  • 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.266 responses
Poll
62%
of students say varsity sports are a big part of campus life.324 responses
Poll
What one word or phrase best describes your school?
Based on 160 responses
Report
  • Opportunities
    26%
  • Diverse
    15%
  • Academic
    13%
  • Cares about student success
    11%
  • Awesome
    9%
  • Undergrad
    8%
  • Expensive
    7%

After College

Median Earnings 6 Years After Graduation
$41,000/ year
National
$33,028
Graduation Rate
66%
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

3,530 reviews
All Categories
After transferring from a larger university to GVSU, it was the best decision I could have made for my college career. Professors here really do care about your learning and success, and are always there if you need something. You do not feel like just another number at this school. Advisors also do their best to ensure your success, and are available for extra resources. Campus is also beautiful! I enjoyed being downtown for the last 2 years, and the opportunities it provides.
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Need healthier food options. Need some changes in some of the professors. Some professors treat each section they teach differently. They may offer less or more assignments compared to some of their other sections. This isn't fair. Students talk and word gets around quickly that their teacher is changing opportunities from class to class. Overall, great school!
The second I stepped on Grand Valley's campus for a tour, I felt at home. Being surrounded by nature as well as feeling safe walking around at night. The majority of professors want to see you succeed and will assist you in any way possible if you reach out. The resources here are phenomenal. There is free tutoring for students for every class if you are struggling or just want some extra help. The only thing I could change about Grand Valley is the way they handle sexual assaults/inform other students. Generally, when a sexual assault occurs and is reported, every student gets an email saying where it happened and a VERY vague description of the perpetrator; it doesn't tell us anything else. However, there are security hired through every apartment unit as well as cops doing rounds on weekends. I feel very safe for this reason. Overall, I love Grand Valley and all the activities it has to offer. It truly has a club/activity for everyone. Go Lakers!