Grand Valley State University

Ready to start your journey?

Get a personalized list of degree programs that fit your needs.

No College Consensus
AVERAGE: 69
No Publisher Consensus
AVERAGE: 58.7
75.6
Student Consensus
AVERAGE: 76.9
Publisher Ratings
18.7
Washington Monthly National
8.6
U.S. News - National Universities
Student Reviews
89.1
Unigo
82.6
Grad Reports
75.2
Niche
70
U.S. News - Reviews
61.1
My Plan
Scores last updated on January 6, 2024
90%
Percent Admitted
41%
4-year Graduation Rate
21,648
Enrollment
15.0:1
Student-to-Faculty Ratio
$7,921
Average Undergraduate Students Aid
$13,952
In-State Tuition and Fees
$19,856
Out-of-State Tuition and Fees
= Average
Sector
Public, 4-year or above
Carnegie Classification
Master's Colleges & Universities: Larger Programs
Religious Affiliation
Not applicable

Grand Valley State University is located just 12 miles west of Grand Rapids, MI in Allendale, along the Grand River. Founded in 1960, the main campus contains over 1300 acres; there are also satellite campuses in downtown Grand Rapids, Muskegon and Holland, MI and centers in Muskegon, Traverse City and Detroit, MI. Both the Allendale and Pew campus in Grand Rapids feature bell towers: Cook Carillon Tower in Allendale and Beckering Family Carillon Tower Grand Rapids. The main campus features modern architecture and a sprawling layout without traditional quads; although each area of campus is purposefully laid out. While not necessarily noted as an football powerhouse, notable alumni of GVSU include many former and current NFL players.

Academic Programs

Grand Valley State University is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, The Higher Learning Commission and offers Bachelor’s Degrees, post-baccalaureate Certificates, Masters’ Degrees, post-masters Certificates and Doctorates in over 110 fields of study. Presently, there are only a few Master’s Degrees available online; there is a partnership with Michigan State University for pre-Med students enrolled at GVSU. The school also sponsors over 4000 study abroad programs. The university is comprised of eight colleges: College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, College of Interdisciplinary Studies, College of Community and Public Services, College of Education, College of Health Professions, Kirkhof College of Nursing, F.E. Seidman College of Business, and Seymour and Esther Padnos College of Engineering and Computing. Per the Mission Statement, “Grand Valley State University educates students to shape their lives, their professions and their societies. The university contributes to the enrichment of society through excellent teaching, active scholarship and public service. Grand Valley State University educates students to shape their lives, their professions and their societies. The university contributes to the enrichment of society through excellent teaching, active scholarship and public service.

Student Life

There are over 21,000 undergraduate students enrolled in Grand Valley State University, many of whom live on campus in one of the over 25 residence halls which range from traditional dormitories to suites and apartments. There is also a significant Greek presence on campus. There are over 350 clubs and student organizations including club sports and intramurals. For the varsity athlete, the Laker blue, black and white Lakers, led by Louis the Laker, field teams in 11 sports and participate in NCAA Division II competition. Students benefit from the overall Vision set forth by the school, which includes being “a community of diverse, committed scholars engaged in collaborative, lifelong learning to achieve acknowledged academic excellence and positive community impacts. By focusing on the promotion of high quality undergraduate and graduate degree programs, the institution will be the university of choice for students and faculty alike and it will enjoy broad support for its innovative partnerships and initiatives that promote the physical health and the intellectual, social, environmental, economic, and cultural advancement.” This is exposed through the Core Values espoused by the university: Effective Teaching; Liberal Education; Scholarship; Service; Inclusiveness; Community; and Sustainability.

Ready to start your journey?

Get a personalized list of degree programs that fit your needs.

Ready to start your journey?

Get a personalized list of degree programs that fit your needs.