Overview
Grand Valley State University is a public institution that was founded in 1960. It has a total undergraduate enrollment of 19,379 (fall 2022), and the campus size is 1,391 acres. It utilizes a semester-based academic calendar. Grand Valley State University's ranking in the 2024 edition of Best Colleges is National Universities, #235. Its in-state tuition and fees are $14,628; out-of-state tuition and fees are $20,820.
Located just outside of the Grand Rapids area, Michigan’s second-largest metropolitan region, is Grand Valley State University. Although it is one of America’s 100 largest universities in terms of enrollment, Grand Valley strives to make a liberal education its foundation for all of its academic programs. Freshmen are exposed to more than 300 student organizations during an event called “Campus Life Night,” which allows students to explore the many options for extracurricular activities. About 5 percent of the undergraduate community participates in Greek life, and there are more than 20 chapters to choose from. While it is not required, the university recommends that all first year students live on campus to more easily become involved in campus life. The Grand Valley State Lakers are members of the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference in the NCAA Division II. The athletic prowess of the university is unheralded, and the school has won the Director’s Cup seven times in its history as the best NCAA Division II athletic program in the nation.
Grand Valley State University has made it a priority to become more environmentally sustainable and has begun providing eco-friendly graduation gowns to its students. The size and location of the university allows students to enjoy both an urban and rural lifestyle. Lake Michigan, located just 20 minutes from Grand Rapids, is a popular summer destination for students. Downtown Grand Rapids, 12 miles east of the campus, offers a multitude of restaurants, clubs, and bars. Notable alumni of the university include Greg Colton, writer and director of the animated series Family Guy, and Tommy Remengesau, former president of the Republic of Palau.
Grand Valley State University is a public institution that was founded in 1960. It has a total undergraduate enrollment of 19,379 (fall 2022), and the campus size is 1,391 acres. It utilizes a semester-based academic calendar. Grand Valley State University's ranking in the 2024 edition of Best Colleges is National Universities, #235. Its in-state tuition and fees are $14,628; out-of-state tuition and fees are $20,820.
Located just outside of the Grand Rapids area, Michigan’s second-largest metropolitan region, is Grand Valley State University. Although it is one of America’s 100 largest universities in terms of enrollment, Grand Valley strives to make a liberal education its foundation for all of its academic programs. Freshmen are exposed to more than 300 student organizations during an event called “Campus Life Night,” which allows students to explore the many options for extracurricular activities. About 5 percent of the undergraduate community participates in Greek life, and there are more than 20 chapters to choose from. While it is not required, the university recommends that all first year students live on campus to more easily become involved in campus life. The Grand Valley State Lakers are members of the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference in the NCAA Division II. The athletic prowess of the university is unheralded, and the school has won the Director’s Cup seven times in its history as the best NCAA Division II athletic program in the nation.
Grand Valley State University has made it a priority to become more environmentally sustainable and has begun providing eco-friendly graduation gowns to its students. The size and location of the university allows students to enjoy both an urban and rural lifestyle. Lake Michigan, located just 20 minutes from Grand Rapids, is a popular summer destination for students. Downtown Grand Rapids, 12 miles east of the campus, offers a multitude of restaurants, clubs, and bars. Notable alumni of the university include Greg Colton, writer and director of the animated series Family Guy, and Tommy Remengesau, former president of the Republic of Palau.
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At-a-Glance
Setting
N/A
In-state tuition and fees
$14,628
Undergraduate Enrollment
19,379
Acceptance Rate
92%
From the School
Grand Valley State University prepares its more than 23,000 students for whatever is next so they're ready for both a fulfilling career and a life of impact. It starts with the opportunities offered through more than 300 areas of undergraduate and graduate study. Outstanding faculty members are focused on individual student achievement. Unique learning opportunities abound, from student-directed research projects to in-the-field training to a robust study abroad program that is one of the tops in the nation for participation.
Grand Valley also helps shape students' futures through a liberal education foundation that emphasizes critical thinking, creative problem solving, and cultural understanding -- preparing students for life in a fast-changing world.
State-of-the-art facilities promote academic achievement and a fulfilling living experience. Grand Valley's main campus in Allendale is home to modern classrooms and labs, outstanding fitness and sports facilities, a comprehensive library, and more. Just 15 miles east, the Robert C. Pew Grand Rapids Campus and the growing Health Campus put students in the heart of unique learning experiences in Grand Rapids' central business district as well as along the Medical Mile.
The combination of cutting-edge facilities an academic rigor leads to success on Grand Valley's campuses, where the graduation rate is consistently one of the highest in the state.
Grand Valley State University prepares its more than 23,000 students for whatever is next so they're ready for both a fulfilling career and a life of impact. It starts with the opportunities offered through more than 300 areas of undergraduate and graduate study. Outstanding faculty members are focused on individual student achievement. Unique learning opportunities abound, from student-directed research projects to in-the-field training to a robust study abroad program that is one of the tops in the nation for participation.
Grand Valley also helps shape students' futures through a liberal education foundation that emphasizes critical thinking, creative problem solving, and cultural understanding -- preparing students for life in a fast-changing world.
State-of-the-art facilities promote academic achievement and a fulfilling living experience. Grand Valley's main campus in Allendale is home to modern classrooms and labs, outstanding fitness and sports facilities, a comprehensive library, and more. Just 15 miles east, the Robert C. Pew Grand Rapids Campus and the growing Health Campus put students in the heart of unique learning experiences in Grand Rapids' central business district as well as along the Medical Mile.
The combination of cutting-edge facilities an academic rigor leads to success on Grand Valley's campuses, where the graduation rate is consistently one of the highest in the state.
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2024 Rankings
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Admissions
See Upcoming Events at Grand Valley State University.
Cost
Out-of-State Tuition & Fees
$20,820
In-State Tuition & Fees
$14,628
Room & Board
$11,142(2023-24)
Average Need-Based Aid Package
$14,168
$17,210
$17,210
Out-of-State Tuition & Fees
$20,820
In-State Tuition & Fees
$14,628
Room & Board
$11,142(2023-24)
Average Need-Based Aid Package
$14,168
*Average in-state cost after aid
Academics
41%
15:1
N/A
* In cases where salary data at the specific major level is unavailable, a general salary for the major category is displayed.
Faculty Research Impact
Bibliometric Rank
256
Bibliometrics is the statistical analyses of publications and citations for the purpose of measuring faculty research impact.Publications Cited in Top 25% of Journals
52%
Publications Cited in Top 5% of Journals
12%
Total Papers published between 2018-2022
1,560
Citations Per Publication
7:1
Data provided by
Last updated 2023.
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Students
19,379
Graduate Enrollment
3,027
Total Enrollment
22,406
Full-Time Degree-Seeking Students
16,984
Student Diversity
Gender Distribution
Ethnic Diversity
17%
Minority Enrollment
17%
Minority Enrollment
81%
White
6%
Hispanic
4%
Black
4%
Two or more races
3%
Asian
1%
International
Not Specified is not included in this breakdown due to an enrollment of 0%.
Campus Life
Housing and Dorms
Types of campus housing available:
Student Activities
86+
Sports Teams
N/A
Fraternities
N/A
Sororities
After College
Graduation Rate
41%
Graduating Students Who Have Borrowed (any loan type, 2021)
67%
Average Debt at Graduation
$28,314
$40,230
$40,230
Graduation Rate
41%
Graduating Students Who Have Borrowed (any loan type, 2021)
67%
Average Debt at Graduation
$28,314
Reviews & Ratings
See reviews and ratings of this school from students, alumni, staff and others. These reviews are not written by U.S. News and have no impact on any of the Best Colleges rankings. Read an explanation of user ratings.
Featured User Review
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Grand Valley State University is an impressive institution. Upon graduating high school, I had my mind set on attending the University of Michigan. However, after visiting Grand Valley State University on a whim, I completely reversed my decision. The size of GVSU offers a "big school" experience, while the intentionality of community building makes getting connected an ease. Both the Allendale and Grand Rapids campuses are picturesque, and being located in the downtown corridor offers considerable options for entertainment, dining, outdoor activities, and career opportunities. For those looking for a more academically rigorous experience, the Frederik Meijer Honors College offers a more intense liberal education approach. For those interested in athletics, GVSU has won the NCAA Division II Director's Cup nearly every year for the past 20+ years. The school also offers a wide array of club level and intramural sports leagues for those looking to play more recreationally. While Grand Valley doesn't yet hold the same name weight as its other local counterparts (University of Michigan, Michigan State, etc.), I fully expect this university's national footprint and reputation to flourish. It is continuously growing its public and private partnerships, as well as vigorously expanding its downtown campus with new living centers, academic programs, and technology. I'm a proud GVSU alumnus, and I will always be a huge advocate of this university and the opportunities it afforded me!
Drew, Class of 2017
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Undergraduate data are based on the 2022 school year.
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