GVSU vs. UNM

Comparable Facts

Compare Grand Valley State University in Allendale, MI with University of New Mexico Main Campus in Albuquerque, NM on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of New Mexico Main Campus is larger than GVSU based on total student enrollment (23,124 students vs. 22,011 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Grand Valley State University is located in Allendale, MI (Large Suburban setting); University of New Mexico Main Campus is in Albuquerque, NM (Large City setting).
• Grand Valley State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. University of New Mexico Main Campus is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Grand Valley State University 15:1; University of New Mexico Main Campus 15:1.

GVSU vs. UNM Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, GVSU or UNM? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at University of New Mexico Main Campus than GVSU ($6,347 vs. $17,198).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Grand Valley State University are 4% lower than at University of New Mexico Main Campus ($11,550 vs. $12,026).
• Grand Valley State University is 49.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than UNM (about $5,000 more per year; $15,140.00 vs. $10,140.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 53.4% higher at UNM than at Grand Valley State University (about $11,512 more per year; $33,060.00 vs. $21,548.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of New Mexico Main Campus than at Grand Valley State University (100% vs. 90%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of New Mexico Main Campus students is 17.4% larger than aid received by Grand Valley State University students ($13,140 vs. $11,188).

GVSU vs. UNM Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, GVSU or UNM? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between UNM and GVSU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Grand Valley State University (1070) is 40 points higher than at UNM (1030).
• Incoming GVSU students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (26 vs. 22 at UNM).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Grand Valley State University 940/1190; University of New Mexico Main Campus 890/1170.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Grand Valley State University 22/30; University of New Mexico Main Campus 19/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: GVSU - Test optional; UNM - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: GVSU May 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman GVSU students have a 0.23 point higher average high school GPA (3.65) than students at UNM (3.42).
• UNM has a higher acceptance rate (95.2%) than GVSU (83%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.6% at GVSU vs. 31.2% at UNM.

GVSU vs. UNM Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for GVSU and UNM? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Grand Valley State University's six-year graduation rate (63%) is higher than University of New Mexico Main Campus's (44%).
• Graduates from Grand Valley State University earn a median of about $1,900 more per year than UNM graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,600 vs. $42,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of New Mexico Main Campus graduates have a $5,500 lower median loan debt than GVSU graduates ($19,500 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, UNM graduates have an estimated $57 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than GVSU graduates ($201 vs. $258).
• More GVSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former UNM students, three years after graduation. (62% vs. 47%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.