Overview
Enrollment
Grand Valley State University's main campus spans 1,322 acres in Allendale, Michigan, located 12 miles west of Grand Rapids, with additional facilities in downtown Grand Rapids and satellite locations across western Michigan. Founded in 1960, GVSU has evolved from a small liberal arts college into a comprehensive public university featuring modern academic buildings and residential facilities that house a significant portion of its undergraduate population. The university maintains a moderately selective admission process and operates through eight academic colleges, with notable strengths in health sciences, business, engineering, and education programs. GVSU's campus architecture combines contemporary academic buildings with traditional brick structures, centered around a landscaped ravine system, and includes extensive student housing complexes and recreational facilities. The Lakers compete in NCAA Division II athletics as members of the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference.
Ratings
Overall
Academics
Resources
Outcomes
Value
GVSU is rated within the top 48% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 6 out of 10. Learn how ratings are calculated
Rankings
Rankings for Grand Valley State University within the 2025 CollegeSimply Best Colleges Lists.
#559 in Best Colleges in the U.S.
#174 in Best Public Colleges in the U.S.
#13 in Best Colleges in Michigan
#5 in Best Public Colleges in Michigan
#536 in Best Value Colleges in the U.S.
#14 in Best Value Colleges in Michigan
View the CollegeSimply ranking methodology.
Getting In
Admission Standards
| SAT | 940/1190 |
| ACT | 21/28 |
| GPA | 3.65 |
Applications Accepted
| Applications Due | May 1, 2025 |
| Applicant Competition | Very Low |
| Application Fee | $30 |
Annual Cost to Attend
Michigan Resident Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $780 |
| Other Fees | $0 |
| Room and Board | $11,142 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $2,477 |
| Total One Year Cost | $29,027 |
Out of State Resident Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $780 |
| Other Fees | $0 |
| Room and Board | $11,142 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $2,477 |
| Total One Year Cost | $35,219 |
Outcomes
Average Salary After 10 Years
Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate
Popular Areas of Study
| Subject | Percent of Class |
|---|---|
| Business | 23% |
| Health Professions | 16% |
| Psychology | 9% |
| Communication | 7% |
| Social Sciences | 7% |
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Questions and Answers
CollegeSimply Advisor posts about Grand Valley State University.
Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=170082 IPEDS survey data for Grand Valley State University.
Current students may use the Grand Valley State University GPA calculator to determine their current college GPA.
Last updated February 24, 2025