Overview of Grand Valley State University

Grand Valley State University is a public liberal arts university situated on a 1,280-acre campus in Allendale. Undergraduates can select from more than 80 majors. A healthy student/faculty ratio backs students, and professors take a personalized approach to the teaching and learning process. Outside of the classroom, students will find plenty of opportunities to engage with the campus community via the university’s many clubs and organizations.

Enrollment

• Total Enrollment: 24,677 (21,680 undergraduates)
• Gender Breakdown: 41 percent male/59 percent female
• 89 percent full-time

Cost of Attendance Information

• Tuition and Fees: $12,860 (in-state); $18,296 (out-of-state)
• Books: $740
• Room and Board: $8,820
• Other Expenses: $2,040
• Total Cost: $24,460 (in-state); $29,896 (out-of-state)

Financial Aid Information

• Percentage of New Students Receiving Aid: 90 percent
• Percentage of New Students Receiving Types of Aid
  • Grants: 70 percent
  • Loans: 62 percent

• Average Amount of Aid
  • Grants: $5,942
  • Loans: $6,649

Academic Programs Offered

• Most Popular Majors: Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services; Health Professions and Related Programs; Communication, Journalism, and Related Programs; Psychology; and Parks, Recreation, Leisure, and Fitness Studies

Retention and Graduation

• First-Year Student Retention (full-time students): 85 percent
• Transfer-Out Rate: 16 percent
• 4-Year Graduation Rate: 37 percent
• 6-Year Graduation Rate: 66 percent

NCAA Athletic Programs

• Men’s Sports: Baseball, Basketball, Cross Country, Football, Golf, Swimming and Diving, Tennis, Track and Field
• Women’s Sports: Basketball, Cross Country, Golf, Lacrosse, Soccer, Softball, Swimming and Diving, Tennis, Track and Field, Volleyball
• In athletics, the Grand Valley State Lakers play in the NCAA Division II Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference(GLIAC).

Overview of Grand Valley State University Admissions

Grand Valley State University, which accepts over three-quarters of applicants, has a moderately selective admissions process. Students whose SAT/ACT scores and GPA are within the institution’s requirements have a good chance of being admitted. Applicants must complete an online application, and send test scores from either the SAT or ACT and high school transcripts. Glowing recommendation letters can bolster your application, along with being involved with student organizations and attempting a challenging course load. Students with unique talents and accomplishments can still receive strong consideration even if their GPAs are outside the admission offices’ mean range. After applying, students will receive a message from an admissions counselor about the next steps of the application process. Interested students should check out the university’s website, which has helpful tips and contact information for the admissions offices.

Admissions Data                       

During the 2018-19 admissions phase, GVSU had an acceptance rate of 83%.  For every 100 students who submitted applications, 83 students gained admission, making Grand Valley State University’s admissions process moderately competitive.

SAT Requirements and Scores

During the 2018-19 admissions phase, 89% of admitted students provided SAT scores.

This admissions data reveals that most of GVSU’s admitted students fall within the top 35% on the SAT. 50% of students admitted to Grand Valley State University scored between 530 and 630 on the reading and writing section,  25% scored below 530 and 25% scored above 630. 50% of students scored between 520 and 610 in the math section,  25% scored below 520, and 25% scored above 610. Students with a cumulative SAT score of 1240 or higher will have competitive chances at Grand Valley State University.

ACT Requirements and Scores

During the 2018-19 admissions phase, 38% of admitted students provided ACT scores.

This admissions data reveals that most of Grand Valley State University’s admitted students fall within the top 42% on the ACT exam. The median 50% of admitted students received a cumulative ACT score between 21 and 27,  25% scored above 27, and 25% scored below 21.

GPA

In 2019, the mean high school GPA of Grand Valley State University’s freshmen class was 3.6, and over 64% of students had GPAs of 3.5 and above. Successful applicants have A and high B grades primarily.

Safety Net Schools: Easy to Gain Admission

If past admission data predicts that you would be a competitive candidate for Grand Valley State University, it should be easy for you to gain admission to the schools below. If Grand Valley State University is currently out of your reach, then you are sure to be a competitive candidate for the schools below.

East Carolina University, Texas State University, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Georgia State University, Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, University of Texas at El Paso, California State University Northridge

Same Tier: Just As Hard to Gain Admission

If you’re a competitive candidate for Grand Valley State University, you should have an equal chance of gaining admission to these schools.

Ohio University, University of Alabama, University of Texas at Arlington, Pace University, University of North Texas, California State University Long Beach, Florida Gulf Coast University

Reach Institutions: Gaining Admissions Will Be More of a Challenge

These schools are more challenging to gain admission into than Grand Valley State University. If you improve your GPA and SAT/ACT scores, you’ll be a competitive candidate.

Drexel University, University of Cincinnati, Penn State University Park, United States Military Academy, Hofstra University, Temple University, Seton Hall University

Applying to Grand Valley State University

Application Deadline: May 1

Undergraduate Admissions Website:

https://www.gvsu.edu/admissions/undergraduate-student-academics-46.htm

Undergraduate Application Link(s):

https://www.gvsu.edu/admissions/undergraduate-application-23.htm

Graduate Admissions Website: https://www.gvsu.edu/gs/

Graduate Application Link(s):  https://www.gvsu.edu/gs/masters-and-doctoral-degree-programs-9.htm