Wherever you are in your higher education journey, Grand Valley State University will help prepare you for whatever is next. Our commitment to academic excellence, personal attention from first-rate faculty, and a great return on your education investment make Grand Valley a great choice no matter where you?ve been or where you're planning to go.
About
From the School
Contact & Visit
Campus Visits Contact
Contact
Admissions Receptionist
Address
1 Campus Drive
300 Student Services Building
Allendale, MI 49401
300 Student Services Building
Allendale, MI 49401
Phone
616-331-2035
Email
admissions@gvsu.edu
Experience College Life
Most Popular Places On Campus
Living Centers
Academic Spaces
Recreation Center and Fieldhouse
Laker Turf Building
Kirkhof Center
Academic Spaces
Recreation Center and Fieldhouse
Laker Turf Building
Kirkhof Center
Most Popular Places Off Campus
Downtown Grand Rapids
RiverTown Crossings Mall - Grandville
VanAndel Arena
DeVos Place Convention Center
Lake Michigan Beaches
RiverTown Crossings Mall - Grandville
VanAndel Arena
DeVos Place Convention Center
Lake Michigan Beaches
Campus Tours
Campus Tours
Appointment Required: Yes
Dates: Year-round
Times: Varies
Average Length: 1 hour
Dates: Year-round
Times: Varies
Average Length: 1 hour
On Campus Interview
Campus Interviews
Yes
Information Sessions
Available
Times
M-F + Saturday during the academic year
Faculty and Coach Visits
Dates/Times Available
Year-round
Arrangements
Contact Coach Directly
Advance Notice
1 week
Contact Email Address for Visit
gvsulakers.cstv.com
Class Visits
Dates/Times Available
Arrangements
Overnight Dorm Stays
Overnight Dorm Stays
Not Available
Transportation
Types of Transportation Available to Campus
Gerald R Ford International Airport, Grand Rapids; Amtrak - Grand Rapids; Greyhound Lines - Grand Rapids; The Rapid - campus shuttle and Grand Rapids metro area
Driving Instructions to Campus
Driving instructions from Detroit, Chicago, Lansing, Kalamazoo, Grand Rapids appear on the web www.gvsu.edu/admissions. Select visit Grand Valley Driving instructions
Local Accommodations
Hotel information from nearby to far away appear on the web www.gvsu.edu/admissions. Select visit Grand Valley Hotel information
Save SchoolAdmissions
Admissions
Overview
Applicants: 24,271
Acceptance Rate: 507%
Average HS GPA: 3.50
GPA Breakdown
21%
4.0
24%
3.75 - 3.99
18%
3.50 - 3.74
12%
3.25 - 3.49
11%
3.00 - 3.24
11%
2.50 - 2.99
4%
2.00 - 2.49
Need to boost your grades? We can help.
Learn MoreACT Test Scores
SAT Composite Scores
25th-75th percentile (enrolled students)
950 - 1060
ACT Composite Scores
25th-75th percentile (enrolled students)
21 - 28
Testing Policies
Deadlines
Regular — May 1
Other Admission Factors
Academic
Rigor of Secondary School Record
Academic GPA
Selectivity Rating
Get a personalized plan for a competitive application from an admissions expert.
Learn MoreAcademics
Academics
Faculty and Class Information
Student/Faculty
15:1
Total Faculty
1,812
with Terminal Degree
950
1,008
Women
804
Men
292
Minority
20
International
Most frequent class size
20 - 29
Most frequent lab / sub section size
20 - 29
Graduation Rates
Graduate in 4 years
42%
Graduate in 5 years
62%
Graduate in 6 years
66%
Majors
-
AGRICULTURE, AGRICULTURE OPERATIONS, AND RELATED SCIENCES.
Agricultural Business and Management, Other.
-
AREA, ETHNIC, CULTURAL, GENDER, AND GROUP STUDIES.
Chinese Studies.
Women's Studies.
-
BIOLOGICAL AND BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES.
Biochemistry.
Biology/Biological Sciences, General.
Biomedical Sciences, General.
Cell/Cellular and Molecular Biology.
Genome Sciences/Genomics.
Microbiology, General.
Neuroscience.
Wildlife Biology.
-
BUSINESS, MANAGEMENT, MARKETING, AND RELATED SUPPORT SERVICES.
Accounting.
Business Administration, Management and Operations, Other.
Business/Commerce, General.
Business/Corporate Communications.
Business/Managerial Economics.
Entrepreneurship/Entrepreneurial Studies.
Finance, General.
Hotel/Motel Administration/Management.
Human Resources Management/Personnel Administration, General.
International Business/Trade/Commerce.
Logistics, Materials, and Supply Chain Management.
Management Science.
Marketing/Marketing Management, General.
Operations Management and Supervision.
Organizational Leadership.
Project Management.
Real Estate.
-
COMMUNICATION, JOURNALISM, AND RELATED PROGRAMS.
Advertising.
Broadcast Journalism.
Communication, Journalism, and Related Programs, Other.
Digital Communication and Media/Multimedia.
Journalism.
Radio and Television.
Speech Communication and Rhetoric.
-
COMPUTER AND INFORMATION SCIENCES AND SUPPORT SERVICES.
Computer and Information Sciences, General.
Computer and Information Systems Security/Information Assurance.
Information Science/Studies.
Information Technology.
Web Page, Digital/Multimedia and Information Resources Design.
-
EDUCATION.
Art Teacher Education.
Computer Teacher Education.
Early Childhood Education and Teaching.
Earth Science Teacher Education.
Education, General.
Education/Teaching of Individuals in Early Childhood Special Education Programs.
Educational Leadership and Administration, General.
Physical Education Teaching and Coaching.
Social Studies Teacher Education.
Special Education and Teaching, General.
-
ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGIES AND ENGINEERING-RELATED FIELDS.
Occupational Safety and Health Technology/Technician.
-
ENGINEERING.
Bioengineering and Biomedical Engineering.
Computer Engineering, General.
Electrical and Electronics Engineering
Engineering, General.
Manufacturing Engineering.
Mechanical Engineering.
-
ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE/LETTERS.
English Language and Literature, General.
Writing, General.
-
FOREIGN LANGUAGES, LITERATURES, AND LINGUISTICS.
American Sign Language (ASL).
Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics, General.
Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics.
French Language and Literature.
German Language and Literature.
Spanish Language and Literature.
-
HEALTH PROFESSIONS AND RELATED PROGRAMS.
Athletic Training/Trainer.
Clinical Laboratory Science/Medical Technology/Technologist.
Communication Sciences and Disorders, General.
Diagnostic Medical Sonography/Sonographer and Ultrasound Technician.
Dietetic Technician.
Health Information/Medical Records Administration/Administrator.
Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other.
Medical Radiologic Technology/Science - Radiation Therapist.
Pre-Medicine/Pre-Medical Studies.
Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse.
Respiratory Care Therapy/Therapist.
Therapeutic Recreation/Recreational Therapy.
-
HISTORY.
History and Philosophy of Science and Technology.
History, General.
-
HOMELAND SECURITY, LAW ENFORCEMENT, FIREFIGHTING AND RELATED PROTECTIVE SERVICES.
Criminal Justice/Law Enforcement Administration.
-
LEGAL PROFESSIONS AND STUDIES.
Legal Assistant/Paralegal.
-
LIBERAL ARTS AND SCIENCES, GENERAL STUDIES AND HUMANITIES.
Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies.
-
MATHEMATICS AND STATISTICS.
Mathematics, General.
Statistics, General.
-
MULTI/INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDIES.
Biological and Physical Sciences.
Biopsychology.
Intercultural/Multicultural and Diversity Studies.
International/Global Studies.
Mathematics and Computer Science.
-
NATURAL RESOURCES AND CONSERVATION.
Environmental Studies.
Fishing and Fisheries Sciences and Management.
Natural Resources/Conservation, General.
-
PARKS, RECREATION, LEISURE, AND FITNESS STUDIES.
Health and Physical Education/Fitness, General.
Kinesiology and Exercise Science.
Sport and Fitness Administration/Management.
-
PHILOSOPHY AND RELIGIOUS STUDIES.
Philosophy.
Religion/Religious Studies, Other.
-
PHYSICAL SCIENCES.
Chemistry, General.
Environmental Chemistry.
Geochemistry.
Geology/Earth Science, General.
Physics, General.
-
PSYCHOLOGY.
Psychology, General.
Social Psychology.
-
PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION AND SOCIAL SERVICE PROFESSIONS.
Public Administration.
Social Work.
-
SOCIAL SCIENCES.
Anthropology.
Economics, General.
Geographic Information Science and Cartography.
Geography.
International Relations and Affairs.
Political Science and Government, General.
Social Sciences, General.
Sociology.
-
VISUAL AND PERFORMING ARTS.
Art History, Criticism and Conservation.
Dance, General.
Drama and Dramatics/Theatre Arts, General.
Film/Cinema/Video Studies.
Fine Arts and Art Studies, Other.
Music, General.
Photography.
Students Say
Established in 1960, Michigan’s Grand Valley State University is a large public liberal arts university that offers over 90 degrees to more than 21,000 undergraduates across its campuses. The school “has the opportunities that a large university can offer but it feels like a small college.” While the school is “large and full of connections,” the nearly 1,800 faculty members, the “great campus, and [the] nice and new class buildings” help to break the school up into smaller academic communities that let students “build meaningful connections with professors.” Added to that are small class sizes (twenty-six students per class on average), which lend themselves “to a better and more immersive learning experience.” There are also “so many different free resources” for students, including a Writing Center, academic tutoring, “several types of counseling, [and] individual and group tutoring sessions.”
Professors “are extremely knowledgeable in their fields of study, and that shows in lectures and discussions.” Their classes utilize various pedagogical techniques, including “inquiry-based class,” where “traditional lecture time [is] devoted to going over the homework and asking questions about the lecture.” Teachers take students “on field trips to areas in the community to see what [is] learned about in lecture in the real world,” and others utilize “technology to ask practice questions in class to test students' understanding of the material.” Additionally, some “make use of videos to provide a more visual means of learning.” Overall, Grand Valley is “very involved in student life and encourages everyone to get out and get experience.”
Professors “are extremely knowledgeable in their fields of study, and that shows in lectures and discussions.” Their classes utilize various pedagogical techniques, including “inquiry-based class,” where “traditional lecture time [is] devoted to going over the homework and asking questions about the lecture.” Teachers take students “on field trips to areas in the community to see what [is] learned about in lecture in the real world,” and others utilize “technology to ask practice questions in class to test students' understanding of the material.” Additionally, some “make use of videos to provide a more visual means of learning.” Overall, Grand Valley is “very involved in student life and encourages everyone to get out and get experience.”
Degrees
Bachelor's
Certificate
Doctoral/Professional
Master's
Post-Bachelor's certificate
Post-Master's certificate
Certificate
Doctoral/Professional
Master's
Post-Bachelor's certificate
Post-Master's certificate
Career Services
On-Campus Job Interviews Available
Yes
Career Services
Alumni Network
Alumni Services
Classes
Interest Inventory
Internships
Regional Alumni
Opportunities at School
Coop
Experiential
Internship
Notable Faculty
Prominent Alumni
Patrick Duncan
author and screenplay writer of Mr. Hollands Opus
Dr Virgil Sharpton
senior specialist, Lunar Planetary Institute
Shirley Kleiman
Physical therapist, owner of spine and sport
Tommy Remengesau
President, Republic of Palau
Mary Kramer
Editor/Publisher Crain's Detroit Business
Dr Lorie Wilde
Director Pte Services Univ of WA Med Sch
Bill Hardiman
Michigan State Senator
Academic Rating
69/99
Careers
Graduation Rates
Graduate in 4 years
42%
Graduate in 5 years
62%
Graduate in 6 years
66%
Career Services
On-Campus Job Interviews Available
Yes
Career Services
Alumni Network
Alumni Services
Classes
Interest Inventory
Internships
Regional Alumni
Opportunities at School
Coop
Experiential
Internship
ROI & Outcomes
Tuition & Aid
Tuition & Aid
Dates
Application Deadlines
Notification Date
Jan 15
Required Forms
FAFSA
Financial Aid Statistics
Average Freshman Total Need-Based Gift Aid
$14,051
Average Undergraduate Total Need-Based Gift Aid
$11,914
Average Need-Based Loan
$3,562
Undergraduates who have borrowed through any loan program
63%
Average amount of loan debt per graduate
$28,168
Average amount of each freshman scholarship/grant package
$8,925
Financial aid provided to international students
Yes
Expenses per Academic Year
Tuition (In-State)
$14,978
Tuition (Out-of-State)
$21,154
Required Fees
$0
Average Cost for Books and Supplies
$780
Tuition / Fees Vary by Year of Study
Yes
Board for Commuters
Transportation for Commuters
On-Campus Room and Board
$11,142
Comprehensive Fee
Available Aid
Financial Aid Methodology
Federal
Scholarships and Grants
Need-Based
Need-Based College/University Scholarship or Grant Aid from Institutional Funds
Need-Based Federal Nursing Scholarships
Need-Based Federal Pell
Need-Based Private Scholarships
Need-Based SEOG
Need-Based State Scholarships
Non-Need-Based
Institutional non-need-based scholarship or grant aid is available
Federal Direct Student Loan Programs
Direct PLUS Loans
Direct Subsidized Stafford Loans
Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loans
Direct Subsidized Stafford Loans
Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loans
Federal Family Education Loan Programs (FFEL)
Federal Nursing Loans
Is Institutional Employment Available (other than Federal Work Study)
Yes
Direct Lender
No
Financial Aid Rating
80/99
Student Body
Student Body
Overall
Student Body Profile
Total Undergraduate Enrollment
19,243
Foreign Countries Represented
68
Demographics
2.75%
Asian
6.42%
Black
7.79%
Hispanic
76.90%
Caucasian
1.30%
International
60% female
40% male
8% are out of state
89% are full time
11% are part time
Students Say
With this “always kind” group, “you never feel like you can't ask someone for help or guidance when you need it.” The campus has a generally “open and friendly atmosphere,” and due to GVSU’s size “there is a community for everyone.” Plus, the school “works hard to ensure everyone feels like they belong.” That’s good news because students “vary from different ethnic background, cultures, [and] families,” even if some students admit that for the most part this is a “mainly white student body.” Others claim you’ll find “a good mix of conservativism and free thinkers” on campus. Either way, people “are active when not studying in the amazing library,” but most people “don’t party too hard” and “seem to enjoy smaller group settings.” One Lake sums Grand Valley up: “The school is just big enough that we do not have to worry about small school drama where everyone knows everyone, but not so big that I do not see any of the same people each day.”
Campus Life
Campus Life
Overview
Campus Life
Undergrads living on campus
33%
Help finding off-campus housing
Yes
83/99
First-Year Students living on campus
88%
Campus Environment
Small Urban
94/99
Housing Options
Apartment Married
Apartment Single
Apartment Single
Dorms Coed
Frat Sorority
Theme Housing
Frat Sorority
Theme Housing
Students Say
With more than four hundred student organizations and intramural sports, “student life thrives on campus” and there's “a lot to do always,” particularly when you factor in what nearby Grand Rapids has to offer. Speaking of which, in addition to “lots of internship and volunteer opportunities,” with “a popular and safe city nearby,” students have access to “the full college experience” and can “go downtown and spend time at a local coffee shop [or] at a sports or music event.” On campus, “everything is very updated and modern” and “dorms are nice and a good size for freshmen and upperclassmen.” Generally, students “keep to themselves and study and then get together on the weekends.” Other activities include the “very popular” football games, as well as heading “to the recreational center to exercise or participate in a group class, or [getting] involved with an on-campus club.”
Special Needs Admissions
Program / Service Name
Time Management and Learning Strategies
Director
Dr. Shontaye Witcher
College Entrance Tests Required
No
Interview Required
No
Documentation Required for LD
Documentation that states a disability, an impairment that limits a major life activity and supports the needs for academic accommodations. Documentation no older than 5 years.Documentation Required for ADHD
Documentation that states a disability, an impairment that limits a major life activity and supports the needs for academic accommodations. Documentation no older than 5 years.Special Need Services Offered
Calculator allowed in exams
Yes
Dictionary allowed in exams
Yes
Computer allowed in exams
Yes
Spellchecker allowed in exams
Yes
Extended test time
Yes
Scribes
Yes
Proctors
Yes
Oral exams
Yes
Notetakers
Yes
Distraction-free environment
Yes
Accommodation for students with ADHD
Yes
Reading machine
Yes
Other assistive technology
Yes
Student Activities
Registered Student Organizations
407
Number of Honor Societies
20
Number of Social Sororities
14
Number of Religious Organizations
16
Sports
Athletic Division
Division II
11% participate in intramural sports
3% participate in intercollegiate sports
Men's Sports (Lakers)
11 Sports
Baseball
Basketball
Cross Country
Diving
Football
Golf
Swimming
Tennis
Track Field Indoor
Track Field Outdoor
Wrestling
Basketball
Cross Country
Diving
Football
Golf
Swimming
Tennis
Track Field Indoor
Track Field Outdoor
Wrestling
Women's Sports (Lakers)
12 Sports
Basketball
Cross Country
Diving
Golf
Lacrosse
Soccer
Softball
Swimming
Tennis
Track Field Indoor
Track Field Outdoor
Volleyball
Cross Country
Diving
Golf
Lacrosse
Soccer
Softball
Swimming
Tennis
Track Field Indoor
Track Field Outdoor
Volleyball
Student Services
Day Care
Health
Womens Center
LGBT Support Groups
Minority Support Groups
Army ROTC Offered at cooperating institutions: Western Michigan University
Health
Womens Center
LGBT Support Groups
Minority Support Groups
Army ROTC Offered at cooperating institutions: Western Michigan University
Sustainability
99/99
AASHE STARS® rating
Gold
School Has Formal Sustainability Committee
Yes
Sustainability-focused degree available
Yes
School employs a sustainability officer
Yes
Public GHG inventory plan
Yes
% food budget spent on local/organic food
27%
Available Transportation Alternatives
Bike Share
Yes
Car Sharing Program
Yes
Incentives Or Programs To Encourage Employees To Live Close To Campus
Yes
School Adopted A Policy Prohibiting Idling
Yes
School Developed Bicycle Plan
Yes
Data provided by Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE), STARS®, as of March, 2024.
Campus Security Report
Campus Security Report
The Jeanne Clery Act requires colleges and universities to disclose their security policies, keep a public crime log, publish an annual crime report and provide timely warnings to students and campus employees about a crime posing an immediate or ongoing threat to students and campus employees.
Please visit The Princeton Review’s page on campus safety for additional resources: http://www.princetonreview.com/safety
The Princeton Review publishes links directly to each school's Campus Security Reports where available. Applicants can also access all school-specific campus safety information using the Campus Safety and Security Data Analysis Cutting Tool provided by the Office of Postsecondary Education of the U.S. Department of Education: https://ope.ed.gov/campussafety/#/
Other Information
Campus-wide Internet Network
Yes
% of Classrooms with Wireless Internet
100
Fee for Network Use
No
Partnerships with Technology Companies
Yes
Personal computer included in tuition for each student
No
Discounts Available with Hardware Vendors
Yes
Description
Dell, Apple
Wellness Program/Clinical Offerings
Institution has a mental health/wellness program that makes counseling, referral, and well-being services available to all students
Not Reported
Mental Health Website
Not Reported
Education & Training
Types of training available for students and faculty/staff
Program
Availability
Not Reported
Not Reported
Not Reported
Not Reported
Not Reported
Engaging the Whole Campus
Institution has a Chief Behavioral Health Officer (and/or Chief Wellness Officer)
Not Reported
Peer-to-Peer
Institution has peer-to-peer offerings relating to mental health
Not Reported
Residential Life
Institution incorporates mental health and wellness into the residential experience
Not Reported
Student Orientation
Students who are provided an opportunity to participate in mental-health-orientation activities
First-year students
Not Reported
Incoming transfer students
Not Reported
Returning students
Not Reported
Entering graduate students
Not Reported
Mental Health in the Curriculum
The institution offers for-credit mental health/well-being education for students
Not Reported
The institution offers non-credit mental health/well-being education for students
Not Reported
Off-Campus Offerings
Institution offers referrals to off-campus counseling services
Not Reported
Health and Counseling Center Accreditation
Institution's counseling center is accredited
Not Reported
Accrediting body
Not Reported
Taking and Returning from Medical Leave
Institution has an official support program in place for students returning from mental health leave of absence
Not Reported
Counseling Demand
Number of months a year counseling center is open and fully staffed
Not Reported
