HomeUniversitiesGrand Valley State University
Grand Valley State University
Public UniversityUnited StatesWorld #242

Grand Valley State University

United States

26,334/yr

Avg. tuition

35,553/yr

Living (Bachelors)

39,725/yr

Living (Masters)

27+programs

Courses

About

Grand Valley State University (GVSU) is a public university in Allendale, Michigan. Grand Valley State University was founded in 1960 and is the second-largest university in Michigan. Grand Valley State University has over 25,000 students and offers over 200 undergraduate and graduate degree programs.

The Grand Valley State University campus is located in Allendale, which is a suburb of Grand Rapids. The campus is home to a variety of modern buildings, including the DeVos Performance Hall, which is a world-class performing arts venue.

Grand Valley State University is a member of the NCAA Division II Mid-American Conference and competes in 22 sports. The Lakers are one of the most successful college athletic programs in the country, having won over 200 national championships.

What is the acceptance rate of the Grand Valley State University?

Grand Valley State University's student-to-faculty ratio is 18:1, and the average tuition fee for international students is $24,200. The acceptance rate for international students is 90%. GVSU is ranked #257 in the U.S. News & World Report's "National Universities" category, and it is also ranked #39 in the Forbes "America's Best Colleges" list.

Top Reasons to Study in the Grand Valley State University

  • Strong academic reputation: Grand Valley State University is a highly-ranked university with a strong focus on undergraduate education.

 

  • Vibrant campus life: Grand Valley State University has a vibrant campus life with a variety of student organizations, intramural sports, and cultural events.

 

  • Commitment to research: Grand Valley State University is a major research university with over $50 million in annual research expenditures.

 

  • Beautiful campus: Grand Valley State University's campus is located in a beautiful setting on the shores of Lake Michigan.

 

  • Strong alumni network: Grand Valley State University has a strong alumni network that can provide students with support and guidance after graduation.

Admissions

Avg acceptance rate (Bachelors)

90%

Application Fee

$30


How to Apply at Grand Valley State University

  • Visit the Grand Valley State University website and create an account. [Link]
  • Complete the online application.
  • Submit your high school transcript.
  • Submit the required scores of applicable examinations.
  • Submit two letters of recommendation.
  • Submit a personal statement.
  • Pay the application fee. ($35)

Documents Required to Apply to Grand Valley State University

Undergraduate Admissions

To be considered for admission to Grand Valley State University as an undergraduate student, you must submit the following:

 

  • An application form
  • Official high school transcripts
  • SAT or ACT scores
  • Letters of recommendation
  • Personal statement
  • Application fee ($35)
  • Graduate Admissions

 

Graduate Admissions

To be considered for admission to Grand Valley State University as a graduate student, you must submit the following:

 

  • An application form
  • Official transcripts from all colleges or universities attended
  • GRE or GMAT scores (if required)
  • Letters of recommendation
  • Personal statement
  • Application fee ($35)

 

Additional Requirements for International Students

International students who are applying to Grand Valley State University must also submit the following:

 

  • Proof of English proficiency (TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE Academic)
  • Financial documentation
  • A letter of motivation

Exams Accepted By Grand Valley State University

  • English Proficiency Exams

 

  • TOEFL: 80 iBT or 610 PBT
  • IELTS: 6.5
  • PTE Academic: 52
  • Duolingo: 110
  • Cambridge English: C1 Advanced

 

  • GRE

 

  • Verbal Reasoning: 300
  • Quantitative Reasoning: 300
  • Analytical Writing: 3.0

 

  • GMAT

 

  • Verbal: 550
  • Quantitative: 550
  • Analytical Writing: 4.0

 

  • SAT

 

  • Reading and Writing: 1050
  • Math: 600

 

  • ACT

 

  • Composite: 22

 

Please note that these are just the minimum scores required for admission at Grand Valley State University. The actual scores required may vary depending on the Grand Valley State University program you are applying to. For more information, please visit the official website of Grand Valley State University.


Campus Life

Number of campuses the university has
7

Campus locations
Michigan

View on Google Earth


Transportation in the city

  • Bus: Grand Valley State University operates a bus system called the Laker Line. The bus system has 14 routes that serve the campus and surrounding areas. Bus fares are $1.25 for a single ride or $3.50 for a day pass.’

 

  • Bike: Grand Rapids is a very bike-friendly city, and there are many bike lanes and trails throughout the city. Grand Valley State University also has a bike share program called GVSU Bikes. GVSU Bikes has over 200 bikes that students can rent for a fee.

 

  • Walk: The Grand Valley State University campus is relatively small, so it is easy to walk from one class to another. There are also many sidewalks and crosswalks in the area, so it is safe to walk.

 

  • Ride-sharing: Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are also available in Grand Rapids. This is a convenient option if you need to get to a destination that is not served by public transportation for students of Grand Valley State University.

 

  • Car: If you need to drive, there are several parking garages on campus at Grand Valley State University. Parking permits are required, and they can be purchased online or at the Grand Valley State University Transportation Services office.

Services offered by the university

  • Academic Advising: The Grand Valley State University Office of Academic Advising provides students with individual advising, group advising, and workshops on academic planning.

 

  • Career Services: The Grand Valley State University Career Services office helps students with resume writing, job search skills, and interviewing techniques. They also have a job board and career fairs.

 

  • Financial Aid: The Grand Valley State University Financial Aid office helps students with applying for financial aid, understanding financial aid packages, and managing their finances.

 

  • Student Health Services: The Grand Valley State University Student Health Services office provides medical, dental, and mental health services to students. They also have a pharmacy and a counselling centre.

 

  • Housing and Residential Life: The Grand Valley State University Housing and Residential Life office provides housing options for students, including traditional residence halls, apartments, and Greek houses. They also offer a variety of programs and activities for residents at Grand Valley State University.

 

  • Student Activities: The Grand Valley State University Student Activities office coordinates a variety of student activities, including clubs, organizations, intramural sports, and cultural events.

 

  • Athletics: Grand Valley State University is a member of the Mid-American Conference and competes in Division II athletics. The Lakers are one of the most successful college athletic programs in the country, having won over 200 national championships. Grand Valley State University also competes in a variety of other sports, including football, basketball, baseball, softball, and volleyball.

 

  • Student population: Grand Valley State University has a student population of over 25,000 students. The student body is made up of students from all 50 states and over 100 countries.

Student life at Grand Valley State University

  • Volunteering: There are many opportunities to volunteer your time at Grand Valley State University. The university has several service-learning opportunities, and students can also volunteer with local organizations.

 

  • Percentage of international students: 10% of Grand Valley State University students are international students.

 

  • Number of student organizations: Grand Valley State University has over 400 student organizations. These organizations represent a wide range of interests, including academic, cultural, social, and political.

 

  • Intramural sports: Grand Valley State University offers over 50 intramural sports. These sports are a great way to stay active and meet new people.

 

  • Greek life: Grand Valley State University has 25 fraternities and sororities. Greek life is a great way to get involved on campus and make lifelong friends.

 

  • Student government: Grand Valley State University has a student government that is made up of students from all over campus. The student government at Grand Valley State University is responsible for representing student interests to the university administration.

Faculty

University Faculty:Student Ratio

1:15

University Faculty Stats

  • Number of faculty members: Grand Valley State University has over 1,500 faculty members, making it a large and diverse faculty.

 

  • Faculty diversity: Grand Valley State University's faculty is highly diverse, with over 50% of faculty members being women and over 25% of faculty members being members of underrepresented minority groups.

 

  • Student-to-faculty ratio: Grand Valley State University has a student-to-faculty ratio of 18:1, which means that there are approximately 18 students for every faculty member.

 

  • Professional development opportunities: Grand Valley State University offers a wide range of professional development opportunities for faculty members, including workshops, conferences, and online courses.

 

  • Research: Grand Valley State University is a research university, and its faculty members are actively engaged in research. Grand Valley State University faculty members have published over 5,000 articles in peer-reviewed journals, and they have received over $200 million in research funding.

Career Opportunities

University Endowments Value

168500000

Placement of Grand Valley State University

According to the Grand Valley State University Career Services website, the university's six-month post-graduation job placement rate is 80%. This means that 80% of Grand Valley State University graduates have a job within six months of graduating.

 

The top hiring companies for Grand Valley State University graduates include:

 

  • Government: The government is a major employer of Grand Valley State University graduates. Government jobs are available at the federal, state, and local levels. Some of the government agencies that hire Grand Valley State University graduates include the Department of Defense, the Department of Homeland Security, and the State Department.

 

  • Education: The education sector is another major employer of Grand Valley State University graduates. Education jobs are available in public schools, private schools, colleges, and universities. Some of the schools that hire Grand Valley State University graduates include Grand Valley State University, Michigan State University, and Western Michigan University.

 

  • Business: The business sector is also a significant employer of Grand Valley State University graduates. Business jobs are available in various industries, including finance, technology, and healthcare. Some of the businesses that hire Grand Valley State University graduates include Ford, General Motors, and Whirlpool.

 

The average starting salary for Grand Valley State University graduates is $45,000. However, salaries vary depending on the field of study and the employer.

Popular Courses · 27

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the average living expenses for masters at the Grand Valley State University?
The average living expenses for masters at the Grand Valley State University is USD 39725.
What is the student faculty ratio at the Grand Valley State University?
The student faculty ratio at the Grand Valley State University is 1:15
How many campuses does Grand Valley State University have ?
Grand Valley State University has 7 campuses. All of them have amazing residence halls, student centers, civic spaces, cultural spaces, music halls, transportation facilities, etc.
What is the global ranking of Grand Valley State University?
The global ranking of Grand Valley State University is: 1. Times Higher Education The World University Rankings: 242
What factors should be considered when choosing the Grand Valley State University
When choosing the Grand Valley State University for higher education, an international student must consider the following factors: 1. Take a counselling session with Ashiraj 2. Finalise a budget 3. Research the course of your preference at Grand Valley State University 4. Arrange your documents for admission 5. Plan for Scholarships or Loans 6. Check out the country’s working rules for international students 7. Apply for a visa
Does Grand Valley State University provide scholarships for international students?
Yes. An international student can apply for scholarships to pursue their education at Grand Valley State University by: 1. Looking for country-specific scholarships by contacting the specific scholarship institutions. 2. Applying to or finding out if any subject-specific scholarships are available from the Grand Valley State University website/ department. 3. Applying to available research assistantships, teaching assistantships, graduate assistantships, or grants.
Is the Grand Valley State University a good university?
Yes. Established in 1960, Grand Valley State University is a reputed university to pursue higher education for international/Indian students. The perks of studying at Grand Valley State University include: 1. Global Recognition 2. Amazing job/ opportunities 3. Research opportunities 4. International exposure 5. Cultural learning 6. Independence
What are the top courses that one can pursue at Grand Valley State University?
A few globally recognised courses that one can pursue at Grand Valley State University are: 1. Data Science and Analytics in Grand Valley State University 2. Health Informatics and Bioinformatics in Grand Valley State University 3. Engineering in Grand Valley State University 4. Education in Grand Valley State University 5. Public Health in Grand Valley State University 6. Higher Education in Grand Valley State University 7. Computer Science in Grand Valley State University 8. Science Design and Technology in Grand Valley State University 9. Health Administration in Grand Valley State University 10. Cell and Molecular Biology in Grand Valley State University
What is the Grand Valley State University GPA requirement?
The GPA requirement for Grand Valley State University will vary based on your selected course admission criteria. However, a GPA above 3.5 can help you get admission to most international universities. Check for the official Grand Valley State University’s website to know more

Last updated August 14, 2026

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