Grand Valley State University: A Parent's Guide to Admissions, Cost & Outcomes
Allendale, Michigan · Public · Open access · CDS 2025-2026
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Grand Valley State University is a public university in Allendale, Michigan that admits about 93% of applicants, making it a open access school. The average family pays about $16,317 a year after financial aid, which matters more than the published sticker price. It is best known for Biology, General, Psychology, General and Marketing, its largest undergraduate programs by number of graduates. Its most recent Clery Act report shows roughly 3.2 criminal offenses per 1,000 students.
Grand Valley State University is a public institution located in Allendale, Michigan. For the most recent reporting cycle, Grand Valley State University admits the majority of qualified applicants, with an overall admission rate of 93%. Admitted students typically post a median SAT around 1030. The average net price after grants and scholarships is $16,317 per year, which is the figure most families actually pay rather than the published sticker price.
What GPA does my child need for Grand Valley State University?
57% of enrolled students at Grand Valley State University had a high school GPA of 3.50 or above, and the average was 3.4, according to its 2025-2026 Common Data Set.
What does Grand Valley State University weight in admissions?
Grand Valley State University reports these factor weights in its Common Data Set (2025-2026). What the weights mean
- • Rigor of secondary school record
- • Academic GPA
- • Standardized test scores
SAT and ACT scores Grand Valley State University typically admits
The middle-50 SAT Math range is 460–590, with an EBRW midpoint near —. The middle-50 ACT composite range is 22–30. Many applicants here submit scores; even slightly below the average can be competitive when combined with a strong GPA and curriculum.
| 25th percentile | 920 |
| 50th percentile | 1030 |
| 75th percentile | 1170 |
| % submitting SAT | 54% |
| 25th percentile | 21 |
| 50th percentile | 26 |
| 75th percentile | 30 |
| % submitting ACT | 3% |
- • Test-optional: Standardized test scores are not required, but may be submitted and considered.
- • Policy detail: Considered if submitted
How much does Grand Valley State University actually cost?
Published tuition is $15,140 for in-state students and $21,548 for out-of-state, before grants and scholarships. Room and board adds roughly $11,550 annually. After need-based and merit aid, the average family pays a net price of $16,317 per year — the number that actually matters for budgeting. Roughly 29% of students receive Pell Grants.
| In-state tuition | $15,872 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $22,588 |
| Room and board | $10,788 |
| Average net price (after aid) | $16,317 |
| Application fee | — |
Application deadlines and early decision data for Grand Valley State University
| Rolling admissions | Yes |
Will my child graduate from Grand Valley State University?
These predict outcomes at Grand Valley State University better than its acceptance rate does. How to read retention and graduation rates
Most popular majors at Grand Valley State University
The most popular undergraduate programs at Grand Valley State University, measured by the number of students who actually graduate each year, are Biology, General, Psychology, General and Marketing. Across all programs, Grand Valley State University confers roughly 2,259 bachelor's degrees a year. Graduates of its Biology, General program report a median income of about $52,780 five years after entering college. What these figures mean
| Major | Graduates / year | Median earnings (5 yrs out) |
|---|---|---|
| Biology, General | 335 | $52,780 |
| Psychology, General | 334 | $50,042 |
| Marketing | 325 | $69,915 |
| Education, General | 276 | $48,711 |
| Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness | 267 | — |
| Finance and Financial Management Services | 260 | $74,838 |
| Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other | 247 | $60,572 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | 215 | $72,866 |
Is Grand Valley State University safe? Campus crime & safety
In its most recent Clery Act report (2024), Grand Valley State University disclosed 61 total criminal offenses across its campus and surrounding public property, about 3.2 per 1,000 students. That figure includes 21 violent offenses and 19 reported sexual assaults or VAWA offenses. Why per-1,000 rates, not counts
What is campus life like at Grand Valley State University?
About 31% of undergraduates at Grand Valley State University live in campus housing, so a meaningful share of students commute or live off campus. Residential rate and Greek participation shape day-to-day social life and are worth weighing alongside academics and cost.
Other colleges in Michigan parents ask about
Colleges that admit at a similar rate
Next steps for Grand Valley State University
Common questions parents ask about Grand Valley State University
What GPA do I need for Grand Valley State University?
57% of enrolled students at Grand Valley State University had a high school GPA of 3.50 or above, and the average was 3.4, according to its 2025-2026 Common Data Set.
What SAT or ACT score does Grand Valley State University typically admit?
The middle-50 SAT Math range is 460–590, with an EBRW midpoint near —. The middle-50 ACT composite range is 22–30.
How much does Grand Valley State University actually cost after financial aid?
The average net price at Grand Valley State University after grants and scholarships is $16,317 per year, against a published in-state tuition of $15,140 and $21,548 out of state. Budget against the net figure.
Is Grand Valley State University realistic for my child?
Grand Valley State University admits 93% of applicants, so 460–590 SAT Math is target range and below 460 is a reach. Then check the $16,317 average net price against what your family can carry.
What is the acceptance rate at Grand Valley State University?
Grand Valley State University accepts about 93% of applicants out of roughly 27,261 who apply each year. It admits the majority of qualified applicants.
Is Grand Valley State University test-optional?
Yes. Grand Valley State University is test-optional, so SAT and ACT scores are not required, but strong scores can still be submitted and will be considered.
What does Grand Valley State University look for in applicants?
Grand Valley State University rates course rigor and GPA as "very important" in its Common Data Set. These are the factors the admissions committee weighs most heavily when reviewing an application.
Is Grand Valley State University a public or private school, and where is it located?
Grand Valley State University is a public institution located in Allendale, Michigan.
What are the most popular majors at Grand Valley State University?
The largest undergraduate majors at Grand Valley State University by annual graduates are Biology, General, Psychology, General and Marketing. The school awards about 2,259 bachelor's degrees a year in total. These figures come from federal IPEDS completion data.
Is Grand Valley State University safe? What is its campus crime rate?
Grand Valley State University reported 61 total criminal offenses in its most recent Clery Act disclosure (2024), roughly 3.2 per 1,000 students. Compare the per-1,000 rate rather than the raw total, since larger schools report more incidents.
What is campus life like at Grand Valley State University?
At Grand Valley State University, 31% of undergraduates live on campus, according to its most recent Common Data Set.
Sources: the 2025-2026 Common Data Set submitted by Grand Valley State University, the College Scorecard and IPEDS, and Clery Act disclosures. What each source covers