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
go2gvsu@gvsu.edu
Experience College Life
Most Popular Places On Campus
Living Centers
Cook DeVos Center for Health Sciences
Recreation Center and Fieldhouse
Laker Turf Building
Kirkhof Center
Cook DeVos Center for Health Sciences
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
Saturdays and Mondays
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
Academic Year
Arrangements
Contact Admissions Office
Overnight Dorm Stays
Overnight Dorm Stays
Available
Arrangements
Contact Admissions Office
Limitations
Sunday to Thursday nights only
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: 17,509
Acceptance Rate: 81%
Average HS GPA: 3.60
GPA Breakdown
40%
Over 3.75
24%
3.50 - 3.74
18%
3.25 - 3.49
13%
3.00 - 3.24
4%
2.50 - 2.99
Need to boost your grades? We can help.
Learn MoreSAT & ACT Test Scores
SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing
25th-75th percentile
(enrolled students)
(enrolled students)
530 - 630
SAT Math
25th-75th percentile
(enrolled students)
(enrolled students)
520 - 610
ACT Composite Scores
25th-75th percentile (enrolled students)
21 - 27
Testing Policies
ACT Writing Policy
ACT with Writing recommended
SAT Essay Policy
SAT with Essay component recommended
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
16:1
Total Faculty
1,783
with Terminal Degree
999
930
Women
853
Men
252
Minority
31
International
Most frequent class size
20 - 29
Most frequent lab / sub section size
20 - 29
Graduation Rates
Graduate in 4 years
Graduate in 5 years
Graduate in 6 years
Majors
-
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.
Neuroscience.
-
BUSINESS, MANAGEMENT, MARKETING, AND RELATED SUPPORT SERVICES.
Accounting.
Business/Commerce, General.
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.
-
COMMUNICATION, JOURNALISM, AND RELATED PROGRAMS.
Advertising.
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.
Information Science/Studies.
-
EDUCATION.
Art Teacher Education.
Computer Teacher Education.
Education, General.
Physical Education Teaching and Coaching.
Special Education and Teaching, General.
-
ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGIES AND ENGINEERING-RELATED FIELDS.
Occupational Safety and Health Technology/Technician.
-
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.
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.
Diagnostic Medical Sonography/Sonographer and Ultrasound 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.
Therapeutic Recreation/Recreational Therapy.
-
HISTORY.
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.
International/Global Studies.
-
NATURAL RESOURCES AND CONSERVATION.
Environmental Studies.
Natural Resources/Conservation, General.
-
PARKS, RECREATION, LEISURE, AND FITNESS STUDIES.
Kinesiology and Exercise Science.
Sport and Fitness Administration/Management.
-
PHILOSOPHY AND RELIGIOUS STUDIES.
Philosophy.
Religion/Religious Studies, Other.
-
PHYSICAL SCIENCES.
Chemistry, General.
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
Graduate in 5 years
Graduate in 6 years
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
$9,733
Average Undergraduate Total Need-Based Gift Aid
$7,747
Average Need-Based Loan
$4,243
Undergraduates who have borrowed through any loan program
71%
Average amount of loan debt per graduate
$28,415
Average amount of each freshman scholarship/grant package
$5,057
Financial aid provided to international students
Yes
Expenses per Academic Year
Tuition (In-State)
$12,484
Tuition (Out-of-State)
$17,762
Required Fees
$0
Average Cost for Books and Supplies
$700
Tuition / Fees Vary by Year of Study
Yes
Board for Commuters
Transportation for Commuters
$400
On-Campus Room and Board
$8,690
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 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
Federal Perkins Loans
Federal Perkins 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
21,680
Foreign Countries Represented
68
Demographics
2.46%
Asian
4.69%
African-American
5.51%
Hispanic
81.86%
Caucasian
1.13%
International
59% female
41% 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
29%
Help finding off-campus housing
Yes
83/99
First-Year Students living on campus
87%
Campus Environment
Small Urban
90/99
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
Campus Links Red and Blue Program for Students with ASD
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
Men's Sports (Lakers)
10 Sports
Baseball
Basketball
Cross Country
Diving
Football
Golf
Swimming
Tennis
Track Field Indoor
Track Field Outdoor
Basketball
Cross Country
Diving
Football
Golf
Swimming
Tennis
Track Field Indoor
Track Field Outdoor
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
Sustainability
GVSU is dedicated to putting sustainability not only into action but also education, as evidenced by its receipt of one of the USGBC’s first education awards. The university was a founding member of the Community Sustainability Partnership, a collection of organizations that is helping to build sustainability in local neighborhoods and communities, and is a signatory of the ACUPCC and the Talloires Declaration. GVSU has fifteen LEED-certified buildings on campus, with two more under construction. The university also partakes in the yearly RecycleMania competition and has been able to compost about 50 tons of food waste per month. GVSU also focuses on sustainability in the kitchen—the food its dining services includes local, fair trade, and organic, and trays were eliminated, saving over 1.6 million gallons of water in one year alone. On the road, annual bus ridership is over 2.8 million bus rides per year for faculty and students, saving $21 million in annual vehicle maintenance costs and 1.8 million gallons of gas. In the classroom, currently 18 percent of all student credit hours are in sustainability related courses and more than 12,000 students register for these courses every semester. The Sustainable Agriculture Project runs a Community Supported Agriculture program and provides produce for the campus Farmer’s MarketGreen Mountain College
97/99
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
Available Transportation Alternatives
Bike Share
Yes
Carpool/Vanpool Matching Program
Yes
Condensed Work Week Option For Employees
Yes
Free Or Reduced Price Transit Passes And/Or Free Campus Shuttle
Yes
Indoor And Secure Bike Storage, Shower Facilities, And Lockers For Bicycle Commuters
Yes
Reduced Parking Fees For Car And Van Poolers
Yes
School Adopted A Policy Prohibiting Idling
Yes
School Developed Bicycle Plan
Yes
School Offers A Telecommute Program For Employees
Yes
Data provided by Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE), STARS®, as of March, 2020.
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: http://ope.ed.gov/security
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
