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Grand Valley State University

#408 in US ranking Allendale, MI
Type:
Public
Programs:
4 years or more

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Cost

Cost / year
$28,770
Tuition & fees
$15,752
Avg. aid
$9,731
Receiving aid
94%

Admissions

Acceptance rate
83%
SAT range
940–1190
ACT range
22–30

Outcomes

Graduation rate
67%
Median salary
$48,148
1 yr after graduation

What is the accreditation of Grand Valley State University?

Grand Valley State University is institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Institutional accreditation evaluates the university as a whole; it is distinct from accreditation granted to an individual professional program.

Program-specific accreditation can matter when a student intends to pursue a license or enter a regulated profession. For example, business, engineering, and nursing applicants should check the accreditation status of their particular program, rather than assume every degree within a college has the same recognition. Institutional accreditation generally supports eligibility for federal student aid, but it does not guarantee that another college will accept a transfer course or that a graduate will qualify for a professional license.

What are the admission requirements at Grand Valley State University?

First-year applicants generally apply with a secondary-school record showing completion of high school or an accepted equivalent. GVSU reviews academic coursework and GPA; college-preparatory preparation is part of its published admissions criteria.

SAT and ACT scores are considered when submitted but are not required under the admissions information reflected in recent institutional reporting. Recommendations are not listed as a general requirement. Applicants whose first language is not English may need to document English proficiency, and requirements can differ for international, graduate, and selective-program applicants.

In a recent entering-class reporting period, GVSU admitted 22,464 of 27,059 first-year applicants, an acceptance rate of about 83%. This describes a past admissions cycle, not an individual applicant's chances. Students should check the application route and term they intend to use for current deadlines and any additional program materials.

What are the application fees and waivers at Grand Valley State University?

Application charges and waiver procedures can depend on the applicant category and application route. A prospective student should confirm the amount displayed in GVSU's current application before submitting it; an application fee is separate from any later enrollment, orientation, or tuition payment.

Applicants who may qualify for a fee waiver should review the instructions for their application route before paying. Where a waiver is available, the application or admissions office should explain the eligibility documentation and how to request it. Paying first may make a waiver harder to apply retroactively.

What types of ROTC programs are available at Grand Valley State University?

Students interested in officer training should check GVSU's current Army ROTC participation arrangements and confirm where military-science instruction takes place. ROTC participation through a university does not necessarily mean that every branch operates its own unit on that campus.

Prospective participants should establish which branch and host program will handle enrollment, fitness standards, and scholarship applications. An ROTC scholarship is not automatic, and commissioning normally carries a military service obligation. Students seeking Air Force or Navy ROTC should verify whether a current cross-enrollment option is available before making enrollment plans around it.

What are the requirements for transfer students at Grand Valley State University?

GVSU accepts transfer applicants and generally considers college credit earned at accredited institutions. Transfer entry is available in fall, winter, spring, and summer terms, although course availability and program start dates may differ.

Applicants should submit official transcripts from every college attended and check whether their intended major has separate GPA, prerequisite, or application requirements. GVSU also recognizes some examination and other evaluated learning credits, including AP, CLEP, DSST, and qualifying ACE-recommended credit, subject to its credit policies. Admission to the university and acceptance of a particular course toward a major are separate decisions.

Before enrolling, transfer students should use GVSU's transfer-equivalency and advising resources to compare courses, then request an official evaluation of how accepted credits meet degree requirements. That distinction is especially important for students close to finishing an associate degree or entering a sequenced major: a course can transfer as credit without replacing a required major course.

What types of study abroad programs are available at Grand Valley State University?

GVSU offers international study options that can include short-term faculty-led experiences and longer programs arranged through exchanges or approved partners. Program length, destination, coursework, and supervision vary.

Students should obtain academic approval before committing to a program so they know how overseas courses will count toward their degree. They should also compare the full program budget - including travel, housing, insurance, and personal expenses - with any applicable scholarships or financial aid. A partner-operated program may have different payment and credit procedures from one run directly by GVSU.

Grand Valley State University Admissions Factors

SAT range
940–1190
4001600
ACT range
22–30
136
Acceptance rate
83%

Acceptance rate vs. median

This school
83%
Michigan
80.5%
US
78%

19% of admitted students enrolled (4,175 of 22,464)

ACT scores of enrolled students

ACT in range 12-17
ACT in range 18-23
ACT in range 24-29
ACT in range 30-36

Grand Valley State University Admissions

Applicants
Total: 27,059
Admission
Total: 22,464
Enrolled
Total: 4,175
Women
Men

How to Apply to Grand Valley State University

Early Decision

No

Early Action

No

Grand Valley State University First-Year Students

Where first-year students come from

In-state: 3,823
Out-of-state: 315
International: 36

Freshmen vs. transfer students

Freshmen: 4,175
Transfer: 1,196

Grand Valley State University Admission Requirements

Percent of students submitting ACT scores

3%

Percent of students submitting SAT scores

54%

High school completions

General Educational Development (GED) required

Computer purchase/lease plan is available in the institution

Yes

Secondary school GPA

Required

Secondary school rank

Considered but not required

Secondary school record

Required

Completion of college-preparatory program

Required

Recommendations

Neither required nor recommended

Formal demonstration of competencies

Neither required nor recommended

Admission test scores

Considered but not required

TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language

Required

Other Test (Wonderlic, WISC-III, etc.)

Neither required nor recommended

Open admission policy

No

Dual credit

No

Credit for life experiences

Yes

Advanced placement (AP) credits

Yes

Special learning opportunities

Orientation program

Yes

Disabilities services

Yes

Study abroad

Yes

Student can complete their preparation in certain areas of specialization

No

Preparation at another institution required

No

Approved by the state for initial certification or licensure of teacher

Yes

Grand Valley State University Transfer Acceptance Rate

Generally accepts credits

Yes

Accept ACE recommendation for credit

Yes

Possible transfer

Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer

Data last updated on November 5, 2026

Data sources: IPEDS 2024-25, Peterson 2026, College Scorecard 10/2026, Clery 2024 (2023-24), OpenAlex 2026

Figures on this profile come from federal and third-party datasets in the editions listed above and are refreshed periodically, so they may differ from what the institution currently reports. Confirm costs, deadlines and requirements with the school before making decisions.

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