Grand Valley State University

What are the graduation rates for students at Grand Valley State University?

Grand Valley State University demonstrates a strong overall graduation success, with a six-year graduation rate standing at 69%, positioning it within the top 30% nationally. This rate reflects students who complete their bachelor's degrees within six years of initial enrollment. The four-year graduation rate is somewhat lower at 45%, placing the university around the median percentile nationally, which indicates that nearly half of students finish their degree within the traditional four-year timeframe.

Retention rates, an important indicator of student satisfaction and institutional support, show that 77% of first-year students continue their studies after their initial year, situating the university in the middle range compared to peers.

When examining graduation rates by gender, women have a higher overall graduation rate of 72%, while for men it is slightly lower at 64%. Both rates remain strong enough to place the university within the top 30% for graduation outcomes. This difference highlights a favorable trend of persistence among female students at Grand Valley State University.

The data does not provide graduation rates broken down by specific majors or degree types, but the available statistics underline the institution's commitment to facilitating timely degree completion for a broad range of students.

What is the earning potential for graduates at Grand Valley State University?

Graduates of Grand Valley State University experience a wide range of earning potentials depending on their chosen field of study. Those who pursue engineering disciplines tend to earn some of the highest salaries. For example, graduates in Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering report average earnings of $74,641, while Mechanical Engineering majors earn around $70,095. Manufacturing Engineering also offers strong earning prospects with an average income of $68,319. Quality Control and Safety Technologies graduates earn approximately $57,039.

Computer and information science fields also present lucrative opportunities. Computer and Information Sciences majors receive average earnings of $62,211, and Information Science/Studies graduates earn about $58,382. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, and Clinical Nursing programs similarly offer competitive wages, with graduates earning around $59,822.

Business-related degrees demonstrate solid mid-to-high earning potential as well. Business Administration, Management, and Operations graduates have an average income of $51,957, while those in Finance and Financial Management Services earn about $47,558. Other business specialties such as Accounting and Related Services, Business/Managerial Economics, Human Resources Management, International Business, Management Sciences, and Marketing report earnings ranging from roughly $43,700 to $47,300.

In the sciences, Mathematics majors earn on average $41,498, Chemistry graduates about $40,048, and Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology holders around $39,331. Social Sciences and related fields such as Social Sciences General, Communication, Journalism, and Related Programs, Other, and Statistics yield average earnings in the mid-to-high $30,000s.

Degrees in Communication, Media, and Public Relations fields typically provide earnings between $30,680 and $38,420. Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication in particular report an average salary of $37,125. Legal Support Services graduates earn approximately $36,426, while Criminal Justice and Corrections majors make about $34,822 on average.

Educational programs at Grand Valley State University tend to yield earnings in the lower range mid-$30,000s, with Education General at $38,643 and Teacher Education around $30,428. Health and allied health fields such as Allied Health Diagnostic Professions and Health and Medical Administrative Services offer moderate earnings, commonly ranging from the high $28,000s up to just under $50,000.

Fields within arts and humanities show varied outcomes, often earning less than science or business degrees. For instance, English Language and Literature graduates earn about $37,452, while Geography and Cartography majors earn $37,652. In contrast, graduates in Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies report average earnings near $23,340, and Philosophy majors about $22,671. Music graduates make around $32,676, and Sociology majors earn roughly $28,186 on average.