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Colleges / MI / Allendale
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Grand Valley State University

Public Allendale, MI · Town · Great Lakes · 100% data reported · Agent Insights
68%
Graduation Rate
$56,118
Earnings (10yr)
$16,317
Net Price
83%
Acceptance Rate

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Overview

With an enrollment of nearly 19,000 students, Grand Valley State University is a solid choice for those looking for a welcoming environment where they can grow academically and socially. The school excels in programs like Business and Marketing, Health Professions, Biology and Biomedical Sciences, Psychology, and Communications. This variety makes it a great fit for students with diverse interests and career goals.

After graduation, students can expect to earn around $56,118 within ten years, which is a respectable figure considering the investment in their education. The affordability factor is significant, especially with a net price of $16,317 after financial aid, allowing many graduates to embark on their careers without overwhelming debt. While specific mobility rates aren't available, the combination of reasonable costs and decent post-graduation earnings suggests that many students find opportunities to improve their economic standing.

When it comes to the practical aspects of attending Grand Valley, the median debt of $24,500 indicates that students can manage their financial responsibilities without crippling burdens. The 29% of students receiving Pell Grants shows that there is support available for those who need it. This institution tends to attract individuals who are ready to take advantage of the resources and support systems in place, making it a strong choice for students looking to thrive in a community-focused setting.

Rankings

How Grand Compares

Dot right of center = above national average.

NATIONAL AVGGraduation68%Earnings 10yr$56KNet Price$16KRetention76%Median Debt$25KPell Grant Rate29%

Net Price by Family Income

What families actually pay after aid, by income bracket.

$12K$0-30K$12K$30-48K$13K$48-75K$23K$110K+

The Mobility Equation

Mobility = Access x Success. How many low-income students get in, and how many reach the top 20%?

ACCESS% from bottom 20%339.1%SUCCESS% who reach top 20%2331.3%MOBILITY79.06%

Cost & Financial Aid

$15,140
In-State Tuition
$21,548
Out-of-State
$16,317
Avg Net Price
$24,500
Median Debt
29%
Pell Grant Rate
50%
Federal Loan Rate

What Families Actually Pay

$12,272
Family Income $0–$30K
$11,902
Family Income $30K–$48K
$12,861
Family Income $48K–$75K
$22,534
Family Income $110K+

Graduate Outcomes

$47,840
6 Years After Entry
$51,712
8 Years
$56,118
10 Years
0.44x
Debt-to-Earnings
69%
Earning > $25K

Earnings Trajectory

$47,840 6yr $51,712 8yr $56,118 10yr

Social Mobility

Data: Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card · 30M+ anonymized tax records

79.06%
Mobility Rate
Bottom 20% → Top 20%
2331.3%
Success Rate
If bottom 20% get in
339.1%
From Bottom 20%
Share of students
$96,400
Parent Median Income

Social Capital

Data: Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas

1.70
Economic Connectedness
Cross-class friendships
-0.01
Friending Bias
Lower = more inclusive
8.1%
Volunteering Rate
0.98
Support Ratio
Community support

Innovation

Data: Opportunity Insights Patent & Innovation Data

0.367%
Inventor Rate
95
Total Patents
454
Total Citations

Academics & Admissions

Acceptance Rate 83%
Retention Rate 76%
SAT Average 1074
SAT Range 940–1190
ACT Range 22–30
Full-Time Faculty 66%
Faculty Salary (mo) $10,156
Diversity Index 0.43
First-Gen Students 27%

Top Programs

Business & Marketing 23%
Health Professions 14%
Biology & Biomedical 8%
Psychology 7%
Communications 5%
Social Sciences 4%
Education 4%
Visual & Performing Arts 4%