At a Glance
Grand Valley State University is a large public university in Allendale, MI. Approximately 18,854 undergraduates are enrolled. Admissions are accessible with a 83% acceptance rate. Lake Michigan is about 17 miles from campus. Ski resorts are within 19 miles of campus. CollegeCove's campus safety score is 50/100 (Less Safe), based on U.S. Department of Education Clery Act data.
SAT Scores (25th–75th Percentile)
SAT Evidence-Based Reading
SAT Math
Location
Allendale, MI
Campus Identity
Grand Valley State University is a large public university in Allendale, MI. Approximately 18,854 undergraduates are enrolled. Admissions are accessible with a 83% acceptance rate. Lake Michigan is about 17 miles from campus. Ski resorts are within 19 miles of campus. CollegeCove's campus safety score is 50/100 (Less Safe), based on U.S. Department of Education Clery Act data.
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Campus Lifestyle
Grand Valley State University is a 20,000+, small-town school with NCAA D2 athletics. The campus is 19 miles from Mulligan's Hollow Ski Bowl.
Athletics
NCAA D2
Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic
School Size & Setting
20,000+
Town setting
Weather
Cold Climate
40°F avg school-year
Nearby Ski Resorts
Grand Valley State University students have access to 3 ski resorts within driving distance. The closest is Mulligan's Hollow Ski Bowl, 19 miles away with 5 lifts and 10 skiable acres. All are within 34 miles of campus.
Michigan
Michigan
Michigan
Nearby Lake
Lake Michigan is 17 miles from campus, giving Grand Valley State University students access to boating, swimming, and waterfront recreation.
Lake Michigan
Lake access within 17.4 miles
Average Monthly Temperature
1991–2020 Climate Normals · Allendale, MI
Allendale has a cool climate, with winters averaging 23°F in Jan and summers peaking around 70°F in Jul.
Station: KENT CITY 2 SW · Source: NOAA NCEI
On Campus Safety Score
2021–2023 U.S. Dept. of Education Campus Safety and Security data normalized per 1,000 students
Grand Valley State University in MI earns a composite safety score of 50/100, rated Less Safe among U.S. colleges.
On Campus Safety data from the U.S. Dept. of Education Clery Act Database, normalized per 1,000 enrolled students. Higher scores indicate a safer environment. Review detailed data on the U.S. Dept. of Education Campus Safety and Security website.
Cost Breakdown
2024-25 academic year. Tuition: College Scorecard. Fees and room & board: IPEDS/NCES.
| Cost Item | In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $15,140 | $21,548 |
| Room & Board | $11,550 | $11,550 |
| Total Estimated Cost | $26,690 | $33,098 |
What students actually pay after grants and scholarships. Source: College Scorecard.
Fields of Study
162 programs offered
Most Popular Programs
Bar width proportional to graduates per year. Earnings = median 4 years after graduation.
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect graduates working and not enrolled full-time. Data suppressed (shown as —) for programs with fewer than 30 graduates. Most recent available year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Grand Valley State University located?
Grand Valley State University is located in Allendale, MI. The main campus address is 1 Campus Dr, Allendale, MI. It is a public institution offering 4-year degree programs.
What is the acceptance rate at Grand Valley State University?
Grand Valley State University has an acceptance rate of 83%, making it accessible. Out of 27,059 applicants, 22,464 were admitted in the most recent year. 18,854 enrolled.
How many students attend Grand Valley State University?
Grand Valley State University enrolls 18,854 undergraduates. That figure counts degree-seeking undergraduate students across all years, not just the incoming class, and it excludes graduate students. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
What ACT score do you need for Grand Valley State University?
The middle 50% of enrolled students at Grand Valley State University scored between 22 and 30 on the ACT, with a median of 26. About 4% of enrolled students submitted ACT scores. Scoring in this range will put you within the typical range, though admissions decisions consider many factors.
How much does it cost to attend Grand Valley State University?
For the 2024-25 academic year, Grand Valley State University charges $15,140/year for in-state students and $21,548/year for out-of-state students. Including room and board ($11,550/year), the total estimated cost is approximately $19,296/year. The average net price after grants and scholarships is $16,317/year — what students actually pay. Use Grand Valley State University's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
What is the application fee for Grand Valley State University?
The undergraduate application fee at Grand Valley State University is $30. Check the admissions website for fee waiver eligibility.
What NCAA division is Grand Valley State University in?
Grand Valley State University competes in NCAA Division II, part of the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic. Division II programs offer athletic scholarships while keeping a closer balance between athletics and academics.
Is Grand Valley State University the right fit for me?
Whether Grand Valley State University is right for you depends on your academic goals, budget, lifestyle preferences, and career aspirations. Key factors to consider: admissions selectivity (83% admit rate), avg net price ($16,317/year after aid), campus culture in Allendale, and available programs. Use CollegeCove's compare tool to weigh Grand Valley State University against similar schools side-by-side.
Tuition: College Scorecard (2024-25). Fees, room & board, and other data: IPEDS/NCES 2024. Always verify with Grand Valley State University directly for the most current information.
Quick Facts
- Type
- Public
- Location
- Allendale, MI
- Size
- 20,000+
- Degrees Offered
- Bachelor's, Master's, Doctoral, Certificates
- NCAA
- NCAA D2
- Conference
- Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic
- School Year Weather
- Cold · 40°F avg
- App Fee
- $30
- On Campus Safety Score
- 50/100
- Nearest Airport
- Grand Rapids, MI (GRR) · 19 mialso MKG (23 mi), AZO (53 mi)