Grand Valley State University
Allendale, Michigan · Public · 83.0% acceptance rate
ROI Score: 60/100 · Fair Value
Grand Valley State University
Fair ValueQuick Numbers
| In-state tuition + fees | $15,140/yr |
| Out-of-state tuition + fees | $21,548/yr |
| Average net price | $16,317/yr |
| Total 4-year cost (net) | $65,268 |
| Median earnings (10yr post-entry) | $56,118 |
| Median earnings (6yr post-entry) | $37,700 |
| Median debt at graduation | $24,500 |
| Estimated monthly loan payment | $260 |
| Estimated payback period | 9.7 years |
| 6-year graduation rate | 67.0% |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 18,854 |
Data as of 2024-2025. Source: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education).
Net Price by Family Income
What families actually pay after grants and scholarships, by income bracket.
| Family Income | Avg Net Price/Year |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $12,272 |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $11,902 |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $12,861 |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $16,609 |
| $110,001+ | $22,534 |
Earnings by Major
Top 10 most popular majors at Grand Valley State University with available earnings data.
| Major | Median Earnings | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Biology | $52,176 | C |
| Psychology | $51,460 | D |
| Marketing | $69,592 | C+ |
| Registered Nursing | $79,188 | B |
| Finance and Financial Management | $71,348 | C+ |
| Kinesiology and Exercise Science | $53,175 | D |
| Education, General | $49,225 | C |
| Health Professions, Residency Programs | $62,482 | D |
| Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication | $57,599 | C |
| Accounting | $80,153 | C+ |
Earnings reflect median 4-year post-completion (or 1-year where 4-year unavailable). Grades based on debt-to-earnings ratio.
The Full Financial Picture
The sticker price at Grand Valley State University is $15,140/year ($21,548/year out-of-state). But sticker price isn't what most students pay. After grants, scholarships, and financial aid, the average student pays a net price of $16,317/year, or roughly $65,268 over four years.
That net price varies significantly by family income. The lowest-income families (under $30,000/year) pay an average of $12,272/year, while families earning over $110,000 pay $22,534/year.
The median graduate leaves with $24,500 in federal loan debt, translating to an estimated monthly payment of $260 on a standard 10-year repayment plan. Against median earnings of $56,118 ten years out, the debt-to-earnings ratio is 0.65 - within the recommended range but worth monitoring.
How Graduates Do
Earnings
Loan Repayment
| Metric | This School | Nat'l Avg |
|---|---|---|
| 1-year repayment | 67.0% | 52.0% |
| 3-year repayment | 70.8% | 62.0% |
| 5-year repayment | 68.1% | 68.0% |
| 7-year repayment | 75.3% | 72.0% |
Completion Rate
Admissions Snapshot
| Acceptance rate | 83.0% |
| SAT Math (25th-75th) | 460-590 |
| SAT Reading (25th-75th) | 480-600 |
| ACT Composite (25th-75th) | 22-30 |
| Enrollment | 18,854 |
| Pell Grant recipients | 29.2% |
| Avg faculty salary (monthly) | $10,156 |
Compared to Similar Schools
Peer institutions matched by type, size, and selectivity.
| School | ROI | Net Price | 10yr Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grand Valley State University (this school) | 60 | $16,317 | $56,118 |
| Temple University | 64 | $28,198 | $63,727 |
| East Carolina University | 61 | $15,739 | $55,146 |
| Appalachian State University | 58 | $16,836 | $51,836 |
| Central Michigan University | 51 | $17,597 | $55,874 |
| Eastern Michigan University | 42 | $15,407 | $51,793 |
The Verdict: A Reasonable Bet - With Caveats
Grand Valley State University offers fair financial value, though the ROI depends heavily on individual circumstances. The net cost of $16,317 per year leads to $65,268 over four years, while graduates earn a median of $56,118 a decade out. The payback period of 9.7 years is about average - not bad, but not a standout either.
Areas of concern include high debt relative to what graduates earn and concerning loan repayment rates.
Median debt of $24,500 against $56,118 in earnings is reasonable, though major choice matters significantly. Students in higher-earning programs will see better returns.
Rankings & Links
Guides & Tools
Data: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education)
Vintage: 2024-2025 · Last updated: 2026-03-25
Earnings reflect median outcomes for all federal financial aid recipients. Individual results vary by major, effort, and career path.