Academic Comparison between MSU and GVSU

Michigan State University and Grand Valley State University are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. Both Schools are four-year, public and located in Michigan

Comparison at a Glance

The following list compares two colleges briefly in important perspectives. You can compare them with comprehensive information on full comparison page.

  • Both schools are four-year, public schools.
  • MSU has more expensive tuition & fees ($44,040) than GVSU ($21,154).
  • It is harder to admit to MSU than GVSU.
  • MSU has a higher submitted SAT score (1,250) than GVSU (1,070).
  • MSU has higher submitted ACT score (28) than GVSU (24).
  • MSU has more students with 50,023 students while GVSU has 21,648 students.
  • GVSU has a lower number of students per faculty with 15 to 1 while MSU's ratio is 17 to 1.
  • MSU has more full-time faculties with 2,996 faculties while GVSU has 1,101 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Michigan State Universityvs.Grand Valley State University
East Lansing, MichiganLocationAllendale, Michigan
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Public
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree
Research University (very high research activity)Carnegie ClassificationDoctoral / Research University
In-State$17,270
Out-Of-State$44,040
2024 Tuition & Fees
In-State$14,978
Out-Of-State$21,154
69%% Receiving Financial Aid85%
$10,980Average Amount of Financial Aid$7,921
83.92 %Acceptance Rates94.69 %
19.29 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)21.02 %
1,250SAT Score1,070
28ACT Score24
81 %Graduation Rate66 %
10 %Transfer-out Rate14 %
89 %Retention Rate79 %
50,023Student Population21,648
2,996Number of Faculties1,101
17 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio15 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening CollegeSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher Certification
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement servicesOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycare