Academic Comparison between GVSU and Alma

Grand Valley State University and Alma College are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. GVSU is a four-year, public school located in Allendale, MI and Alma is a four-year, private (not-for-profit) school located in Alma, MI.

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.

  • GVSU is a public and Alma is a private (not-for-profit) school and both are four-year schools.
  • Alma has more expensive tuition & fees ($49,552) than GVSU ($21,894).
  • It is harder to admit to Alma than GVSU.
  • GVSU has more students with 22,011 students while Alma has 1,197 students.
  • Alma has a lower number of students per faculty with 14 to 1 while GVSU's ratio is 15 to 1.
  • GVSU has more full-time faculties with 1,129 faculties while Alma has 87 full-time faculties.
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GVSU Alma
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Grand Valley State Universityvs.Alma College
Allendale, MichiganLocationAlma, Michigan
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Private (not-for-profit)
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedMaster's degree
Doctoral / Research UniversityCarnegie ClassificationBaccalaureate College - Diverse Fields
In-State$15,502
Out-Of-State$21,894
2025 Tuition & Fees$49,552
75%% Receiving Financial Aid91%
$9,731Average Amount of Financial Aid$39,873
83.02 %Acceptance Rates57.03 %
18.59 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)9.60 %
1,060SAT Score-
26ACT Score-
67 %Graduation Rate63 %
14 %Transfer-out Rate-
76 %Retention Rate85 %
22,011Student Population1,197
1,129Number of Faculties87
15 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio14 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesROTC, Study Abroad, Teacher Certification
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycareOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services