Academic Comparison between GVSU and Central Michigan

Grand Valley State University and Central Michigan 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.
  • GVSU has more expensive tuition & fees ($21,894) than Central Michigan ($15,480).
  • It is harder to admit to GVSU than Central Michigan.
  • Central Michigan has a higher submitted SAT score (1,060) than GVSU (1,060).
  • GVSU has higher submitted ACT score (26) than Central Michigan (24).
  • GVSU has more students with 22,011 students while Central Michigan has 14,488 students.
  • GVSU has a lower number of students per faculty with 15 to 1 while Central Michigan's ratio is 16 to 1.
  • GVSU has more full-time faculties with 1,129 faculties while Central Michigan has 659 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Grand Valley State Universityvs.Central Michigan University
Allendale, MichiganLocationMount Pleasant, Michigan
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Public
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree
Doctoral / Research UniversityCarnegie ClassificationResearch University (high research activity)
In-State$15,502
Out-Of-State$21,894
2025 Tuition & Fees
In-State$15,480
Out-Of-State$15,480
75%% Receiving Financial Aid83%
$9,731Average Amount of Financial Aid$10,541
83.02 %Acceptance Rates89.82 %
18.59 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)11.26 %
1,060SAT Score1,080
26ACT Score24
67 %Graduation Rate59 %
14 %Transfer-out Rate-
76 %Retention Rate75 %
22,011Student Population14,488
1,129Number of Faculties659
15 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio16 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher Certification
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycareOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services