Academic Comparison between GVSU and MSU

Grand Valley State University and Michigan 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 ($44,850) than GVSU ($21,894).
  • It is harder to admit to GVSU than MSU.
  • MSU has a higher submitted SAT score (1,060) than GVSU (1,060).
  • MSU has higher submitted ACT score (26) than GVSU (26).
  • MSU has more students with 52,089 students while GVSU has 22,011 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 3,013 faculties while GVSU has 1,129 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Grand Valley State Universityvs.Michigan State University
Allendale, MichiganLocationEast Lansing, Michigan
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Public
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree
Doctoral / Research UniversityCarnegie ClassificationResearch University (very high research activity)
In-State$15,502
Out-Of-State$21,894
2025 Tuition & Fees
In-State$18,079
Out-Of-State$44,850
75%% Receiving Financial Aid80%
$9,731Average Amount of Financial Aid$9,834
83.02 %Acceptance Rates84.80 %
18.59 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)18.32 %
1,060SAT Score1,260
26ACT Score28
67 %Graduation Rate81 %
14 %Transfer-out Rate-
76 %Retention Rate90 %
22,011Student Population52,089
1,129Number of Faculties3,013
15 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio17 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
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycareOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services