Academic Comparison between GVSU and WMU

Grand Valley State University and Western 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 WMU ($19,952).
  • It is harder to admit to GVSU than WMU.
  • GVSU has more students with 22,011 students while WMU has 16,744 students.
  • GVSU has a lower number of students per faculty with 15 to 1 while WMU's ratio is 16 to 1.
  • GVSU has more full-time faculties with 1,129 faculties while WMU has 743 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Grand Valley State Universityvs.Western Michigan University
Allendale, MichiganLocationKalamazoo, 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$15,987
Out-Of-State$19,952
75%% Receiving Financial Aid74%
$9,731Average Amount of Financial Aid$9,864
83.02 %Acceptance Rates84.60 %
18.59 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)13.53 %
1,060SAT Score-
26ACT Score-
67 %Graduation Rate58 %
14 %Transfer-out Rate27 %
76 %Retention Rate81 %
22,011Student Population16,744
1,129Number of Faculties743
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, Teacher Certification
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycareOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services