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 ($44,850) than GVSU ($21,894).
  • It is harder to admit to GVSU than MSU.
  • MSU has a higher submitted SAT score (1,260) than GVSU (1,060).
  • MSU has higher submitted ACT score (28) 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

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$18,079
Out-Of-State$44,850
2025 Tuition & Fees
In-State$15,502
Out-Of-State$21,894
80%% Receiving Financial Aid75%
$9,834Average Amount of Financial Aid$9,731
84.80 %Acceptance Rates83.02 %
18.32 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)18.59 %
1,260SAT Score1,060
28ACT Score26
81 %Graduation Rate67 %
-Transfer-out Rate14 %
90 %Retention Rate76 %
52,089Student Population22,011
3,013Number of Faculties1,129
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