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Grand Valley State University vs Hope College

Grand Valley State University is a public university in Allendale, MI. Hope College is a private college in Holland, MI. Hope College admits about 79% of applicants and Grand Valley State University about 83%, making Hope College the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $16,317 a year at Grand Valley State University after aid, and about $27,182 at Hope College. About 81% of students graduate at Hope College, compared with 68% at Grand Valley State University. Ten years after enrolling, Hope College alumni earn a median of about $58,427, against $56,118 for Grand Valley State University.

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Grand Valley State University

Allendale, MI · Public

Hope College

Holland, MI · Private
At a glance
Type
Public
Private
Location
Allendale, MI
Holland, MI
Setting
Suburban
Urban
Undergraduates
18,854
3,288
Acceptance rate
83%
79%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.32–3.82
3.44–3.94
SAT (middle 50%)
940–1190
1100–1340
ACT (middle 50%)
22–30
25–31
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$16,317
$27,182
Full cost / yr
$28,367
$55,646
In-state tuition
$15,140
$41,970
Out-of-state tuition
$21,548
$41,970
Application fee
$30
$0
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$12,272
$17,606
$30k - $48k
$11,902
$16,590
$48k - $75k
$12,861
$18,206
$75k - $110k
$16,609
$25,017
Over $110k
$22,534
$32,754
Outcomes
Graduation rate
68%
81%
Freshman retention
76%
88%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$47,840
$49,727
Median earnings (10 yr)
$56,118
$58,427
Median debt at graduation
$24,500
$26,800
Student body
Pell grant recipients
29%
16%
First-generation students
27%
15%
International students
1%
3%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Nov 1
Regular decision
Mar 1
Rolling

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is Grand Valley State University or Hope College harder to get into?
Hope College is harder to get into. It admits about 79% of applicants, compared with 83% at Grand Valley State University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Grand Valley State University or Hope College?
Grand Valley State University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $16,317 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $27,182 at Hope College. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at Grand Valley State University and Hope College?
Before aid, Grand Valley State University costs about $28,367 a year and Hope College about $55,646. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Grand Valley State University or Hope College?
Grand Valley State University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $12,272 there, against about $17,606 at Hope College. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Grand Valley State University or Hope College?
Grand Valley State University is the larger of the two, with about 18,854 undergraduates against 3,288 at Hope College.
Does Grand Valley State University or Hope College have a better graduation rate?
Hope College has the higher graduation rate, at about 81% against 68% at Grand Valley State University.
Do graduates of Grand Valley State University or Hope College earn more?
Hope College alumni earn more on average: a median of about $58,427 ten years after enrolling, against about $56,118 for Grand Valley State University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Grand Valley State University and Hope College require SAT or ACT scores?
Grand Valley State University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Hope College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Grand Valley State University and Hope College look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 940–1190 at Grand Valley State University and 1100–1340 at Hope College. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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1 Discovery quiz: find your major2 Matchmaker: your odds + net price at every school