Grand Valley State University vs Northern Michigan University
Grand Valley State University is a public university in Allendale, MI, and Northern Michigan University is a public university in Marquette, MI. Grand Valley State University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 83% of applicants against 84% at Northern Michigan University. Northern Michigan University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $14,085 a year against $16,317 at Grand Valley State University. About 68% of students graduate at Grand Valley State University, compared with 52% at Northern Michigan University. Ten years after enrolling, Grand Valley State University alumni earn a median of about $56,118, against $47,107 for Northern Michigan University.
At a glance
Type
Public
Public
Location
Allendale, MI
Marquette, MI
Setting
Suburban
Suburban
Undergraduates
18,854
6,556
Acceptance rate
83%
84%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.32–3.82
3.32–3.82
SAT (middle 50%)
940–1190
970–1190
ACT (middle 50%)
22–30
20–26
Test policy
Test optional
Test blind
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$16,317
$14,085
Full cost / yr
$28,367
$27,841
In-state tuition
$15,140
$14,277
Out-of-state tuition
$21,548
$19,773
Application fee
$30
Not reported
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$12,272
$7,697
$30k - $48k
$11,902
$7,185
$48k - $75k
$12,861
$11,051
$75k - $110k
$16,609
$16,324
Over $110k
$22,534
$22,268
Outcomes
Graduation rate
68%
52%
Freshman retention
76%
78%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$47,840
$37,996
Median earnings (10 yr)
$56,118
$47,107
Median debt at graduation
$24,500
$21,474
Student body
Pell grant recipients
29%
28%
First-generation students
27%
28%
International students
1%
1%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
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.
- Is Grand Valley State University or Northern Michigan University harder to get into?
- Grand Valley State University is harder to get into. It admits about 83% of applicants, compared with 84% at Northern Michigan 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 Northern Michigan University?
- Northern Michigan University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $14,085 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $16,317 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.
- What is the full cost of attendance at Grand Valley State University and Northern Michigan University?
- Before aid, Northern Michigan University costs about $27,841 a year and Grand Valley State University about $28,367. 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 Northern Michigan University?
- Northern Michigan University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $7,697 there, against about $12,272 at Grand Valley State University. 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 Northern Michigan University?
- Grand Valley State University is the larger of the two, with about 18,854 undergraduates against 6,556 at Northern Michigan University.
- Does Grand Valley State University or Northern Michigan University have a better graduation rate?
- Grand Valley State University has the higher graduation rate, at about 68% against 52% at Northern Michigan University.
- Do graduates of Grand Valley State University or Northern Michigan University earn more?
- Grand Valley State University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $56,118 ten years after enrolling, against about $47,107 for Northern Michigan University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
- Do Grand Valley State University and Northern Michigan University require SAT or ACT scores?
- Grand Valley State University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Northern Michigan University is test blind and does not consider SAT or ACT scores at all.
- What SAT scores do Grand Valley State University and Northern Michigan University look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 940–1190 at Grand Valley State University and 970–1190 at Northern Michigan University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.
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Which of these is the better fit for you?
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