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Grand Valley State University vs Wayne State University

Grand Valley State University is a public university in Allendale, MI, and Wayne State University is a public university in Detroit, MI. Wayne State University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 81% of applicants against 83% at Grand Valley State University. Wayne State University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $12,766 a year against $16,317 at Grand Valley State University. About 68% of students graduate at Grand Valley State University, compared with 58% at Wayne State University. Ten years after enrolling, Grand Valley State University alumni earn a median of about $56,118, against $53,493 for Wayne State University.

Grand Valley State University

Allendale, MI · Public

Wayne State University

Detroit, MI · Public
At a glance
Type
Public
Public
Location
Allendale, MI
Detroit, MI
Setting
Suburban
Urban
Undergraduates
18,854
15,587
Acceptance rate
83%
81%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.32–3.82
3.39–3.89
SAT (middle 50%)
940–1190
1060–1270
ACT (middle 50%)
22–30
23–29
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$16,317
$12,766
Full cost / yr
$28,367
$27,350
In-state tuition
$15,140
$15,190
Out-of-state tuition
$21,548
$32,037
Application fee
$30
$25
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$12,272
$11,090
$30k - $48k
$11,902
$10,721
$48k - $75k
$12,861
$12,068
$75k - $110k
$16,609
$14,828
Over $110k
$22,534
$19,862
Outcomes
Graduation rate
68%
58%
Freshman retention
76%
83%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$47,840
$45,207
Median earnings (10 yr)
$56,118
$53,493
Median debt at graduation
$24,500
$21,250
Student body
Pell grant recipients
29%
46%
First-generation students
27%
38%
International students
1%
2%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Dec 15
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.

Frequently asked questions
Is Grand Valley State University or Wayne State University harder to get into?
Wayne State University is harder to get into. It admits about 81% 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 Wayne State University?
Wayne State University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $12,766 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 Wayne State University?
Before aid, Wayne State University costs about $27,350 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 Wayne State University?
Wayne State University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $11,090 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 Wayne State University?
Grand Valley State University is the larger of the two, with about 18,854 undergraduates against 15,587 at Wayne State University.
Does Grand Valley State University or Wayne State University have a better graduation rate?
Grand Valley State University has the higher graduation rate, at about 68% against 58% at Wayne State University.
Do graduates of Grand Valley State University or Wayne State University earn more?
Grand Valley State University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $56,118 ten years after enrolling, against about $53,493 for Wayne State University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Grand Valley State University and Wayne State University require SAT or ACT scores?
Grand Valley State University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Wayne State University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Grand Valley State University and Wayne State University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 940–1190 at Grand Valley State University and 1060–1270 at Wayne State University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

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