Grand Valley State University vs Western Michigan University
Grand Valley State University is a public university in Allendale, MI. Western Michigan University is a public university in Kalamazoo, MI. Grand Valley State University admits about 83% of applicants and Western Michigan University about 85%, making Grand Valley State University the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $15,273 a year at Western Michigan University after aid, and about $16,317 at Grand Valley State University. About 68% of students graduate at Grand Valley State University, compared with 58% at Western Michigan University. Ten years after enrolling, Grand Valley State University alumni earn a median of about $56,118, against $53,562 for Western Michigan University.
At a glance
Type
Public
Public
Location
Allendale, MI
Kalamazoo, MI
Setting
Suburban
Urban
Undergraduates
18,854
12,568
Acceptance rate
83%
85%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.32–3.82
3.38–3.88
SAT (middle 50%)
940–1190
990–1220
ACT (middle 50%)
22–30
20–27
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$16,317
$15,273
Full cost / yr
$28,367
$29,237
In-state tuition
$15,140
$15,252
Out-of-state tuition
$21,548
$19,034
Application fee
$30
$40
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$12,272
$5,263
$30k - $48k
$11,902
$5,734
$48k - $75k
$12,861
$13,833
$75k - $110k
$16,609
$18,307
Over $110k
$22,534
$23,625
Outcomes
Graduation rate
68%
58%
Freshman retention
76%
81%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$47,840
$45,356
Median earnings (10 yr)
$56,118
$53,562
Median debt at graduation
$24,500
$26,188
Student body
Pell grant recipients
29%
27%
First-generation students
27%
29%
International students
1%
4%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Dec 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.
- Is Grand Valley State University or Western Michigan University harder to get into?
- Grand Valley State University is harder to get into. It admits about 83% of applicants, compared with 85% at Western 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 Western Michigan University?
- Western Michigan University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $15,273 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 Western Michigan University?
- Before aid, Grand Valley State University costs about $28,367 a year and Western Michigan University about $29,237. 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 Western Michigan University?
- Western Michigan University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $5,263 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 Western Michigan University?
- Grand Valley State University is the larger of the two, with about 18,854 undergraduates against 12,568 at Western Michigan University.
- Does Grand Valley State University or Western Michigan University have a better graduation rate?
- Grand Valley State University has the higher graduation rate, at about 68% against 58% at Western Michigan University.
- Do graduates of Grand Valley State University or Western 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 $53,562 for Western Michigan University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
- Do Grand Valley State University and Western 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. Western Michigan University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
- What SAT scores do Grand Valley State University and Western Michigan University look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 940–1190 at Grand Valley State University and 990–1220 at Western Michigan University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.
Related comparisons
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Which of these is the better fit for you?
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