Students at Grand Valley State University benefit from above-average earnings that consistently outperform many peer institutions, with graduates earning solid returns on their educational investment.
The university combines strong financial outcomes with exceptional affordability, creating reliable pathways to economic advancement for Michigan families.
Azimuth ranks Grand Valley State University among the top third of public four-year institutions nationwide for overall value, reflecting its consistent ability to deliver solid outcomes across multiple dimensions. Located in Allendale, Michigan, GVSU combines the resources of a large public university with above-average affordability and strong graduation rates that exceed 68% within six years.
What distinguishes Grand Valley is its balanced approach to higher education value. Students earn a median of $56,118 ten years after enrollment, placing the university well above average nationally for long-term earnings. The institution maintains reasonable net prices across income levels, with low-income students paying about $11,395 annually and middle-income families seeing costs around $14,507 per year.
As a comprehensive public university serving over 20,000 students, GVSU offers broad academic programming while maintaining manageable debt levels for graduates. The university's position as a "Selective Achievers" institution reflects its ability to deliver strong outcomes for the students it enrolls, particularly in business, engineering, and health sciences where employer demand remains consistently strong throughout Michigan and the broader Midwest region.
Grand Valley State University's program portfolio balances high-enrollment fields with specialized programs that deliver strong financial returns. Digital Marketing stands out as the highest aggregate return program, combining substantial enrollment of 314 graduates with solid earnings of $45,956, making it a key economic driver for the institution. Biology represents the largest program with 327 graduates, though earnings are more moderate at $32,791, reflecting typical pathways toward graduate school or entry-level positions in healthcare and research.
Engineering programs deliver the strongest individual earnings outcomes at GVSU. Mechanical Engineering graduates earn approximately $69,338 early in their careers, representing some of the highest-paying opportunities available and reflecting strong demand for engineering talent throughout Michigan's manufacturing and automotive sectors. The university's engineering programs, while smaller in scale, consistently produce graduates who command premium salaries in the regional job market.
The university's program mix reflects its comprehensive mission, offering both practical career preparation and foundational disciplines. Business and engineering programs provide clear pathways to immediate career success, while programs like Biology serve students planning advanced study or careers requiring additional training. This diversity allows GVSU to serve students with varying career goals while maintaining strong overall employment outcomes across its graduate population.
Grand Valley State University graduates achieve solid long-term financial outcomes that place the institution well above average nationally. Ten years after enrollment, graduates earn a median of $56,118, with the university ranking in the 68th percentile for earnings among public institutions. This performance reflects GVSU's strength across multiple high-return fields and its ability to prepare students for stable, well-paying careers throughout Michigan and the broader Midwest.
The university's strongest financial outcomes come from its engineering and business programs. Mechanical Engineering graduates earn around $69,338 early in their careers, representing some of the highest-paying opportunities available at GVSU. Digital Marketing, which combines high enrollment with strong earnings at $45,956, serves as a key economic engine for the institution, graduating 314 students annually into growing fields. Biology remains the largest program with 327 graduates, though earnings are more moderate at $32,791, reflecting the field's typical trajectory toward graduate school or entry-level positions in healthcare and research.
The university's comprehensive program mix supports both immediate career entry and longer-term professional growth. Students benefit from GVSU's established relationships with Michigan employers and its reputation for producing work-ready graduates across business, engineering, education, and health sciences. This employer recognition helps explain why GVSU graduates consistently achieve earnings that exceed many peer institutions in the region.
Grand Valley State University offers strong affordability across income levels, making it accessible to a broad range of Michigan families. Low-income students pay approximately $11,395 per year after aid, while middle-income families see annual costs around $14,507, both representing above-average value compared with similar public universities. Even high-income families pay a reasonable $23,541 annually, reflecting GVSU's commitment to keeping education costs manageable across the economic spectrum.
Debt levels at GVSU remain well within sustainable ranges for most graduates. Typical students leave with about $24,500 in federal loan debt, a moderate amount that aligns well with the university's median earnings of $56,118 ten years out. Parent PLUS borrowing averages $20,544, representing a reasonable level for families who choose to contribute directly to their student's education costs.
What makes GVSU particularly sustainable financially is the combination of reasonable upfront costs and solid post-graduation earnings. The university maintains a 0% federal loan default rate, indicating that graduates can successfully manage their debt obligations. With strong graduation rates exceeding 68% and consistent employer demand for GVSU graduates throughout Michigan, families can approach the investment with confidence that students will complete their degrees and enter stable career paths.
Grand Valley State University Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
