Grand Valley State University's published cost of attendance reaches $26,578 annually, including $20,820 in out-of-state tuition, $11,142 for room and board, and $780 for books and supplies. In-state students pay $14,628 in tuition, reducing the total cost considerably.
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Net prices are averages and may vary. Based on federal data for first-time, full-time students receiving aid.
| Cost Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Cost of Attendance (Sticker Price) | $26,578 |
| Tuition and Fees | $20,820 |
| Room and Board | $11,142 |
| Books and Supplies | $780 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$9,482 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $17,096 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $11,395 |
| $30–48k | $11,390 |
| $48–75k | $14,507 |
| $75–110k | $20,860 |
| $110k+ | $23,541 |
Grand Valley State University's published cost of attendance reaches $26,578 annually, including $20,820 in out-of-state tuition, $11,142 for room and board, and $780 for books and supplies. In-state students pay $14,628 in tuition, reducing the total cost considerably. However, the average student pays just $17,096 after financial aid, representing $9,482 in average savings from the sticker price.
This net price falls $1,506 below the peer median of $15,590, indicating Grand Valley State provides relatively affordable access compared to similar institutions. The university's cost structure reflects its public mission to provide accessible higher education while maintaining quality academic programs. Financial aid effectiveness helps reduce the burden on families across income levels, though the impact varies significantly based on family economic circumstances.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt is well below typical first-year earnings — generally considered very manageable.
Student debt levels at Grand Valley State reflect moderate borrowing patterns aligned with the university's accessible mission. Median debt reaches $24,500, above the peer median of $20,000 by $4,500, indicating higher borrowing among Grand Valley State graduates.
Debt ranges from $8,258 at the 25th percentile to $28,000 at the 75th percentile, showing meaningful variation in borrowing patterns. The debt percentile ranking of 38th nationally indicates below average performance on this measure.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.44 means typical graduates carry debt equivalent to roughly 44% of their first-year earnings, which falls within manageable ranges but requires careful financial planning. Parent PLUS loans show median debt of $20,544 with monthly payments of $271, adding to family financial obligations.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
Grand Valley State University presents a balanced investment proposition combining accessibility, moderate costs, and solid career preparation. Graduates earn $4,156 below expectations based on student demographics, ranking in the 37th percentile for earnings beyond expectations, indicating the institution performs modestly below similar institutions on this measure.
However, median earnings of $56,118 place graduates at the 60th percentile nationally, demonstrating above average outcomes overall. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.44 requires careful financial planning but remains manageable for most career paths.
Compared to peer institutions, Grand Valley State graduates earn $4,425 less annually while carrying $4,500 more in debt, creating a mixed financial picture. The investment assessment benefits from the university's proven track record in economic mobility, ranking at the 92.1st percentile, indicating strong performance in helping students from diverse backgrounds achieve upward economic progress.
Grand Valley State's financial aid approach reflects its commitment to broad access and affordability. The 25.8% Pell share indicates meaningful enrollment of students from lower-income backgrounds, supported by substantial aid that reduces average costs from $26,578 to $17,096.
The $9,482 average financial aid savings demonstrates significant institutional investment in making education affordable. Aid concentration toward lower-income families creates the progressive net price structure, with the lowest-income students paying roughly half what the highest-income families pay.
This approach enables Grand Valley State to serve diverse economic backgrounds while maintaining financial sustainability. The aid effectiveness helps explain how the university maintains open access admission while delivering solid post-graduation outcomes, creating pathways for students who might otherwise face financial barriers to higher education.
