Grand Valley State University Programs & Rankings

Business programs represent Grand Valley State's strongest overall performance, with multiple programs ranking in the top 100 nationally. Digital Marketing ranks #47 nationally with $60,394 earnings, while Banking and Financial Support Services ranks #82 nationally at $66,308.

These programs combine solid earnings with manageable debt levels and strong value scores. Best suited for students seeking proven career pathways with balanced risk-reward profiles.

Health professions programs demonstrate mixed outcomes at Grand Valley State. Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences ranks #5 nationally with strong earnings of $54,508, while Adult Health Nursing shows lower value scores despite $63,576 earnings due to higher debt loads.

These programs excel in job market demand but vary significantly in financial outcomes depending on specific career track.

Psychology represents the university's primary offering in this category, graduating 233 students with median earnings of $43,206. The program ranks #164 nationally with moderate value scores, reflecting typical outcomes for social science fields that often require graduate study for career advancement.

Best suited for students planning advanced education or careers prioritizing social impact over maximum earnings.

Advertising ranks #31 nationally with earnings of $49,854, representing solid performance in a competitive field. The program graduates 152 students annually with moderate value scores, indicating balanced outcomes for communications careers.

Best suited for students seeking creative industry pathways who understand earnings growth often comes with experience rather than immediately after graduation.

English Language and Literature represents the primary humanities offering, graduating 118 students with earnings of $41,299. The program ranks #140 nationally with moderate value scores, reflecting typical outcomes for liberal arts fields that prioritize broad intellectual development.

Best suited for students planning graduate study or careers where communication skills and critical thinking outweigh immediate earning potential.

Education General ranks #10 nationally and #1 in Michigan, demonstrating Grand Valley State's strength in teacher preparation. With 221 graduates earning $43,291, the program reflects typical education field earnings while maintaining strong reputation.

This program excels for students committed to teaching careers who value program quality and in-state recognition over maximum earning potential.

Brewery Operations Management represents Grand Valley State's specialized vocational offering, graduating 106 students with earnings of $40,367. This unique program ranks #58 nationally in its niche field, though with lower value scores due to debt-to-earnings ratios.

Best suited for students passionate about brewing industry careers who value specialized training in an emerging field.

Corrections Administration ranks #50 nationally with strong earnings of $52,352 and excellent value scores of 74.3, demonstrating Grand Valley State's particular strength in law enforcement preparation. The program combines solid earnings with manageable debt levels.

Well-suited for students committed to public safety careers who value both earning potential and public service impact.

Exercise Science and Kinesiology serves as the largest program in this category, graduating 272 students with earnings of $29,913, though ranking #195 nationally with low value scores. The program faces challenging debt-to-earnings ratios typical of fitness and recreation fields.

Best suited for students committed to health and wellness careers who plan additional certifications or graduate study to improve earning potential.