Overview of Grand Valley State University
Grand Valley State University (GVSU) is a public university located in Allendale, Michigan, with additional campuses in downtown Grand Rapids and Holland. Established in 1960, GVSU has grown into a comprehensive university with a commitment to providing high-quality education, fostering a vibrant campus community, and contributing to the economic and cultural development of the region.
Academic Excellence: GVSU is renowned for its commitment to academic excellence. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines, including liberal arts, business, health sciences, engineering, education, and the sciences. The academic curriculum is designed to prepare students for the challenges of the modern workforce while promoting critical thinking, creativity, and lifelong learning.
The faculty at GVSU are not only accomplished in their respective fields but are also dedicated to student success. The university emphasizes a student-centered approach, with smaller class sizes that facilitate meaningful interactions between students and professors. Additionally, GVSU promotes research opportunities for students, encouraging them to engage in hands-on projects and contribute to advancements in their chosen fields.
Campus and Facilities: GVSU’s main campus is situated in Allendale, a picturesque setting that spans over 1,300 acres. The campus features state-of-the-art facilities, including modern classrooms, research labs, and recreational spaces. The Mary Idema Pew Library Learning and Information Commons stands out as a hub for academic resources, providing students with access to extensive collections, collaborative spaces, and cutting-edge technology.
The university’s commitment to sustainability is evident in its eco-friendly initiatives and LEED-certified buildings. The sustainable practices align with GVSU’s goal of being an environmentally responsible institution.
Campus Life: The vibrant campus life at GVSU is characterized by a diverse and inclusive community. Students have the opportunity to engage in numerous extracurricular activities, including student organizations, clubs, and intramural sports. The Lakers, GVSU’s athletic teams, compete in the NCAA Division II and contribute to the campus spirit.
Cultural and artistic events further enrich the campus experience. The Cook-DeVos Center for Health Sciences houses the Cook-DeVos Center for Health Sciences Art Gallery, showcasing a variety of exhibits that contribute to the cultural vibrancy of the university. The Performing Arts Center in downtown Grand Rapids offers students and the community a venue for music, theater, and dance performances.
Community Engagement: Grand Valley State University is deeply connected to the community and emphasizes the importance of service and engagement. The university encourages students to participate in volunteer work, internships, and cooperative education programs that provide real-world experiences while benefiting the community. The Brooks College of Interdisciplinary Studies, in particular, emphasizes community-based learning and research.
The Michigan Small Business Development Center, housed at GVSU, plays a vital role in supporting local businesses and entrepreneurs. The university’s commitment to community partnerships extends to collaborations with local industries, healthcare institutions, and educational organizations.
Global Perspectives: GVSU recognizes the importance of global perspectives in education and offers numerous opportunities for international experiences. Study abroad programs, global internships, and exchange partnerships with universities around the world allow students to broaden their cultural understanding and enhance their academic and personal growth.
Grand Valley State University stands as a beacon of academic excellence, community engagement, and global awareness. Its commitment to providing a well-rounded education, fostering a diverse and inclusive campus culture, and contributing to the community’s well-being positions GVSU as a leading institution in the region. Whether through innovative academic programs, sustainable campus initiatives, or community outreach, GVSU continues to shape the future by empowering its students to make meaningful contributions to society.
1 Campus Drive Allendale, MI 49401
Phone: (800) 748-0246
Email: admissions@gvsu.edu
Web site: http://www.gvsu.edu
Rankings: Grand Valley State University
Located in Allendale, MI, Grand Valley State University is one of the best universities in the state of Michigan. On this page, you will find in-depth rankings for Grand Valley State University in the following areas: graduation rates, teaching resources, financing opportunities, and alumni donations. Latest acceptance rate is also given to show how competitive is Grand Valley State University.
| Rankings, Ratings, and Admissions Statistics | |
| Overall Ranking: | 36 |
| Score: | 47 |
| Peer college rating (out of 5) | 2.9 |
| Graduation and retention ranking: | 43 |
| Average freshman retention rate: | 83.8% |
| 6-year graduation rate: | 53.0% |
| Predicted graduation rate: | N/A |
| Overperformance(+)/Underperformance(-): | N/A |
| Faculty resources ranking: | 121 |
| Classes with under 20 students (2020): | 23.4% |
| Classes with 50 or more students (2020): | 6.7% |
| Student faculty ratio (2020): | 18:1 |
| Percent of faculty who are full-time (2020) | 84.8% |
| Student selectivity ranking: | 21 |
| SAT/ACT 25th-75th percentile (2020) | 21-26 |
| 2020 Freshmen in top 10 percent of high school class: | 20% |
| Freshmen in top 25 percent of high school class (2020): | 54% |
| Fall 2020 Acceptance rate: | 77.9% |
| Financial resources rank: | 86 |
| Alumni giving rank: | 87 |
| Average alumni giving rate (2020): | 8.0% |
Essential Facts: Grand Valley State University
- It is one of America’s 100 largest universities.
- In 1987 the Michigan Legislature passed a law renaming the college to “Grand Valley State University”.
- They have won 20 ‘NCAA Division II National Championships’ since 2002 in seven different sports.
Rules and regulations Sports Activities
| General Information | |
| Percent of undergraduate students who live in college-owned, operated, or affiliated housing: | 27% |
| Percent of undergraduates who are members of a fraternity: | 1% |
| Percent of student body who are members of a sorority: | 2% |
| Average percentage of students on campus during weekends: | 50% |
| Are all students permitted to have cars on campus? | Yes |
| Percent of students who have cars on campus: | 70% |
| Is alcohol permitted on campus for students of legal age? | Yes |
| Additional policies and regulations: | class attendance policies set by individual instructors, hazing prohibited, smoking prohibited, other |
| Collegiate athletic association: | NCAA II |
| Men’s scholarship sports: | baseball, basketball, cross country, football, golf, swimming, tennis, track and field (indoor), track and field (outdoor) |
| Women’s scholarship sports: | basketball, cross country, golf, soccer, softball, swimming, tennis, track and field (indoor), track and field (outdoor), volleyball |
| Student activities: | campus ministries, choral groups, concert band, dance, drama/theater, international student organization, jazz band, literary magazine, marching band, music ensembles, musical theater, pep band, radio station, student government, student newspaper, symphony orchestra, television station |