Grand Valley State University emblem

Grand Valley State University

Allendale, United States • Founded 1960 • THE 2026 #1501-2191

Updated Jun 2026 · Source: gvsu.edu

Overview

Acronyms: GVSU
Founded: 1960
Institution Type: University
Control Type: Public
Entity Type: Non-profit
Rankings:
Times Higher Education 2026 #1501-2191 SCImago 2026 #3783
Motto: Educating students to shape their lives, their professions and their societies
Colours: Blue, black and white
Mascot: Louie the Laker
Grand Valley State University institutional facilities
1 / 2

Established in 1960, the Grand Valley State University is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the suburban setting of the large town of Allendale (population range of 10,000-49,999 inhabitants), Michigan.

This institution also has a branch campus in Grand Rapids. Officially accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, Grand Valley State University (GVSU) is a large-sized coeducational US higher education institution.

Grand Valley State University (GVSU) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and doctorate degrees in several areas of study. This 64-year-old US higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and students' past academic records and grades.

The acceptance rate range is 90-99% making this US higher education organization a least selective institution.

International applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment. GVSU also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, online courses and distance learning opportunities, as well as administrative services.

Location & Contact

Grand Valley State University's campus location, postal address, and admissions contact channels are below.

Address: 1 Campus Drive
Postal Code: 49401-9403
Phone: +1 (616) 331 5000
Fax: +1 (616) 331 2000
Social Media:

Academic Details

Enrolment, faculty headcount, and accreditation data for Grand Valley State University are listed below.

Recognition: Higher Learning Commission
Total Students: 18,854
Academic Staff Range: 1,000-1,499
Campus Setting: Suburban
Memberships & Networks
American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference National Athletic Association (NAA) National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)

Academic Structures

Grand Valley State University's academic units are listed below, by type.

Unit 8 items
  • Brooks College of Interdisciplinary Studies
  • College of Community and Public Services
  • College of Education
  • College of Health Professions
  • College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
  • Kirkhof College of Nursing
  • Padnos College of Engineering and Computing
  • Seidman College of Business

Programs Offered

The full set of programmes Grand Valley State University offers is searchable and grouped by level below.

159 programmes on record. Each level below shows a sample. Compare these on the programs page All programs in United States

Bachelor's Degree 83 programmes

Bachelor's Degree in Accounting and Related Services
Accounting
Bachelor's Degree in Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
Biomedical & Laboratory Sciences
Bachelor's Degree in Anthropology
Social & Cultural Studies
Bachelor's Degree in Area Studies
Social & Cultural Studies
Bachelor's Degree in Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
Biochemistry
Bachelor's Degree in Biological and Physical Sciences
Liberal Arts
Bachelor's Degree in Biology, General
Biological Sciences
Bachelor's Degree in Biomedical/Medical Engineering
Bio & Biomedical Engineering
Bachelor's Degree in Biopsychology
Liberal Arts
Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Management and Operations
Business Administration

Showing 10 of 83.

Master's Degree 36 programmes

Master's Degree in Accounting and Related Services
Accounting
Master's Degree in Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
Biomedical & Laboratory Sciences
Master's Degree in Biology, General
Biological Sciences
Master's Degree in Biomathematics, Bioinformatics, and Computational Biology
Biological Sciences
Master's Degree in Business/Commerce, General
Business Administration
Master's Degree in Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences
Molecular Biology
Master's Degree in Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
Clinical Psychology
Master's Degree in Communication and Media Studies
Communication Studies
Master's Degree in Communication Disorders Sciences and Services
Speech & Language Therapy
Master's Degree in Community Organization and Advocacy
Public Administration

Showing 10 of 36.

Doctorate 2 programmes

Doctorate in Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
Nursing
Doctorate in Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
Rehabilitation Sciences

Professional Doctorate 3 programmes

Professional Doctorate in Communication Disorders Sciences and Services
Speech & Language Therapy
Professional Doctorate in Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
Nursing
Professional Doctorate in Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
Rehabilitation Sciences

Certificate 21 programmes

Certificate in American Sign Language
Linguistics & Language Studies
Certificate in Anthropology
Social & Cultural Studies
Certificate in Bilingual, Multilingual, and Multicultural Education
Education & Teaching
Certificate in Business Administration, Management and Operations
Business Administration
Certificate in Business/Corporate Communications
Business Administration
Certificate in Chemistry
Chemistry
Certificate in Communication and Media Studies
Communication Studies
Certificate in Culinary Arts and Related Services
Culinary Arts
Certificate in Educational Administration and Supervision
Educational Leadership
Certificate in Engineering-Related Fields
General Engineering

Showing 10 of 21.

Postgraduate Certificate 14 programmes

Postgraduate Certificate in Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
Clinical Psychology
Postgraduate Certificate in Computer and Information Sciences, General
Computer Sciences
Postgraduate Certificate in Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management
Information Systems & Technology
Postgraduate Certificate in Data Analytics
Liberal Arts
Postgraduate Certificate in Educational Administration and Supervision
Educational Leadership
Postgraduate Certificate in Educational/Instructional Media Design
Education & Teaching
Postgraduate Certificate in Genetics
Biological Sciences
Postgraduate Certificate in History
History
Postgraduate Certificate in Information Science/Studies
Information Systems & Technology
Postgraduate Certificate in Medical Illustration and Informatics
Health Sciences

Showing 10 of 14.

How to apply to Grand Valley State University

A short guide to applying to Grand Valley State University — five steps.

  1. 1
    Research programmes at Grand Valley State University

    Grand Valley State University's catalogue includes 159 programmes. Browse by level, identify candidates matching your prior qualifications, and note their entry requirements for the next step.

  2. 2
    Review admissions criteria

    Entry requirements vary by programme and degree level. Verify academic minimums, language tests (if international), and any additional documents required for Grand Valley State University's admissions process.

  3. 3
    Gather supporting documents

    Typical documents include academic transcripts, identity proof (passport or national ID), language proficiency test scores, a personal statement or motivation letter, and recommendation letters. International applicants should account for translation and notarisation time.

  4. 4
    Lodge your application

    Submit your completed application through Grand Valley State University's official website at www.gvsu.edu. Most institutions use an online portal — register an account, complete the application form, and upload your prepared documents. Keep copies of all submissions and confirmation receipts.

  5. 5
    Confirm receipt and track progress

    Follow up to confirm your application was received and is being processed. Reach the institution by phone at +1 (616) 331 5000. Admissions teams may request interviews or additional documents — respond promptly to keep your application active.

Frequently Asked Questions about Grand Valley State University

Common questions about Grand Valley State University, answered from data on record.

How old is Grand Valley State University?

The institution opened in 1960 (approximately 66 years ago).

What city is Grand Valley State University in?

Grand Valley State University operates from Allendale, United States.

Is Grand Valley State University public or private?

Grand Valley State University is a public institution.

How big is Grand Valley State University's student body?

Grand Valley State University serves approximately 18,854 students.

How is Grand Valley State University ranked?

Grand Valley State University is ranked THE 2026 #1501-2191.

How is Grand Valley State University organised academically?

Grand Valley State University has 8 academic units.

Is Grand Valley State University officially recognised?

Grand Valley State University is accredited by Higher Learning Commission.

How do I find Grand Valley State University online?

You can find Grand Valley State University online at www.gvsu.edu.

Top-Ranked Universities in the United States

the United States's most prominent universities are listed below — relevant for assessing Grand Valley State University's national positioning. National prominence signals not just academic strength but also employer recognition.

Members of National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)

Other members of National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) are listed below.

Faculties at nearby universities

These universities are located near Grand Valley State University, listed below for students comparing options by location.

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