Grand Valley State University
Allendale, United States • Founded 1960 • World Rank #3783
Overview
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
Looking to reach Grand Valley State University? Address, contact details, and online links below. For finance and tuition payment queries, the bursar or finance office is typically a separate contact point.
Academic Details
These figures give a quick read on Grand Valley State University's scale, staffing levels, and academic standing. Use them to ground decisions about programme fit and institutional capacity.
Academic Structures
Grand Valley State University's teaching architecture in the units below. New faculties (formed in the last decade) signal where the institution is investing for the future.
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
Grand Valley State University's teaching programmes are listed below — search or scan by level. International student eligibility varies by programme — some require additional language or visa-pathway checks.
Bachelor's Degree
83 programmes
Grand Valley State University's 83 programmes at this tier lead to a bachelor's qualification, the first full degree most students pursue and the usual prerequisite for master's-level entry.
Natural Resources Conservation and Research Forestry & Natural Resources
Fishing and Fisheries Sciences and Management Forestry & Natural Resources
Area Studies Social & Cultural Studies
Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies Social & Cultural Studies
Communication and Media Studies Communication Studies
Radio, Television, and Digital Communication Media Studies & Mass Media
Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication Public Relations
Communication, Journalism, and Related Programs, Other Communication Studies
Computer and Information Sciences, General Computer Sciences
Information Science/Studies Information Systems & Technology
Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management Information Systems & Technology
Education, General Education & Teaching
Special Education and Teaching Special Education
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas Education & Teaching
Engineering, General General Engineering
Biomedical/Medical Engineering Bio & Biomedical Engineering
Computer Engineering Electrical Engineering
Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering Electrical Engineering
Mechanical Engineering Mechanical Engineering
Manufacturing Engineering General Engineering
Quality Control and Safety Technologies/Technicians General Engineering
Germanic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics Linguistics & Language Studies
Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics Linguistics & Language Studies
Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics Linguistics & Language Studies
Legal Support Services Law
English Language and Literature, General English Language Studies
Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies English Language Studies
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities Liberal Arts
Biology, General Biological Sciences
Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology Biochemistry
Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences Molecular Biology
Microbiological Sciences and Immunology Biological Sciences
Zoology/Animal Biology Biological Sciences
Neurobiology and Neurosciences Neuroscience
Mathematics Mathematics
Statistics Mathematics
Biological and Physical Sciences Liberal Arts
Biopsychology Liberal Arts
International/Globalization Studies Liberal Arts
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness Sport and Exercise Science
Philosophy Philosophy & Ethics
Religion/Religious Studies Philosophy & Ethics
Chemistry Chemistry
Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences Earth Sciences & Geology
Physics Physics & Astronomy
Psychology, General Psychology
Research and Experimental Psychology Psychology
Criminal Justice and Corrections Criminal Law & Justice
Public Administration Public Administration
Social Work Social Work
Social Sciences, General Social & Cultural Studies
Anthropology Social & Cultural Studies
Economics Economics
Geography and Cartography Geography
International Relations and National Security Studies Politics & International Relations
Political Science and Government Politics & International Relations
Sociology Social & Cultural Studies
Dance Performing Arts
Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft Performing Arts
Film/Video and Photographic Arts Film & Animation
Fine and Studio Arts Visual Arts
Music Music
Communication Disorders Sciences and Services Speech & Language Therapy
Health and Medical Administrative Services Healthcare Administration
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions Biomedical & Laboratory Sciences
Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions Biomedical & Laboratory Sciences
Health/Medical Preparatory Programs Health Sciences
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions Rehabilitation Sciences
Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services Nutrition & Dietetics
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing Nursing
Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other Health Sciences
Business/Commerce, General Business Administration
Business Administration, Management and Operations Business Administration
Accounting and Related Services Accounting
Business/Managerial Economics Economics
Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations Entrepreneurship
Finance and Financial Management Services Finance, Banking & Insurance
Hospitality Administration/Management Hospitality Management
Human Resources Management and Services Human Resource Management
International Business International Business
Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods Operations Management
Marketing Advertising & Digital Marketing
History History
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Master's Degree
36 programmes
There are 36 programmes to choose from at Grand Valley State University for graduates, aimed at advanced expertise, a career change, or a stepping stone toward doctoral research.
Communication and Media Studies Communication Studies
Computer and Information Sciences, General Computer Sciences
Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management Information Systems & Technology
Education, General Education & Teaching
Curriculum and Instruction Education & Teaching
Educational Administration and Supervision Educational Leadership
Educational/Instructional Media Design Education & Teaching
Special Education and Teaching Special Education
Student Counseling and Personnel Services Education & Teaching
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas Education & Teaching
Engineering, General General Engineering
Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services Linguistics & Language Studies
English Language and Literature, General English Language Studies
Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies English Language Studies
Biology, General Biological Sciences
Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences Molecular Biology
Biomathematics, Bioinformatics, and Computational Biology Biological Sciences
Statistics Mathematics
Mathematics and Computer Science Liberal Arts
Data Science Liberal Arts
Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology Clinical Psychology
Criminal Justice and Corrections Criminal Law & Justice
Community Organization and Advocacy Public Administration
Public Administration Public Administration
Social Work Social Work
Communication Disorders Sciences and Services Speech & Language Therapy
Health and Medical Administrative Services Healthcare Administration
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions Biomedical & Laboratory Sciences
Health/Medical Preparatory Programs Health Sciences
Public Health Public Health
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions Rehabilitation Sciences
Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services Nutrition & Dietetics
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing Nursing
Business/Commerce, General Business Administration
Accounting and Related Services Accounting
Taxation Taxation
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Professional Doctorate
3 programmes
There are 3 programmes to choose from at Grand Valley State University for doctoral candidates. A PhD or equivalent typically takes three or more years of supervised, independent research.
Communication Disorders Sciences and Services Speech & Language Therapy
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions Rehabilitation Sciences
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing Nursing
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Doctorate
2 programmes
There are 2 programmes to choose from at Grand Valley State University for doctoral candidates. A PhD or equivalent typically takes three or more years of supervised, independent research.
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions Rehabilitation Sciences
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing Nursing
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Associate, Certificate & Other Qualifications
35 programmes
This group collects Grand Valley State University's 35 programmes of certificates, diplomas, and foundation or associate programmes — practical entry points or stepping stones toward a degree.
Natural Resources Conservation and Research Forestry & Natural Resources
Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies Social & Cultural Studies
Communication and Media Studies Communication Studies
Computer and Information Sciences, General Computer Sciences
Information Science/Studies Information Systems & Technology
Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management Information Systems & Technology
Culinary Arts and Related Services Culinary Arts
Bilingual, Multilingual, and Multicultural Education Education & Teaching
Educational Administration and Supervision Educational Leadership
Educational Administration and Supervision Educational Leadership
Educational/Instructional Media Design Education & Teaching
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas Education & Teaching
Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language Education & Teaching
Engineering-Related Fields General Engineering
American Sign Language Linguistics & Language Studies
Legal Support Services Law
Genetics Biological Sciences
Genetics Biological Sciences
Mathematics and Computer Science Liberal Arts
Intercultural/Multicultural and Diversity Studies Liberal Arts
Data Analytics Liberal Arts
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness Sport and Exercise Science
Chemistry Chemistry
Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology Clinical Psychology
Public Administration Public Administration
Anthropology Social & Cultural Studies
Geography and Cartography Geography
Music Music
Medical Illustration and Informatics Health Sciences
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing Nursing
Business Administration, Management and Operations Business Administration
Business/Corporate Communications Business Administration
Taxation Taxation
History History
History History
No programmes match your filter in this level.
How to apply to Grand Valley State University
A short guide to applying to Grand Valley State University — five steps covering the path from programme selection to confirmation of receipt.
- 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 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 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 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 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
Quick answers to the most common questions about Grand Valley State University — covering location, founding, ranking, programmes, and admissions context.
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 20,000-24,999 students.
How is Grand Valley State University ranked?
Grand Valley State University is ranked #3783 globally and #407 in United States.
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)
Faculty mobility within National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) networks often signals shared standards. Faculty members frequently move between Grand Valley State University and the institutions below over the course of careers.
Faculties at Nearby Universities
Below are universities sharing regional libraries and consortia with Grand Valley State University. Library reciprocity and shared databases can extend research access beyond what any single institution offers alone.
Where Else to Study Education & Teaching
Industry partnership exclusives on Education & Teaching programmes vary — some the United States institutions hold sponsored chairs, others run rotating industry guest-teaching arrangements.
Universities Often Compared with Grand Valley State University
Below: institutions that students typically weigh against Grand Valley State University when finalising their shortlist. The comparison set reflects scale and prestige; specific programme fit still needs separate verification.
