Grand Valley State University SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements
Because Grand Valley State admits most applicants, your goal is to sit comfortably within its enrolled-student profile rather than chase a narrow admissions edge. Scores are required, and with 53% submitting SAT results, aim toward the upper end of the 940-1180 range if you want your testing to support the rest of your application.
Data on this page is sourced from our college data partners and was last updated on July 9, 2026.
Grand Valley State University facts and stats
Grand Valley State University enrolls 19,002 undergraduates in a suburban campus setting. Grand Valley State has a 76% freshman retention rate, above the national average of roughly 70%, and a 67% six-year graduation rate. The student-to-faculty ratio is 15:1. Grand Valley State is test-required for admissions.
Allendale, MI
How do your scores compare at Grand Valley State?

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Key Grand Valley State University application dates
Key dates
Regular Decision
May 1
Early Action
Not offered
Early Decision
Not offered
Priority Deadline
—
Financial Aid Priority
March 1
Test dates
August 22, 2026
Registration deadline: August 7, 2026
September 12, 2026
Registration deadline: August 28, 2026
October 3, 2026
Registration deadline: September 18, 2026
September 19, 2026
Registration deadline: August 14, 2026
October 17, 2026
Registration deadline: September 11, 2026
December 12, 2026
Registration deadline: November 6, 2026
Take your first SAT or ACT by the spring of junior year, since Grand Valley State requires test scores. Use the summer before senior year and fall of senior year for retakes, with December as the last likely test date to arrive before the May 1 Regular Decision deadline.
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What you'll actually pay
Grand Valley State’s in-state tuition is $15,140, while out-of-state tuition is $21,548. About 64% of students receive aid, with an average merit award of $4,516. Submit the FAFSA by the March 1 priority deadline to be considered for financial aid.

At Grand Valley State, out-of-state tuition is $21,548, while in-state tuition is $15,140, with room and board adding $12,450. About 64% of students receive aid, and the average aid package is $18,546. Merit awards average $4,516, which can help reduce billed costs for eligible students. Graduates leave with an average debt of $27,748.
Student life at Grand Valley State University
Fraternities and sororities are active on campus.
Similar schools
Adrian College
Adrian, MIAcceptance rate: 72.6%
SAT: 940–1160
ACT: 21–27
Albion College
Albion, MIAcceptance rate: 80.7%
Alma College
Alma, MIAcceptance rate: 57%
SAT: 950–1170
ACT: 22–29
Alpena Community College
Alpena, MIAcceptance rate: 65.7%
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