Grand Valley State University vs Western Michigan University
5
Grand Valley State University
2
Western Michigan University
Key Metrics Compared
Official Data| Metric | Grand Valley State University | Western Michigan University |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 95% | 85% |
| Graduation Rate | 67% | 57% |
| Avg Earnings (5yr) | $47,840 | $45,356 |
| Median Debt | $24,500 | $26,188 |
| Tuition (In-State) | $14,628 | $15,298 |
| Retention Rate | 77% | 80% |
| Financial Aid | 49% | 48% |
Comparison Analysis
Grand Valley State University graduates earn more, with average earnings of $47,840 compared to Western Michigan University's $45,356. Grand Valley State also has a higher graduation rate, at 67.4% versus Western Michigan's 56.5%. Grand Valley State has a higher acceptance rate, at 94.7% compared to Western Michigan's 84.7%. Western Michigan's tuition is slightly higher, at $15,298, compared to Grand Valley State's $14,628.
Considering earnings and tuition, Grand Valley State University appears to offer a better value proposition, as its graduates earn more with slightly lower tuition. The higher graduation rate at Grand Valley State suggests students are more likely to complete their degrees.
Decision factors may include a student's academic profile, as the higher acceptance rate at Grand Valley State may indicate it is less selective. Students should also consider their career goals, as the higher earnings at Grand Valley State suggest its graduates may have better job prospects.
Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data
Shared Programs
| Shared Major | Grand Valley State University Earnings | Western Michigan University Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Marketing | $46,022 | $53,081 |
| Biology, General | $40,959 | $35,955 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services | $52,872 | $50,787 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness | $29,913 | $26,676 |
| Biology, General | $40,959 | $0 |
| Psychology, General | $30,100 | $28,890 |
| Biology, General | $40,959 | $0 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $71,181 | $75,149 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $57,760 | $55,660 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness | $29,913 | $43,628 |