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Return on Investment Analysis

Grand Valley State University ROI Analysis

Comprehensive ROI analysis based on tuition costs, graduate earnings, financial aid, and long-term earning potential.

Quick answer

USACollegeData.com ROI analysis (College Scorecard data): four years at Grand Valley State University costs about $58,512 in in-state tuition, and graduates earn a median of $47,840 five years after graduation — the investment breaks even in roughly 4.6 years (20-year ROI: 339%).

ROI Summary

Total 4-Year Cost

$58,512

In-state tuition x 4

Earnings Premium

$12,840/yr

above high school diploma avg

Break-Even Point

4.6 years

After graduation

20-Year ROI

339%

Return on investment

ROI Analysis

Graduates of Grand Valley State University earn a median of $43,193 one year after graduation. Five years after graduation, median earnings increase to $47,840, and after ten years, median earnings are $56,118. The median debt for graduates is $24,500. Nearly half of the students, 48.6%, receive financial aid.

The annual in-state tuition cost is $14,628. The data does not provide information to calculate a debt-to-income ratio. The data also does not provide enough information to calculate a break-even timeline.

Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data

The Numbers

Annual Tuition (In-State)

$14,628

Median Debt at Graduation

$24,500

Median Earnings (5yr)

$47,840

Graduation Rate

67%

Receive Financial Aid

49%

Avg Aid Amount

N/A

Program-Level ROI

Program 4yr Cost Median Earnings (5yr) Est. 20yr ROI
Biology, General $58,512 $42,578 159%
Marketing $58,512 $60,394 768%
Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other $58,512 $54,508 567%
Health and Physical Education/Fitness $58,512 $0 N/A
Finance and Financial Management Services $58,512 $66,308 970%
Education, General $58,512 $57,125 656%
Social Work $58,512 $52,629 503%
Psychology, General $58,512 $43,206 180%
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing $58,512 $105,070 2295%
Accounting and Related Services $58,512 $80,533 1456%
Criminal Justice and Corrections $58,512 $52,352 493%
Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods $58,512 $56,527 636%
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions $58,512 $72,326 1176%
Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication $58,512 $49,854 408%
Computer and Information Sciences, General $58,512 $83,360 1553%
English Language and Literature, General $58,512 $41,299 115%
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions $58,512 $118,483 2754%
Communication and Media Studies $58,512 $42,196 146%
Hospitality Administration/Management $58,512 $40,367 83%
Business Administration, Management and Operations $58,512 $70,536 1115%
Educational Administration and Supervision $58,512 $54,196 556%
Public Administration $58,512 $58,312 697%
Business/Commerce, General $58,512 $92,029 1849%
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas $58,512 $42,856 169%

Peer Comparison

Grand Valley State University Current

339%

20yr ROI

Kennesaw State University

1012%

20yr ROI

California State University-Stanislaus

717%

20yr ROI

The University of Tennessee-Knoxville

374%

20yr ROI

University of Wisconsin-Whitewater

682%

20yr ROI

Financial Aid Impact

Before Aid

4-Year Tuition$58,512
Median Debt$24,500

After Aid (Estimated)

Estimated Total Aid$0
Net 4-Year Cost$58,512

Frequently Asked Questions

Based on government data, Grand Valley State University has an estimated 20-year ROI of 339%. The total 4-year cost is $58,512 and graduates earn a median of $47,840 within 5 years.

Methodology

ROI calculations are based on data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. The earnings premium is calculated as the difference between median graduate earnings and the national average earnings for high school diploma holders ($35,000).

The 20-year ROI formula: ((Earnings Premium x 20) - Total Cost) / Total Cost x 100. Break-even point: Total Cost / Annual Earnings Premium. All figures use in-state tuition and do not account for inflation, opportunity cost, or financial aid variations.

Back to Grand Valley State University Colleges in Michigan Compare Schools ROI Rankings