Quick Facts About Grand Valley

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Location

Allendale, Michigan is home to Grand Valley's main campus, established in 1960, situated on 1,304 acres 12 miles west of Grand Rapids. Classes are also offered at the university's Robert C. Pew Campus in Grand Rapids, Meijer Campus in Holland, and through centers at Muskegon and Traverse City established in cooperation with local community colleges.

Established

Grand Valley State University was chartered by the Michigan legislature in 1960 in response to the need for a public, four-year college in the state's second largest metropolitan region.

Mission

Educating students to shape their lives, their professions, and their societies. The university contributes to the enrichment of society through excellent teaching, active scholarship, and public service.

Accreditation

Grand Valley is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission; Member - North Central Association, 30 N. LaSalle Street, Suite 2400, Chicago, IL 60602-2504; telephone: (312) 263-0456; Web: www.ncahigherlearningcommission.org

2011-2012 Enrollment

Total students: 24,662
Undergraduate students: 21,236
Graduate students: 3,426
Faculty (regular): 837
Support staff: 1,148

 

2011-2012 Tuition Rates (per semester)

 

Michigan Residents:
Undergraduate1 - Lower Division $4,858 for 12 to 15 credits.
$412 per credit hour for 1 to 11 credits and for each credit hour over 15.
Undergraduate1 - Upper Division2 $5,100 for 12 to 15 credits.
$432 per credit hour for 1 to 11 credits and for each credit hour over 15.
Masters $504 per credit hour.
$432 per credit hour for courses at the undergraduate level.
Doctoral $570 per credit hour.
$504 per credit hour for courses at the masters level.
$432 per credit hour for courses at the undergraduate level.
Non-Michigan Residents:
Undergraduate1 - Lower Division $7,015 for 12 to 15 credits.
$588 per credit hour for 1 to 11 credits and each credit hour over 15.
Undergraduate1 - Upper Division2 $7,264 for 12 to 15 credits.
$609 per credit hour for 1 to 11 credits and each credit hour over 15.
Masters $679 per credit hour.
$609 per credit hour for courses at the undergraduate level.
Doctoral $775 per credit hour.
$679 per credit hour for courses at the masters level.
$609 per credit hour for courses at the undergraduate level.

A per credit hour surcharge will be assessed to those students taking classes that require special equipment, consumable supplies or extraordinary overhead.

1 Students classified as undergraduates registering for masters and doctorate courses pay undergraduate tuition rates.
2 Students are classified as upper division upon earning their 55th semester credit.

2011-2012 Room and Board (per semester)

Traditional Living Centers: $3,887
Suite-Style Living Centers: $3,982
Apartment-Style Living Centers: $4,151-$4,391
Ravine Apartments: $1,729-$3,112
Laker Village Apartments: $1,629-$3,296
Grand Valley Apartments: $1,539-$3,258
Secchia Hall: $2,411-$3,635
Winter Hall: $2,880-$3,380
Murray & VanSteeland: $2,650-$3,778
Honors Housing—Niemeyer $2,809-$3,498
South C,D,E $2,780-$3,790

Note: Rates for tuition and room and board are those for 2011-2012 and are subject to change by the Board of Trustees.

Academic Year:

Two 15 week semesters
Fall semester: August 29, 2011 to December 17, 2011
Winter semester: January 9, 2012 to April 28, 2012
Summer semester: Two Six Week Sessions

Academics:

Areas of Study: 200+
Undergraduate Degrees: 81
Graduate Degrees: 29
Average Class Size: 27
Study Abroad Programs Available to GVSU Students: 4,000
Student Organizations: 342

Library

Electronic journals and books: 557,000
Volumes: 
617,245

Career Services

Graduates Employed or pursuing advanced degrees:  88%  
Students Participating in Internships and Co-op Education: 6800
Career Fairs coordinated for students: 7
Employers Participating in Career Fairs: 496
Employment Vacancies Listed with Career Services: 8,008

Funding

Grand Valley has increased the amount of university-based student financial aid from $19.3 million to $26 million in the past three years.
Grand Valley's general fund budget is $308.9 million, of which $256.3 million is tuition and $52.7 million is state appropriations.

Athletics

NCAA Division II
Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC)
18 intercollegiate sports - ten for women and eight for men
Winner of Director's Cup (Best NCAA division II Athletic Program in the Nation)
2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011

Fun Facts
Colors: Blue, Black, and White
Nickname: The Lakers
Mascot: Louie the Laker
Number of Beds:

5,824

Parking Spaces: 11,399
Alumni: 80,860
Endowment: $75 million
Private Funding
(gifts and overall pledges):
$14.9 million
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