Providing value in everything we do has always been a core belief at Grand Valley State University. From financial support to the investment of time that our learners make, we are diligent in creating a strong Return On Investment (ROI). And now, a newly released Economic Impact Report underscores the strength of that commitment, showing how Grand Valley delivers exceptional value for our state.

The headline of the report is that GVSU creates $3 billion in economic impact for Michigan every year!  The data shows that GVSU’s reach extends from Lake Michigan to Metro Detroit to the Upper Peninsula and everywhere in between, as GVSU sustains 116,000 jobs across the state and one in every 20 college-educated jobs is filled by a Laker! All told, GVSU alumni earn $7.6 billion per year which shows just how deep Grand Valley’s presence can be felt across Michigan’s economy.

GVSU continues to be an extraordinary investment for supporters at every level.  For the state, every $1 that is provided to GV turns into $31 in revenue.  For our supporters, your support helps us keep tuition among the bottom quarter of Michigan’s public universities, which is one reason that the number of GV graduates who leave with no student loan debt has increased 20% in the last ten years!  In total, 44 percent of our grads leave debt-free and the data shows that grads with no debt or lower debt are more likely to purchase homes and start families, which further boosts our region.

But affordability alone is not enough. True access means ensuring that anyone hungry for the Grand Valley experience, regardless of background or circumstance, has a path to achieve it. This year, we are providing more than $81 million in student financial aid, an all-time high for our university.  Through scholarships, partnerships, and innovative support programs, we are reaching learners of all ages and who are from every corner of the state and beyond, opening doors that once seemed out of reach.

Your generosity makes this possible. The impact reflected in this report, from our students’ success to our graduates’ contributions to our communities’ vitality, is also a reflection of you. Thank you for helping us build a university that is building Michigan’s future while also providing great value to our learners and our community.   

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