Attention Chicago Students
Have you considered Grand Valley State University?
Here is why you should...
- An affordable option for Chicago residents. Chicago residents who file the FAFSA by March 1 automatically receive an out-of-state scholarship worth nearly $7,000*.
- Two unique campus experiences in a thriving region. Our beautiful Valley Campus offers a vibrant and traditional college experience, while our City Campus in Grand Rapids (Michigan's 2nd largest city) offers a professional experience near valuable internships and co-ops.
- A big university with a small school feel. You get the name recognition and resources of a large institution, with the intimate experience a smaller school provides.
- Professors who invest in your success. They will know you by name and take your education beyond the classroom.
Explore GVSU and find out why Chicago students are choosing us to help them turn their What If into What Is.
*Cannot be stacked with a merit scholarship tuition differential.
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94% of GVSU graduates are employed. 44% of those who graduated in four years or fewer had no debt.
GVSU is a Smart Investment for Chicago Residents
With one of the lowest tuition rates among Michigan’s public universities, GVSU offers total annual costs that are lower than many academically comparable schools in Illinois. Chicago residents automatically receive the GVSU Out-of-State Scholarship, worth $6,000, and there are even more scholarship opportunities available on our Financial Aid and Scholarships page.
Plus Grand Valley makes it even easier to plan ahead for graduate school. Tuition for all graduate programs is the same for in-state and out-of-state students, giving you more value and flexibility as you take the next step in your education.
From Valley to City
Two Unique Campus Experiences
Grand Valley State University offers two distinct campus experiences to enrich your academic journey. The Valley Campus in Allendale serves as the university’s academic, residential, and social hub, providing a vibrant college atmosphere with abundant resources and support. Meanwhile, the City Campus, located in downtown Grand Rapids (Michigan’s second-largest city) includes the Robert C. Pew and Health campuses, and hosts many professional programs such as business, engineering, and health care. All campuses are connected by the Laker Line, which is a free bus system for GVSU students.
Valley Campus
City Campus - Health
City Campus - Pew
And we're closer than you think...
Grand Valley is close to Chicago -- less than 3 hours by car and 20 minutes from an Amtrak depot. The Valley Campus is 30 minutes from Lake Michigan and lies just 13 miles from downtown Grand Rapids.
In fact, LinkedIn ranked Grand Rapids as the #1 fastest-growing U.S. metros for jobs and new talent in 2025.
Plan your visit and experience Grand Valley first-hand. Our friendly guides are ready to welcome you, and our interactive campus map makes it easy to explore before you arrive.
Grand Valley blends the robust resources and name recognition of a big university with the intimate and engaging educational experience you find at smaller schools. You'll be a part of a community where you're seen and supported, with direct access to
state-of-the-art academic spaces;
one-on-one peer tutoring and advising;
a robust suite of wellness resources;
and a vibrant student life.
Grand Valley's campus culture is built around connection, creativity, and opportunity, making sure your college experience will be both personal and powerful.
A business student chatting with her professor between classes.
Our Professors Love to Teach
Grand Valley's faculty members are accomplished scholars who offer the kind of expertise that will distinguish your learning experience.
What sets them apart is how much they love to teach and their commitment to you.
That kind of commitment means they'll focus on your individual needs, empower you, and guide you through the kind of research experience only available to graduate students at other universities.
Turn Your Passion Into a Profession
- Over 300 academic programs
- 38 combined degrees that can save you time and money if you plan to get your master's degree
- Students have access to study abroad programs in more than 80 countries, and Grand Valley is one of the top universities in the nation for the number of students who study abroad
- 400+ student clubs and organizations
A medical laboratory sciences student works with his professor.
Want a closer look?
You can explore Grand Valley at your convenience with our VR compatible tours. And we would love for you to experience GVSU for yourself by scheduling a visit.
Take a VR compatible virtual tour of the Valley Campus in Allendale.
Take a VR compatible virtual tour of the City Campus in Grand Rapids.