Grand Valley reports record first-year enrollment

Grand Valley State University today reported a record-breaking incoming class of 4,974 students – nearly 25% larger than last year's – and increased fall enrollment, countering enrollment headwinds in higher education.

Overall enrollment is up 3% from last fall, with 22,269 students. In addition, both the incoming class and overall enrollment have the highest-ever percentages of students of diverse backgrounds, reflecting a dedication to outreach that supports the university's commitment to provide an equitable education to all, GVSU President Philomena V. Mantella said.

“At Grand Valley, we champion an atmosphere of progress, adaptability and inclusivity to meet the needs of today's students and our community," Mantella said. "This growth in enrollment is a positive sign that learners are seeing our commitment to ensuring educational opportunities are readily available. That effort is ongoing, and we will continue to work tirelessly to be a flagship for the future of education.”

Students of color account for about 28% of the incoming class and nearly 23% of the overall student enrollment. Of the entire student body, the percentages of Hispanic/Latino students (7.6%), African American or Black (6.8%) and Asian or Pacific Islander (4.4%) are the highest levels ever.

The wide opportunities for an education that GVSU provides is also reflected in the incoming class, where the enrollment of first-generation students, veterans and students age 20 or older is also up.

Once students access a Grand Valley education, they are prepared for a lifetime of learning through a well-rounded liberal education foundation and hands-on learning, Mantella said. One way GVSU is achieving that goal is by forging partnerships with employers such as the Laker Accelerated Talent Link enhanced co-op experience, the Corewell Health Nurse Scholars program to address the nursing shortage and the Veterans Advance progressive work-based learning program.

These innovative programs benefit both students and employers and help GVSU graduates see the possibilities for careers in Michigan, where GVSU has more than 100,000 alumni, 90% of whom have stayed in Michigan.

“This fall, Grand Valley welcomed more Lakers than ever before, who are now on lower-cost paths to good-paying, high-skill, and in-demand careers,” said Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. “I am proud to see another Michigan university break an enrollment record because of our efforts to lower the cost of higher education with the Michigan Achievement Scholarship. The scholarship is lowering costs by thousands of dollars for the majority of first-year students who started at community, private, or public colleges this fall and will continue to save them money for years so they can graduate with little or no debt.”

The growth at Grand Valley is a result of dedicated work from Admissions and Recruitment staff to travel throughout the state and beyond to ensure students know about the opportunity a GVSU education presents, said B. Donta Truss, vice president for Enrollment Development and Educational Outreach.

This year the Grand Valley community includes students from all 50 states, plus Washington D.C. and Puerto Rico, students from every Michigan county and the university’s highest-ever enrollment of international students.

"Every day, our team has the honor of sharing the GVSU story and enlightening prospective students and their supporters about the unlimited possibilities for Lakers," Truss said. "As we can see, Grand Valley's commitments to equitable, empowered education resonates widely, and we remain steadfast in our work to ensure everyone has a chance to experience GVSU."