Value, impact draw nearly 6,500 new students to Grand Valley

Grand Valley continued its growth trajectory, welcoming 4,400 first-year students this fall, the second largest first-year class in its history — a 4% increase over last year. Overall enrollment of 22,035 represents a 1% increase over the fall of 2024 as the university welcomed 6,465 new undergraduate and graduate students. 

In addition, since January 2024, 8,601 learners selected GVSU as their partner in upskilling and reskilling through the university's continuing education programs -- online or at Grand Valley's primary campuses and six regional sites.

New Lakers come from across the state and region. From the east, new students from Wayne County grew by more than 9%. From the west, new students from Muskegon County grew by more than 7%, with solid growth from Kent and Kalamazoo counties as well. Michigan families around the state see the value of a Grand Valley degree and are heading to GVSU to make a smart investment in their futures.

The story of GVSU is also being shared across Lake Michigan and around the Midwest. Fall enrollment reflects a 13% increase in new students from neighboring states, including Illinois.

Grand Valley continued to welcome a diverse student body, reflecting the state and its people. The entering class was the most racially diverse in GVSU’s history. The proportion of first-year students who are students of color increased by more than 6% over fall of 2024. GVSU also proudly welcomed over 1,900 first-generation college students, an 11% increase over last year.

“No matter where you come from or what your background is, GVSU is a place where learners turn their ‘what if?’ into ‘what is!’ and we are thrilled to welcome so many new and returning Lakers to campus this year,” said President Philomena V. Mantella.

Retention continues to be strengthened, with rates for last year’s first-year students up 1.4% over the previous year, and retention for transfer students increasing for the fourth straight year, up 5.6% since 2022.

While student numbers are up, so too are the credit loads, driving faster times to degree completion and lower overall costs for GVSU students.

As a key economic engine for Michigan, Grand Valley’s growth and strength is an asset for the state, Mantella wrote in a letter to the campus community. She expressed confidence in the university’s work to advance its mission, serve its students and invest in the community.

At Grand Valley, investing in and engaging students starts early with programs like the Grand Valley Pledge and 8th Grade Pathways, which provide more students with tuition-free access to a Grand Valley degree and demonstrate that college is available and affordable.

“Connecting with students and their families as early as middle school is a reflection of our larger commitment to developing the talent needed to drive Michigan and our economy forward,” said B. Donta Truss, vice president for Enrollment Development and College Futures.

The Grand Valley Pledge met full tuition needs for 2,800 Michigan students from lower income families, and 8th Grade Pathways provides support, encouragement and a promise of aid to nearly 2,000 students in Michigan communities.

This year, the GVSU Board of Trustees also approved the largest investment in student financial aid in the university’s history, another vital component to the value of a GVSU degree.