The pathway to your future in Northern Michigan
Grand Valley serves students in the Northern Michigan region by providing first-rate undergraduate and graduate programs online, hybrid, and face-to-face at GVSU's Traverse City Regional Center. Whether you are an adult student returning to school, a transfer student seeking a bachelor's degree, or a graduate student, Grand Valley has the programming and support you need to get you to where you want to be.
The Wicked Water Issues Immersive Course is back!
Explore Northern Michigan's waters. Tackle real-world challenges. Earn college credit in 3 weeks.
What is INT 322: Wicked Problems of Sustainability?
Find out what it takes to address some of today's most complex water challenges! Spend an immersive week in Traverse City exploring the region's waterways, connecting with community experts, and discovering how environmental, economic, health, and social issues intersect.
Through hands-on experiences and interdisciplinary problem-solving, you'll gain new perspectives on the challenges facing our freshwater resources while earning 3 GVSU credits!
Why Study in Northern Michigan?
Grand Valley State University in Northern Michigan provides the educational options you need to get to the next step in your academic journey. Whether you want to complete a degree, expand your skill-set with a certificate, change careers, or take classes to advance at your current job, our programming can get you there. Our programs are designed with the working professional in mind and offered in-person, hybrid, and online formats.
GVSU's tuition rates are among the lowest in the state!
Receive Credit for Work Experience via Prior Learning
Grand Valley's Return on Investment
Gain Durable Skills at Grand Valley
Attend Regional Professional Development Opportunities
- Annual Networking Event in Traverse City
- Michigan Veteran Entrepreneurship Lab
- Personalized academic planning
- Advisors in Traverse City to guide students from application to graduation
- Seamless transfer for community college students
- Adult-focused programming that meet the demands of today's employers
Our advisors are always ready and willing to meet with you and discuss your career or academic goals!
- Explain the goals and outcomes of all GVSU programs in Traverse City
- Review your transcripts (please bring an unofficial copy to your first appointment)
- Discuss services and supports available throughout the program
- Assist with the admissions and financial aid process
- Give you a personalized education plan letting you know what you would have left to complete
GVSU recognizes that your learning extends beyond the classroom. Whether that's work experience, military service, professional learning, technical training or knowledge you've learned through volunteer and service work, we value your diverse perspectives and want to help you earn credit for what you know. Explore all your options to earn credit.
Learn More About Prior Learning at GVSU
Upcoming Events
Traverse City KCON Alumni Learning & Connecting
Gather with fellow alumni for an evening of continuing education! Join Alumni Relations and the Kirkhof College of Nursing for a free continuing education opportunity focused on pain management. Youll have the opportunity to: Hear from Dr. Nicole Harpo...
Master of Public Health (MPH) Virtual Information Session
The Master of Public Health program invites you to learn more about earning your MPH degree at GVSU! Join the MPH program director, Dr. Katie Barnhart, to learn how and why you should earn your Master of Public Health at Grand Valley State University....
GVSU Healthcare Professionals Panel
Healthcare Professionals Panel where experts from diverse healthcare fields will share their insights, experiences, and advice.
Master of Public Health (MPH) Virtual Information Session
The Master of Public Health program invites you to learn more about earning your MPH degree at GVSU! Join the MPH program director, Dr. Katie Barnhart, to learn how and why you should earn your Master of Public Health at Grand Valley State University....
Master of Public Health (MPH) Virtual Information Session
The Master of Public Health program invites you to learn more about earning your MPH degree at GVSU! Join the MPH program director, Dr. Katie Barnhart, to learn how and why you should earn your Master of Public Health at Grand Valley State University....
Northern Michigan Access Fund
Donate Today
By donating to the Northern Michigan Access Fund, you play a pivotal role in shaping the future of Northern Michigan.
Grand Valley State University brings world-class education to Northern Michigan so students can learn right where they live, preparing them not only to earn a degree, but to find meaningful, rewarding careers close to home.
As one Laker put it: "Grand Valley...allowed me to be able to not only pursue my career but...my role as an employee, a husband, and a father while still being able to enrich my community.”
Student Spotlights
A schooner operated by the Inland Seas Educational Association served as a classroom May 17.
Justin Smith, Physician Assistant Studies Program
David Buchanan, Allied Health Sciences major
Veteran and Military-Affiliated Students
A New Pathway for Veterans at GVSU
Our new micro-credentials program helps veterans in select occupations (see below) turn prior learning into academic credit, reducing time and cost toward your degree. With free online micro-courses designed to fill knowledge gaps and maximize your experience, you can move closer to your career goals and work towards a bachelor's degree.
- Credit for your military experience and training
- Accelerates your pathway to a bachelor's degree
GVSU ranks first in state, among top in the nation, on 'Best for Vets' list
We have made it our mission to support veterans, active military and reserves, and military spouses and dependents. The Peter Secchia Military and Veterans Resource Center is the focal point of that commitment. Through it, military students like you will find the resources, programming, and community you need to achieve your academic, career, and life goals.
Gold status on the Michigan Veteran Affairs Agency's list of Michigan's Veteran-Friendly Schools for 11 consecutive years.
Military Times ranks Grand Valley at the top of Michigan colleges and at #11 in the nation in their list of Best for Vets Colleges 2025.