Find So Much, So Close, For So Much Less
AT GRAND VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY
The first thing you may learn about Grand Valley is that we’re just three hours from Chicago, right outside of Grand Rapids, Michigan’s second-largest city. Next, you will discover that we are an affordable option for Chicago residents, with scholarship opportunities and non-resident tuition that that is competitive with schools in your area. Finally, you'll see what a Grand Valley education is all about, and why we are the big university with a small school feel.
Grand Valley is closer than you think
Grand Valley is surprisingly close to Chicago and well worth the trip. Only 30 minutes from Lake Michigan, the Allendale campus lies just 13 miles from downtown Grand Rapids—a vibrant and fantastic place to live.
In fact, U.S. News & World Report ranked Grand Rapids the second best place to live in Michigan, 20th best place to live in the United States, and 14th in the United States for quality of life in 2023-2024.
Come see for yourself by scheduling a visit! Our guides would love to show you around, and our interactive campus map is the perfect way to get acquainted with campus before you arrive.
We are a smart investment
- Grand Valley is an outstanding academic investment for Chicago-area students. Not only does Grand Valley have one of the lowest tuition rates of any Michigan public university, our out-of-state total annual costs to attend are less than those of many academically comparable Chicago area and Illinois schools.
- Grand Valley offers valuable scholarships for academically qualified students with a 3.3 GPA. For example, our GVSU Out of State Scholarship awards admitted Chicago residents the difference between full-time Michigan resident tuition and non-resident tuition.
- If you are looking for a rewarding and affordable graduate education, Graduate tuition for all 45 programs is the same for in-state and out-of-state students, giving you an even greater return on your investment.
Our formula is simple and effective
We mean it when we say that "you are not just a number" at Grand Valley.
With 146 degrees, three unique campuses, and 22,000 students, Grand Valley is larger than we may seem, but we keep classes small so you have access to faculty that are invested in your success and academic resources that are second to none.
When you combine that with cutting-edge academic facilities, community-focused housing, and wealth of student life opportunities, you get a college experience that is both intimate and robust. That is the Laker Effect, and you can learn more about it in our virtual viewbook.
Grand Valley's Allendale campus.
The Robert C. Pew Grand Rapids campus.
The Health Campus in Grand Rapids.
LET'S GET STARTED
Visit Grand Valley and see why Chicago area students are making us their choice for undergraduate and graduate education! Or if you've seen enough to know you want to be a Laker, you can apply now and get the process started.