2017-2018 Annual Report Navigation
Financial Aid Overview
Financial aid is awarded in the form of grants, loans, scholarships and work study.
For the purpose of this report, we have broken down financial aid into 4 sources: federal, state, Grand Valley (general fund and private donor funds) and outside agencies. Grand Valley strongly encourages all students to file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as this is the primary application for the majority of financial aid programs.
Percentage of Financial Aid Awarded by Type
35%
Students Graduate Without Student Loan Debt
89%
Students Received At Least One Form of Financial Aid
32%
Students Received a Federal Pell Grant
"Very kind and helpful staff! Anytime I have ever called I am always treated with patience and kindness! Thank you."
– Parent of a Current Student
Grants
Grants are a type of financial aid that do not need to be repaid. They are usually awarded on the basis of need and possibly combined with some skills or characteristics the student possesses. Sources for grants include the federal government, state of Michigan, and Grand Valley.
6,200+
Students Received a GVSU Grant
Loans
Student loans, like any consumer loans, must be repaid with interest. In addition to federal loans, there are alternative loan options available to students. Federal loans often have the best interest rates, deferment options, and repayment plans.
2017-2018 Total Loans
|
Federal Direct Student Loans |
$113,162,994 |
|
Federal Perkins Loans |
$746,674 |
|
Federal Nursing Loans |
$50,178 |
|
Federal Direct Parent PLUS Loans |
$46,625,503 |
|
Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loans |
$7,395,914 |
|
Alternative Loans |
$15,148,188 |
|
Total |
$183,129,451 |
"I am always impressed and highly satisfied with the [Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships] when I call. Thank you for the great customer service. It is greatly appreciated!"
– Parent of a Current Student
Scholarships
Scholarships are made available as a resource to help students fund their educational costs. Scholarships are supported by the state, Grand Valley, and outside agency funds. Grand Valley scholarships are awarded through the general fund and/or private donors.
18,295
Scholarship Awards
34%
Students received a merit and/or donor funded scholarship
7,306
Students submitted applications on myScholarships
Student Employment
Student Employment can help pay for indirect costs. Student Employment aids students in obtaining employment that will help finance their education and develop work skills for their future career.
6,659
Student employees on-campus
Chemistry Department - 2016 Student Employee Appreciation Days Department Decorating Champions
$1,952
Average Wages Earned by Student
Student Engagement
Students who are engaged on campus are more likely to do well academically and complete their degree. An on-campus job is a great way to get involved!
MoneySmart Lakers
Become a MoneySmart Laker. MoneySmart Lakers is a financial literacy program that aims to educate current students about their personal finances. The goal is to provide students with the tools and resources to help them understand their finances and to help develop or define their money management skills.
348
Student Loan Exit Counseling Appointments
2017-2018 Student Engagement
|
Number of Individual Appointments |
221 |
|
Fall Presentation Attendees |
724 |
|
Winter Presentation Attendees |
677 |
MoneySmart Program Offerings
Individual Appointments: Students meet individually with peer mentors to discuss specific personal finance questions or issues a student might be facing. Students are able to request these appointments online via the MoneySmart website.
Group Presentations: MoneySmart Lakers has several stock presentations created on various financial topics available for classroom or group presentations. The information in all presentations represents research and expertise from leading studies and members of the financial field. There were 31 presentations held in the fall semester, and 26 presentations held in the winter semester.
MoneySmart Weeks: Through 17 events around campus, we helped more than 200 students understand their finances and develop their money management skills.