GVSU has Record Endowment, Regional Impact of $730 Million

Grand Valley State University has a huge economic impact on the cities and counties where its campuses are located, as well as the broader region surrounding West Michigan. Based on 2012-2013 data, GVSU’s annual economic impact on the region was estimated at $730.1 million. Grand Valley employs more than 3,200 people and enrolls more than 25,000 students who spend money and pay taxes in the region.

The university’s endowment surpassed $100.2 million in 2014. The majority of the fund is dedicated to scholarships and academic programming. Endowment spending in 2014-2015 will be $4.1 million; 40 percent goes to scholarships helping more than 700 students. The university’s 10-year return is in the top 10 percent of the 835 colleges and universities participating in the National Association of Colleges and Universities Business Officers Survey.

Financial stability is a crucial aspect to the overall longevity and sustainability of Grand Valley. For more information about GVSU’s fiscal activities, visit gvsu.edu/busfin/. 

A+ credit rating Grand Valley has maintained an A+ credit rating from Standard and Poors by exhibiting a strong financial position and maintaining financial health based in assets and liabilities.

Sustainability reinvestment fund Grand Valley manages a Sustainability Reinvestment Fund (SRF) for faculty and staff members and student projects both on- and off-campus. Examples of projects that have been funded through this program include water bottle filling stations around campus, sustainable service ware for the Children’s Enrichment Center, and support for a student-led bike shop.

New construction and renovations at GVSU pumped more than $21.7 million into the local economy in 2013. More than 10,700 permanent off-campus jobs in the region exist because of Grand Valley’s campuses in those communities. Grand Valley alumni now number more than 100,000 and nearly half are living or working in West Michigan’s tri-county area.

Accountability Grand Valley strives to keep tuition costs reasonable and affordable. In 2014, the university’s annual Accountability Report showed that tuition remained in the bottom half of all Michigan public universities, while receiving the lowest state funding per student.
The full report can be viewed at gvsu.edu/accountability/.

Purchase only what you need Take care of your basic needs first and then decide if you should purchase more. Consider alternatives to purchasing some items new and instead buy them used, barter, or make your own for less.

Maintain a balanced budget Know what your expenses are and live within your means. Search online for budget management tools if you need help getting organized.

Grow your savings Contribute to your savings account on a monthly basis, if possible. For students and young professionals, contributing even a small amount monthly can get you into an early habit of saving. Faculty and staff contributions through a Grand Valley retirement plan can be made on a pretax basis. Learn more at gvsu.edu/healthwellness/.