Grand Valley State University vs Central Michigan University

Grand Valley State University is a public university in Allendale, Michigan. Central Michigan University is a public research university in Mount Pleasant, Michigan.

Overview Comparison
Grand Valley State UniversityCentral Michigan University
Collegedunia Score4.1 Out of 104.6 Out of 10
ranking (overall)# 235 US News 2024
# 1201 Times Higher Education 2023
# 1200 Times Higher Education 2022
# 260 US News 2024
# 1001 Times Higher Education 2024
# 1201 QS World University 2024
Subject Strength# 1201 for Engineering by Times Higher Education 2023
-
ProgramsUG Programs -76
PG Programs -34
UG Programs -77
PG Programs -28
Acceptance Rate81.7 %71.6 %
Exam ScoreIELTS-6.5
SAT-1050
TOEFL-80
IELTS-6.5
SAT-1010
TOEFL-79
Cost to StudyAverage Tuition Fees   18000
[For UG Program]
Average Tuition Fees  12900
[For PG Program]
Hostel + Meal - 16556 Per Year
Average Tuition Fees   18936
[For UG Program]
Average Tuition Fees  15300
[For PG Program]
Hostel + Meal - 18068 Per Year
placement (average package)

Some of the programs and the average salary are as follows:

Bachelor of Arts: $61,000

Bachelor of Science: $52,000 

Engineering undergraduate: $84.8K

Engineering Graduate: $91.1K


Some of the program and the average salary are as follows:

Masters in Science: $100,000

Bachelor of Arts: $77,000 


application requirements

Submit official transcripts

Submit English language proficiency test scores

Check program specific requirements

Submit official transcripts

Submit supplemental documents

Submit English language proficiency

Check program specific requirements

CollegeDunia Reviews9.3/10 Read 2 reviews8.3/10 Read 1 reviews
General Facts Comparison
General FactsGrand Valley State UniversityCentral Michigan University
Type of UniversityUniversity
University
Established1960
1892
Student:Faculty Ratio16:1
20:1
Male:Female41% Male, 59% Female43% Male, 57% Female
Location Facts

Grand Valley State University's main campus is located in the town of Allendale, midway between downtown Grand Rapids and Lake Michigan. The other campus is the Grand Rapids campus and other regional centers like the Lake Michigan center, Muskegon innovation center etc. 


The main campus is located at S. Franklin, St. Mount Pleasant, Michighan. The college of medicine has two campuses at Mount Pleasant and Saginaw. 


Library

University Libraries offers dynamic and diverse opportunities for research, collaboration, and individual study. From four unique locations, the libraries serve the entire Grand Valley community. University Libraries house a rich and robust collection of resources in multiple formats that support the research and scholarship activities of students, faculty, and staff, including more than 400,000 physical resources, over 1,000,000 e-book titles, more than 120,000 e-journal titles, over 250,000 streaming media files and more than 300 databases. 


The University Library and the Clarke Historical Library are both located in the Park Library building on CMU's main campus in Mount Pleasant. Renovated in 2002, the magnificent building houses physical collections including books, periodicals, government documents, microforms, maps and videos. Users may access the Libraries’ online collections on- or off-campus, including at one of 300+ public computers in the Park Library.


Campus Life

At Grand Valley, you can be anything you want — except bored. With student life programming, diverse student organizations, annual traditions, and on-campus space to relax and socialize, you'll always have plenty of opportunities to enjoy college life outside of the classroom. With nearly 400 student organizations at Grand Valley, the university makes sure that getting involved with campus life becomes easy. It isn't difficult to find people who share your interests. So volunteer, learn about a new culture, work on cars, join a writing club, or play a sport in your free time. In fact, Grand Valley has one of the broadest club sport and intramural programs around with a wide variety of sports to choose from, ranging from basketball to tennis to quidditch.  Living on campus will place you at the center of campus life at Grand Valley. You'll enjoy convenient access to classes, academic resources, and diversity and inclusion resources. You'll also enjoy comfortable and welcoming living centers, shared learning experiences in living/learning communities, healthy food, on-campus employment opportunities, and more. Grand Valley truly is more than just a place to learn. It's a community where lifelong friendships and connections are made. It's a place to live and grow. No wonder students who live on campus get better grades and are more likely to graduate than those who don't.  Being a Laker means being involved with campus life at Grand Valley. Lakers perform in music, dance, and theatre productions, execute exhibitions in student art galleries, play sports, and cheer varsity teams on for free at 100+ games a year. Lakers tutor at the library, are members of the Future Alumni Association, participate in leadership development programs, and attend a wide range of diverse, educational, and fun on-campus events. 


With students from all over the country, world and all walks of life, the Central Michigan community is diverse, tight-knit and active. Students can be involved in different activities like catching one of the university’s 15 Division 1AA athletic teams in competition. Students can join one of 300 student organizations—or start a new one. Students can Play intramural sports, join a Greek-lettered organization or participate in the nationally-ranked Alternative Break program offered through the Mary Ellen Brandell Volunteer Center. Take advantage of the university’s connection with the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe by experiencing the annual Celebrating Life Pow wow. Check out a music or theatrical performance or find fun and surprises in downtown Mt. Pleasant.


Hostel#Off campus (with family) - $1846
#Off campus (not with family) - $5560
#On campus - $9150
#Off campus (not with family) - $7394
#Off campus (with family) - $938
#On campus - $9736
Famous Alumni

Howard Bailey - former Detroit Tigers pitcher
Brandon Barnes - former offensive lineman for the NFL Indianapolis Colts
John Beyrle - United States Ambassador to the Russian Federation
Josh Bourke - tackle for the CFL Montreal Alouettes
Cameron Bradfield - offensive tackle for Jacksonville Jaguars


U.S. representative Dan Kildee

U.S. representative Brenda Lawrence

62nd governor of Kentucky Matt Bevin

Former NBA All-Star and coach of the Grand Canyon Antelopes Dan Majerle

Anthony Zinni, United States Marine Corps general


City Life

Allendale is a suburb of Grand Rapids with a population of 23,999. Allendale is in Ottawa County. Living in Allendale offers residents a dense suburban feel and most residents own their homes. In Allendale there are a lot of coffee shops and parks. Many young professionals live in Allendale and residents tend to lean conservative. The city features an abundance of local attractions including a historic downtown area, multiple parks and recreation areas for outdoor activities, and nearby ski hills for winter sports enthusiasts. Education is also important to the community with numerous well-regarded schools ranging from elementary to college level. Additionally, there are plenty of restaurants and shopping centers for those looking for some retail therapy or entertainment. With its great location and many amenities, Allendale is truly an idyllic place to live or visit.


Life is different in Mount Pleasant. Here, you can start your day sipping morning coffee while watching the sunrise over the harbor. Then, it’s time to get moving! Run or bike over the famous bridge or in one of our beautiful parks. In the afternoon, sneak away to the beach or go on a shopping expedition to get the ultimate Lowcountry look. In the evening, travel to Shem Creek by water and enjoy nationally-recognized cuisine and unforgettable views. Get in on the local action, and discover Mount Pleasant’s magic. In Mount Pleasant,the quality of life is high because of its abundant parks, water access, close proximity to beaches and laid-back atmosphere. But the reasons go even deeper. With the mild climate, nationally-recognized public schools, low crime rate and cultural amenities, citizens are afforded an idyllic community with Charleston charm and a coastal lifestyle. Whether your favorite part is wearing flip flops year-round, or the ample opportunities for outdoor recreation, living in Mount Pleasant is truly amazing.


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