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Head to head · Michigan

Grand Valley State University vs Michigan State University

Which of these costs less depends on what you earn. At $30–48k and below, Michigan State University is the cheaper of the two; from $48–75k up, Grand Valley State University is. Sticker price shows none of this.

What each actually costs, by household income

Household incomeGrand Valley State UniversityMichigan State UniversityDifference
Under $30k$12,272$7,068$5,204
$30–48k$11,902$10,830$1,072
$48–75k$12,861$16,521$3,660
$75–110k$16,609$22,703$6,094
Over $110k$22,534$28,546$6,012

Green marks the cheaper of the two at that income. "Net price" is what families actually paid after grants and scholarships, as reported to the U.S. Department of Education — not a calculator's estimate. Public-school figures reflect in-state families; out-of-state families typically pay more.

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Four years, at $75–110k

Grand Valley State University$70,007
Michigan State University$95,693
Difference over four years$25,686

Each year's reported net price grown 3.5% — the same method College Compass uses inside a family's plan.

Getting in

Published acceptance rate83% · 85%
Average SAT1074 · 1269

Listed Grand Valley State University first, then Michigan State University. Acceptance rate is the school's overall published figure — your student's own odds depend on their transcript, scores, and high school.

After graduation — federal data

Median earnings, 10 yrs out$56,118 · $67,253
Graduate in four years45% · 63%
Typical graduate's own federal debt$24,500 · $23,250

Again Grand Valley State University first. The four-year graduation rate matters more than it looks: a fifth year is a fifth year of paying.

These are averages. Your family isn't average.
Run both against your student's real GPA, your income band, and your actual high school — odds with the math shown, and what four years would really cost you, side by side. First three schools free.

Compare them for your student →

Go deeper on either school

Grand Valley State University — every income band · Michigan State University — every income band · All Michigan public colleges