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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 · Michigan State University
$30–48k$11,902$10,830$1,072 · Michigan State University
$48–75k$12,861$16,521$3,660 · Grand Valley State University
$75–110k$16,609$22,703$6,094 · Grand Valley State University
Over $110k$22,534$28,546$6,012 · Grand Valley State University

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.

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.
College Compass runs both schools against your student's real GPA, your income band, and your actual high school — admit odds with the math shown, merit likelihood, and what four years would really cost you. 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