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Head to head · Michigan

Grand Valley State University vs University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

Which of these costs less depends on what you earn. At $75–110k and below, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor is the cheaper of the two; from over $110k up, Grand Valley State University is. Sticker price shows none of this.

What each actually costs, by household income

Household incomeGrand Valley State UniversityUniversity of MichiganDifference
Under $30k$12,272$1,043$11,229 · University of Michigan
$30–48k$11,902$1,878$10,024 · University of Michigan
$48–75k$12,861$4,895$7,966 · University of Michigan
$75–110k$16,609$10,869$5,740 · University of Michigan
Over $110k$22,534$26,517$3,983 · 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
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor$45,813
Difference over four years$24,194

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% · 16%
Average SAT1074 · 1465

Listed Grand Valley State University first, then University of Michigan. 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 · $83,648
Graduate in four years45% · 82%
Typical graduate's own federal debt$24,500 · $19,500

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 · University of Michigan-Ann Arbor — every income band · All Michigan public colleges