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Head to head · Michigan

Grand Valley State University vs Wayne State University

Wayne State University costs less than Grand Valley State University at every income band federal data covers — between $793 and $2,672 less per year, depending on what you earn.

What each actually costs, by household income

Household incomeGrand Valley State UniversityWayne State UniversityDifference
Under $30k$12,272$11,090$1,182 · Wayne State University
$30–48k$11,902$10,721$1,181 · Wayne State University
$48–75k$12,861$12,068$793 · Wayne State University
$75–110k$16,609$14,828$1,781 · Wayne State University
Over $110k$22,534$19,862$2,672 · Wayne 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
Wayne State University$62,500
Difference over four years$7,507

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% · 81%
Average SAT1074 · 1156

Listed Grand Valley State University first, then Wayne 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 · $53,493
Graduate in four years45% · 36%
Typical graduate's own federal debt$24,500 · $21,250

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 · Wayne State University — every income band · All Michigan public colleges