Location: Allendale, Michigan
Type: Public liberal arts university
About:
Grand Valley State University, established in 1960, is located in Allendale (near Grand Rapids) Michigan. Grand Rapids is a college town with a dynamic business and entertainment district. The many cultural and recreation options have earned Grand Rapids the distinction of “America’s #3 Fun and Recreation City.” It is also a safe, clean, friendly city named by Forbes magazine as the best place in America to raise a family.
GVSU is the fastest growing university in the United States, both in population and physical size, as the university is continually building more facilities. The university is also ranked one of the top up and coming schools in the Midwest. It is one of America’s 100 largest universities as well as the fifth largest in Michigan in terms of enrollment – the university enrolls a total of just over 25,000 students on the Allendale campus and two campuses in the surrounding area, and offers over 200 areas of study, making it the largest university in the Grand Rapids region. Over 400 international students attending GVSU represent 82 different countries.
U.S. News and World Report ranked GVSU 3rd in the “Top Public Regional Universities in the Midwest” category and 26th in the “Regional Universities (Midwest) tier 1” category for 2014. The university is also ranked a Best Midwestern College by The Princeton Review and ranked as one of “America’s Best Colleges” by Forbes magazine.
GVSU has been recognized for offering a great value for tuition. In fact, the university was named one of America’s 100 “Best College Buys” for the 20th year in a row by the Institutional Research and Evaluation, Inc.
The university is also a leader in sustainability efforts and environment-friendly university management.
“Students and parents alike can take comfort in the fact that there are plenty of jobs here – Grand Rapids is one of 20 U.S. cities leading the economic recovery, according to The Atlantic magazine. It’s a great place to live, work and play after graduation!”
Grand Valley State University student brochure: http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/gvsu/roi1617/index.php
Fast Facts:
- Focus on real-world experience means that over 7,000 students gain experience in internships and co-ops every year
- 85% of recent grads who are working are in Michigan
- 98% of GVSU graduates either find employment or pursue advanced degrees after graduation
- Over 900 companies actively recruit at Grand Valley every year
- Over 400o study abroad programs are offered
- Ranked 2nd in the nation for affordable out-of-state tuition
- Named one of the best engineering programs in the nation by U.S. News and World Report
- All Engineering and Hospitality students will get their semesters of paid work experience before graduation
- Undergraduate computer science students can work in GVSU’s Mobile Application Service Lab, working on app development and research projects
- Public transportation is free for Grand Valley students
Athletics:
Grand Valley State University athletic teams are known as the ‘Lakers’. They participate in the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference and are ranked in the NCAA Division II.
Men’s teams: Baseball, basketball, cross country, football, golf, swimming/diving, tennis, and track & field.
Women’s teams: Basketball, cross country, golf, lacrosse, soccer, softball, swimming/diving, tennis, track & field, and volleyball.
School Information:
Programs:
GVSU offers over 200 areas of study, including 82 undergraduate majors and 36 graduate programs. There are eight colleges: F. E. Sideman College of Business, College of Community and Public Services, College of Education, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Seymour and Esther Padnos College of Engineering and Computing, College of Health Professions, Kirkhof College of Nursing, and Brooks College of Interdisciplinary Studies.
Grand Valley State University program information: https://www.gvsu.edu/acad-index.htm
Housing:
GVSU offers residential housing via on campus residence halls and apartment complexes. On campus housing is encouraged.
Grand Valley State University housing information: http://www.gvsu.edu/housing/students/
Entry Requirements:
Admission requirements for international students are as follows:
1. Submit an international application for admission online from the GVSU website and a US $30 application fee
2. Demonstrate English proficiency by submitting an official TOEFL score report, IELTS score report or completion of ELS Language Centers Level 112 (minimum TOEFL score is 80, minimum IELTS score is 6.5). Submission of an official TOEFL or IELTS score report is required of applicants whose native language is not English. Students whose native language is English must submit results of the SAT or ACT Assessment.
3. One to two page personal statement on the following topic: “What will I do to bring cultural and international perspectives to Grand Valley?” This statement must be typed and signed.
4. Verification of financial support. Your sponsor must complete and sign the financial support form that is included with our application and it must be submitted with an original bank statement verifying that the necessary amount of support is available. The estimated educational and living expenses for the 2015-2016 academic year is $27,000.
Grand Valley State University application details for international students: https://www.gvsu.edu/admissions/international-undergraduate-admissions-requirements-37.htm
Tuition and Fees:
The following tuition amounts are applicable for undergraduates students for the 2015-2016 academic year.
Tuition: $17,000
Room & Board (on-campus): $9,000
Books & Supplies: $1,000
Required Health Insurance: $1,250
Total: $28,250
(This does not include personal expenses or transportation)
Grand Valley State University tuition and fee information: https://www.gvsu.edu/admissions/international-tuition-fees-69.htm
**As of Fall 2016, all graduate students, including international students, pay the Michigan rate for tuition.
Scholarships & Financial Aid:
Every year, Grand Valley State University gives the International Merit Award to incoming international students who have demonstrated an outstanding academic achievement record and a willingness to enhance the GVSU community. The value of this scholarship is $5,000 per year, and it is awarded to graduate and undergraduate students. All students applying for admission to the Fall semester and who submit all required items for admission by May 1 are eligible for this competitive scholarship. Scholarship decisions are based on the review of the personal statement and other supporting documents in the application.
