Grand Valley State University Scholarships (2025–2026)
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- Tuition, housing, and what families actually pay on average
- Automatic merit ranges and who typically qualifies
- Competitive and hidden-gem scholarships worth a look
- Honors perks and how to stack awards the smart way
Sorting through college costs can feel overwhelming, especially for first-generation families. This guide breaks down what Grand Valley State University really charges, how much students actually pay after scholarships, and the different types of awards available. If you’re from Michigan, be sure to check our Michigan state aid guide alongside this page so you don’t miss out on extra help.
💰 Cost of Attendance at Grand Valley State University
| Expense | In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Mandatory Fees | $16,122 | $22,770 |
| Housing & Meals | $10,788 | $10,788 |
| Books & Supplies | $800 | $800 |
| Personal/Misc. | $2,772 | $2,772 |
| Total (On-Campus) | $30,482 | $37,130 |
Reciprocity & Regional Discounts: Michigan is not part of the Midwest Student Exchange Program (MSEP) or WUE. Out-of-state students instead save through admission-based scholarships, which often cover part of the nonresident tuition difference.
Example: A nonresident student earning the Faculty Scholarship (~$12,750) would reduce their annual cost from $37,130 to around $24,380.
Cost of Attendance FAQs
Who qualifies for in-state tuition?
Students who are Michigan residents under state residency rules qualify for the lower in-state rate.
How much can out-of-state students realistically save?
Most nonresident students who qualify for admission-based scholarships can bring their costs much closer to the in-state level — often saving $10,000–$15,000 per year.
Do I need to apply separately for reciprocity programs?
No. GVSU does not participate in MSEP or WUE. Out-of-state savings come automatically through scholarship review at admission.
✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Presidential Scholarship | $11,000 (MI) ~$16,750 (non-MI) |
High GPA (3.8+ with strong ACT/SAT, or 4.0 GPA test-optional) | No | Yes — maintain SAP* | Usually 3.8+ GPA with ACT 33+/SAT 1450+ or 4.0 GPA test-optional |
| Faculty Scholarship | $7,000 (MI) ~$12,750 (non-MI) |
Strong GPA (around 3.6–3.9) with solid test scores or high GPA test-optional | No | Yes — maintain SAP* | Students in upper 20% of applicant pool with B+/A- averages |
| Award for Excellence | $4,000 (MI) ~$9,750 (non-MI) |
Good GPA (3.3–3.7) plus moderate test scores or higher GPA test-optional | No | Yes — maintain SAP* | Solid B+/A- students with consistent academics |
| Laker Scholarship | $1,000 (MI) ~$6,750 (non-MI) |
Baseline merit threshold (B+ average or higher) | No | Yes — maintain SAP* | Students meeting lower admission-based merit bands |
| Early Awareness Scholarship | $1,000–$2,000 per year | Students who participated in TRIO Upward Bound, GEAR UP, Midnight Golf, or other designated college-readiness programs | No — awarded automatically with admission review | Yes — maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress | First-generation or underserved students with documented program participation |
*SAP = Satisfactory Academic Progress, which typically means a 2.0+ GPA and completing enough credits each semester. Exact renewal GPA is not separately published.
Note: Award ranges reflect whether the student is a Michigan resident or an out-of-state student. Nonresident amounts already include coverage of the out-of-state tuition difference. These scholarships cannot be stacked with each other.
Automatic Merit FAQs
Do I need to apply separately?
No. All admitted students are automatically reviewed for these awards if they apply by March 1.
Does GVSU superscore the ACT/SAT?
No. GVSU uses your highest composite score from a single test date for admission and merit scholarship consideration. You may continue sending official ACT/SAT scores until July 31; the university will use the highest composite on record.
What if my student applies test-optional?
Test-optional students can still qualify — especially with a strong GPA — but test scores can help meet some top scholarship thresholds.
Can these stack with other aid?
No. Admission-based awards cannot be stacked with each other, but they may combine with need-based aid or external/private scholarships.
🏆 Competitive Scholarships
While most merit scholarships at Grand Valley State University are automatic, there are a few significant awards that require a separate application and go beyond the general admission review. The Robert and Ellen Thompson Working Families Scholarship is the largest of these, supporting Michigan families with substantial renewable funding. Other competitive opportunities are available through the myScholarships portal and within the Honors College or individual departments, which are covered in their own sections below.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Robert and Ellen Thompson Working Families Scholarship | At least $11,000 per year | Incoming Michigan freshmen from working- and middle-class families; must demonstrate financial need and commitment to service | Yes — via myScholarships; deadline typically March 1 | Yes — maintain 2.75 GPA, good standing, and continued service participation | Students with solid academics, documented need, and a strong service/leadership profile |
GVSU also recognizes National Merit Finalists with additional scholarship dollars layered onto existing awards.
Competitive Scholarship FAQs
Is the Thompson Scholarship automatic?
No. It requires a separate application through the myScholarships portal, plus a demonstrated commitment to service and financial need.
How many students receive it?
It’s a limited-cohort program. Only a select group of incoming Michigan freshmen are chosen each year.
Does GVSU give anything special to National Merit Finalists?
Yes. Finalists may receive an extra scholarship award on top of their automatic merit scholarship.
Where do students find other competitive scholarships?
Through GVSU’s myScholarships portal, which houses donor-funded, departmental, and program-specific awards.
⭐ College Specialty
Grand Valley State University has built a reputation as one of Michigan’s most practical, career-focused public universities. With a strong footprint in engineering, health sciences, and business, GVSU stands out for programs that connect students directly to employers through co-ops, clinicals, and community partnerships. It’s not classified as an R1 research university, but its applied learning model makes it a state leader in preparing students for real-world careers.
All undergraduate engineering programs at GVSU are ABET-accredited and require a three-semester, paid co-op experience. This model has made GVSU one of Michigan’s best-known applied engineering schools, with nearly all graduates securing job offers before graduation.
- Business (Seidman College of Business): AACSB-accredited since 1997 for both the college and its School of Accounting — a distinction held by less than 5% of business schools worldwide.
- Nursing (Kirkhof College of Nursing): GVSU’s Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program is ranked among the Best Graduate Nursing Programs in the nation by U.S. News & World Report (2024).
- Allied Health & Health Sciences: One of the largest producers of health professionals in Michigan, with strong regional demand and placement in physical therapy, physician assistant studies, and public health.
- Education: GVSU is consistently recognized as a top educator of teachers in Michigan, with extensive student teaching partnerships across the state.
🎖️ Honors College
The Frederik Meijer Honors College (FMHC) at Grand Valley State is designed for high-achieving students who want smaller classes, close faculty mentorship, and a community that values leadership and service. Admission is selective and requires an additional Honors application with essays and supporting materials. It’s not automatic — students must apply to be considered.
High school GPA well above 3.7, strong writing and critical thinking skills, and evidence of leadership or service. Test scores are optional but top applicants often bring ACT scores in the upper 20s or SAT scores above 1300.
- Priority registration for classes
- Dedicated Honors housing options
- Small, discussion-based seminars in place of some gen eds
- Faculty mentorship for research and projects
- Access to unique co-curricular opportunities in service and leadership
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Frederik Meijer First Generation Honors College Student Scholarship | Full tuition | Incoming first-generation freshmen accepted to the Honors College and competing in the Scholarship Competition | No — considered automatically if admitted and competing | Yes — for up to 4 years with continued Honors participation and GPA standards | First-generation students with GPAs typically 3.8+* and strong records of leadership or service; test scores may help but are not required |
| Arend D. and Nancy Lubbers Scholarship | Up to $5,000 (adds to Presidential merit scholarship) | Incoming freshmen accepted to the Honors College; must already qualify for the Presidential Scholarship | No — awarded to eligible Honors students | Yes — maintain Honors standing and GPA | High-achieving Honors freshmen who are already strong Presidential Scholars |
| Felix V. and Gladys A. Zukaitis Honors Scholarship | Up to $1,000 (adds to Presidential or Faculty merit scholarship) | Incoming freshmen accepted to the Honors College with qualifying merit awards | No — awarded to eligible Honors students | Yes — maintain Honors standing and GPA | Honors freshmen who already hold a Presidential or Faculty Scholarship |
*GPA range based on past Honors scholarship recipient profiles; actual thresholds may vary by applicant pool each year.
- Ruth Chamberlain Global Issues Scholarship: Supports Honors students researching or planning careers addressing global problems. Renewable; separate application required.
- Jonathan and Marcia White Endowed Honors College Scholarship: Rewards Honors students pursuing careers in national security or public service.
- Senior Project Awards: Monetary prizes for Honors College students completing outstanding senior projects.
Honors College FAQs
Is admission automatic?
No. Students must submit a separate Honors application, typically due in early spring of senior year.
Does Honors add time to a degree?
No. The curriculum is designed to fit within a standard four-year plan, often replacing general education courses with Honors seminars.
Are there scholarships tied to Honors?
Yes. The Frederik Meijer First Generation Honors College Scholarship, for example, covers full tuition for select students. Details are covered in the scholarship portal and require both Honors admission and competition participation.
What’s the deadline?
Honors applications are typically reviewed on a rolling basis through early spring, but students are encouraged to apply soon after their admission to GVSU.
📎 Official Links
Final Thoughts
Grand Valley State University may not carry the R1 research label, but it has carved out a strong reputation for preparing students for real-world careers in engineering, health sciences, business, and education. With clear automatic merit awards, competitive scholarships like the Thompson program, and hidden gems such as ROTC and study abroad funding, families have multiple ways to bring the cost of attendance closer to what Michigan residents pay. For first-generation and Honors students, GVSU also offers unique opportunities that can cover full tuition and provide community support. Taken together, these layers make GVSU a solid option for parents looking for value, opportunity, and return on investment.
✅ Last updated: September 7, 2025