Grand Valley State University Scholarships (2025–2026)
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- Tuition, housing, and what families actually pay on average
- Automatic and competitive merit scholarships
- Out-of-state tuition discounts and regional programs
- Honors College perks and key application deadlines
📊 Admissions Snapshot
- Acceptance Rate: ~88%
- Middle 50% ACT: 20–27
- Middle 50% SAT: 1020–1260
- Average HS GPA (middle 50%): 3.4–3.9
Source: Grand Valley State University Common Data Set 2024–25 and BigFuture. Middle 50% = range where half of admitted students fall.
Comparing multiple schools? Try the Scholarship Tool to search by GPA, test scores, and state →
Grand Valley State University at a Glance
Last verified: October 19, 2025
Grand Valley State University (GVSU) is one of Michigan’s most balanced options for value, community, and strong academics. Students with solid GPAs are automatically considered for Laker Scholarships, and top applicants may earn the competitive full-tuition Presidential Scholarship.
With test-optional admissions through 2026, nearby-state tuition discounts, and a well-supported Honors College, GVSU offers families a practical way to afford a University of Michigan–level experience at a significantly lower cost.
FAQ
Is this college test-optional? Yes — Grand Valley State University is test-optional through 2026, and GPA is the main factor for automatic scholarships.
What is the middle 50% ACT/SAT? ACT: 20–27; SAT: 1020–1260 (for students who submitted scores).
What’s the average net price? About $17,201 / year after aid. See our Net Price & SAI guide.
Does this school use reciprocity or OOS waivers? Yes — GVSU offers a “Neighboring States” tuition discount for students from OH, IN, IL, and WI.
https://www.gvsu.edu/scholarships/
https://www.gvsu.edu/scholarships/presidential/
https://www.gvsu.edu/admissions/scholarships/
https://www.gvsu.edu/admissions/neighboringstates/
https://www.gvsu.edu/honor/
https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?169248-Grand-Valley-State-University=
💰 Cost of Attendance at Grand Valley State University (2025–2026)
These are the direct, billed costs for a full-time undergraduate student living on campus. Additional expenses like books, transportation, and personal costs are included in the university’s full Cost of Attendance but are not billed directly.
| Category | In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Mandatory Fees | $15,872 | $22,588 |
| Housing & Meals | $10,700 | $10,700 |
| Total (Direct/Billed) | $26,572 | $33,288 |
Why only these items? We include the costs you typically pay directly to Grand Valley State University — tuition, mandatory fees, housing, and meals. Other indirect expenses commonly included in the full Cost of Attendance include:
- Books and supplies
- Transportation
- Personal and miscellaneous expenses
📉 Average Net Price (Federal Estimate)
The average annual net price is approximately $17,096 for undergraduates receiving financial aid. This federal figure reflects tuition, housing, and other costs after grants and scholarships are applied.
Grand Valley State University publishes separate in-state and out-of-state tuition rates but does not participate in regional tuition exchange programs such as WUE, MSEP, or the Academic Common Market for general undergraduates.
Instead, GVSU primarily reduces non-resident costs through automatic and competitive merit scholarships, which can significantly narrow the gap between in-state and out-of-state tuition.
FAQ — Cost of Attendance at Grand Valley State University
Why is out-of-state tuition higher than in-state tuition?
As a public university, GVSU receives state funding that helps subsidize tuition for Michigan residents.
Out-of-state students do not receive this subsidy, which results in higher published tuition rates.
Does GVSU offer any out-of-state tuition waivers?
GVSU does not list formal regional or reciprocity-based tuition waivers.
However, many non-resident students reduce their cost through admission-based merit scholarships.
What’s the difference between billed costs and total cost of attendance?
Billed costs include tuition, mandatory fees, housing, and meals.
The full Cost of Attendance also includes indirect expenses like books, transportation, and personal costs, which vary by student.
How reliable is the $17,096 average net price?
This is a federal average for students receiving aid.
Students with strong academics or competitive scholarships may pay less, while those without aid may pay more.
Do merit scholarships apply to both in-state and out-of-state students?
Yes. GVSU’s admission-based merit scholarships are available to both Michigan residents and non-residents,
with award amounts varying by academic profile.
✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships at Grand Valley State University (2025–2026)
Grand Valley State University (GVSU) awards freshman merit scholarships automatically at the time of admission. There is no separate scholarship application for these awards, and students typically receive one primary freshman merit scholarship.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility / Criteria | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Typically Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Presidential Scholarship |
Michigan residents: $7,500/year Non-Michigan residents: $12,500/year |
Awarded automatically at admission based on academic profile. Cannot be combined with other GVSU freshman merit scholarships. | No | Yes — up to 4 years (full-time + SAP) | Top academic admits; typically students with very strong GPAs (often ~3.8+). | Admitted by Mar 1 • Final awards by Jul 31 |
| Faculty Scholarship |
Michigan residents: $5,000/year Non-Michigan residents: $10,000/year |
Automatic merit based on academic strength at admission. Not stackable with other freshman merit awards. | No | Yes — up to 4 years | Strong academic applicants; commonly GPAs in the ~3.6–3.8 range. | Admitted by Mar 1 • Final awards by Jul 31 |
| Award for Excellence Scholarship |
Michigan residents: $3,000/year Non-Michigan residents: $6,000/year |
Requires a minimum 3.5 high school GPA. Automatic at admission; not stackable with other freshman merit. | No | Yes — up to 4 years | Students meeting the 3.5+ GPA threshold with a solid academic record. | Admitted by Mar 1 • Final awards by Jul 31 |
| Laker Scholarship |
Michigan residents: $2,000/year Non-Michigan residents: $4,000/year |
Automatic entry-level merit award for admitted freshmen who meet the published minimum GPA. | No | Yes — up to 4 years | Students with solid GPAs (often ~3.3–3.5) admitted by the priority date. | Admitted by Mar 1 • Final awards by Jul 31 |
| GV Charter Schools Alumni Scholarship | $1,000/year | Graduate of a Grand Valley-authorized charter high school; awarded automatically at admission. | No | Yes — up to 4 years | Charter school graduates meeting standard freshman admission criteria. | Admitted by Mar 1 • Final awards by Jul 31 |
Disclaimer: Award amounts and renewal criteria are subject to annual review. Most GVSU freshman merit scholarships do not stack with each other.
FAQ — Automatic Merit at GVSU
Do I need to apply separately for these scholarships?
No. These awards are granted automatically based on your admission application.
What’s the most important deadline to remember?
Students should be admitted by March 1 for priority merit consideration. Final merit awards are typically completed by July 31.
Can I receive more than one freshman merit scholarship?
Usually no. GVSU typically awards one primary freshman merit scholarship rather than stacking multiple admission-based awards.
Does being test-optional hurt my chances?
No. Many students qualify for merit scholarships based on GPA alone.
https://www.gvsu.edu/financialaid/incoming-freshman-merit-scholarships-2025-2026-259.htm
🏆 Competitive & Flagship Scholarships at Grand Valley State University
In addition to automatic merit awards, Grand Valley State University offers a wide range of competitive, application-based scholarships. These awards are not guaranteed and typically require students to apply through GVSU’s myScholarships system after admission.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility / Criteria | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alumni Heritage Scholarship | Amount varies by year and funding | New first-year students with a parent who graduated from GVSU. Requires completion of the Alumni Heritage application within the myScholarships system. | Yes — myScholarships | Varies by award | Legacy students who apply early and complete all required myScholarships materials. | Typically spring after admission (varies by year) |
| GVSU Donor & University Competitive Scholarships | Ranges from small awards to high-value scholarships that may significantly reduce tuition | Open to admitted and enrolled students. Criteria vary by scholarship and may include GPA, major, leadership, service, involvement, financial need, or specific donor requirements. | Yes — myScholarships | Varies | Students who carefully match their profile to available awards and complete applications fully. | Varies by scholarship (many spring deadlines) |
FAQ — Competitive Scholarships at GVSU
Are these scholarships automatic like merit awards?
No. Competitive scholarships require students to apply separately, usually after admission,
through the myScholarships system.
When can students apply through myScholarships?
Most competitive scholarship applications open after students are admitted and enrolled.
Deadlines vary, but many fall in the late winter or spring for the upcoming academic year.
Are these scholarships only for freshmen?
No. Many competitive and donor-funded scholarships are open to continuing students,
including sophomores, juniors, and seniors.
Can competitive scholarships stack with automatic merit?
Sometimes. Some donor and competitive scholarships can stack on top of freshman merit awards,
while others may replace or reduce existing aid depending on the terms of the award.
Is myScholarships worth the time?
Yes. GVSU administers hundreds of scholarships through this portal, and students who complete
their profile thoroughly are more likely to be matched with awards.
https://www.gvsu.edu/financialaid/myscholarships-163.htm
https://www.gvsu.edu/financialaid/scholarships-157.htm
🎖 Frederik Meijer Honors College at Grand Valley State University
Grand Valley State University’s Frederik Meijer Honors College offers a more selective academic experience along with access to several high-impact, competitive scholarships. Honors scholarships are not automatic and generally require students to be admitted to both GVSU and the Honors College.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility / Criteria | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Frederik Meijer First-Generation Honors College Scholarship | Full tuition (covers tuition for up to eight semesters) | First-generation college students admitted to both GVSU and the Frederik Meijer Honors College. Highly competitive; limited recipients. | Yes — Honors application & scholarship process | Yes — up to 8 semesters (Honors + academic standing) | First-gen students with exceptional academic records, leadership, and strong Honors applications. | Honors application deadlines (typically early spring) |
| Arend D. and Nancy Lubbers Honors Scholarship | Up to $5,000 per year (can add to existing merit) | Honors students competing at the Presidential Scholarship level. Designed to supplement university merit awards. | Yes — Honors scholarship application | Yes — up to 10 semesters (if criteria maintained) | Top-tier Honors students with very strong academics and engagement. | Honors scholarship deadlines vary |
| Felix V. and Gladys A. Zukaitis Honors Scholarship | Up to $1,000 per year | Students admitted to the Honors College who already hold a Presidential or Faculty Scholarship. | Yes — Honors scholarship application | Yes — up to 8 semesters | Honors students with strong academic standing seeking to stack additional aid. | Honors scholarship deadlines vary |
FAQ — Honors College & Scholarships at GVSU
Does being in the Honors College guarantee a scholarship?
No. Honors admission gives students access to Honors-only scholarships, but awards are competitive and not guaranteed.
Can Honors scholarships stack with automatic merit awards?
Yes, in many cases. Some Honors scholarships are specifically designed to add on top of Presidential or Faculty merit scholarships.
Is the full-tuition First-Generation Honors Scholarship common?
No. It is a high-impact award offered to a small number of first-generation Honors students each year.
What are the non-financial benefits of Honors?
Honors students receive smaller class experiences, enhanced advising, priority access to research,
and a more structured academic community.
Should a strong student apply to Honors even without guaranteed money?
Often yes. Beyond scholarships, Honors participation can strengthen graduate school placement,
research access, and competitive internship opportunities.
https://www.gvsu.edu/honor/scholarships-50.htm
https://www.gvsu.edu/catalog/navigation/frederik-meijer-honors-college.htm
⭐ College Specialty
Grand Valley State University is best known for pairing strong academics with real-world preparation. Families often notice GVSU’s size and campus feel first, but what stands out nationally is how consistently the university places students into healthcare, education, business, and engineering careers across Michigan and the Midwest. GVSU emphasizes applied learning, internships, and employer partnerships—making it a practical choice for students who want clear career pathways without giving up a traditional college experience.
Health Professions & Allied Health — GVSU is widely known for its health-focused programs, including nursing, allied health sciences, and clinical preparation. Graduates are well represented in hospitals, clinics, and healthcare systems throughout Michigan, supported by strong clinical partnerships and hands-on training.
- Business (Seidman College of Business): AACSB-accredited and known for strong placement in accounting, finance, supply chain, and entrepreneurship, with deep ties to West Michigan employers.
- Education: One of Michigan’s most established teacher-preparation programs, with extensive student-teaching placements and strong hiring pipelines into regional school districts.
- Engineering & Applied Sciences: Practice-focused engineering programs emphasizing co-ops, internships, and employer collaboration rather than purely theoretical coursework.
- Liberal Arts & Sciences: A broad foundation supporting pre-professional paths (health, law, graduate school) while maintaining flexibility for students who refine their goals during college.
🔗 Official Grand Valley State University Links
Use Grand Valley State University’s official resources below to verify admissions requirements, scholarship policies, costs, and academic programs. Always rely on these pages for final deadlines, award terms, and eligibility details.
-
Undergraduate Admissions:
https://www.gvsu.edu/admissions/ -
Application Deadlines & Requirements:
https://www.gvsu.edu/admissions/undergraduate-admissions-requirements-30.htm -
Incoming Freshman Merit Scholarships (2025–2026):
https://www.gvsu.edu/financialaid/incoming-freshman-merit-scholarships-2025-2026-259.htm -
myScholarships Portal (University & Donor Scholarships):
https://www.gvsu.edu/financialaid/myscholarships-163.htm -
Tuition, Fees & Cost of Attendance:
https://www.gvsu.edu/financialaid/tuition-fees-25-26-263.htm -
Net Price Calculator:
https://npc.collegeboard.org/app/gvsu -
Honors College & Honors Scholarships:
https://www.gvsu.edu/honor/ -
College Scorecard (Federal Data):
https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?170082-Grand-Valley-State-University