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Grand Valley State University and Wayne State University are both public institutions — Grand Valley State University in Allendale, MI and Wayne State University in Detroit, MI. This page compares published admission, cost, and outcome data from federal sources so you can see the tradeoffs before you add either school to your list.
Allendale, MI · Public
Acceptance rate: 83.0%
Undergrad enrollment: 18,854
Tuition: $21,548/year
Student-faculty ratio: 15.0:1
Graduation rate: 67.0%
Top programs: Business and marketing, Health professions, Biological sciences
Best for: Students who want a public campus in Allendale, MI with published program strength in Business and marketing and Health professions.
Detroit, MI · Public
Acceptance rate: 81.2%
Undergrad enrollment: 15,587
Tuition: $32,037/year
Student-faculty ratio: 14.0:1
Graduation rate: 58.4%
Top programs: Business and marketing, Health professions, Psychology
Best for: Students who want a public campus in Detroit, MI with published program strength in Business and marketing and Health professions.
| Factor | Grand Valley State University | Wayne State University |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rate | 83.0% | 81.2% |
| SAT range (middle 50%) |
| 940–1190 |
| 1060–1270 |
| ACT range (middle 50%) | 22–30 | 23–29 |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 18,854 | 15,587 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $21,548/year | $32,037/year |
| Average net price after aid | $16,317 | $12,766 |
| Graduation rate | 67.0% | 58.4% |
| Median earnings (10 years) | $56,118 | $53,493 |
| Student-faculty ratio | 15.0:1 | 14.0:1 |
| Institution type | Public | Public |
| Location | Allendale, MI | Detroit, MI |
| Largest program areas | Business and marketing, Health professions, Biological sciences | Business and marketing, Health professions, Psychology |
Both schools admit a similar share of applicants (83.0% vs 81.2%). Wayne State University has a lower average net price after grant aid ($12,766 vs $16,317). Grand Valley State University reports the higher graduation rate (67.0% vs 58.4%). Grand Valley State University is the larger undergraduate campus (18,854 students). Use the free side-by-side comparison tool to weigh cost, program fit, location, and outcomes for your own list — and verify deadlines and requirements with each college.
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Common questions when choosing between Grand Valley State University and Wayne State University
Grand Valley State University has an acceptance rate of 83.0%; Wayne State University is around 81.2%. Selectivity is only one factor — GPA, essays, major, and residency (for publics) all change the odds.
Grand Valley State University tuition is $21,548/year. Wayne State University is $32,037/year. Compare net price after aid, not sticker price — especially for private schools and out-of-state publics.
Use College Decider's free comparison tool at /compare — add both schools to see tuition, acceptance rates, graduation outcomes, and more in one table.
Add both schools to our free side-by-side comparison tool — tuition, outcomes, and more.
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