Arenowned public university located in Michigan, USA, Grand Valley State University (GVSU) is one of the largest universities in the state. Known for its strong academic programs, commitment to student success, and state-of-the-art facilities, GVSU enrolled more than 22,000 students in 2023, including nearly 700 international students.
As a comprehensive university, Grand Valley provides more than 300 undergraduate and graduate degree programs. The university prioritizes individual student success, extending education beyond conventional classrooms through research opportunities and partnerships with businesses.
Grand Valley offers fully accredited undergraduate and graduate education with a liberal education foundation. Grand Valley State University provides a spectrum of undergraduate degrees encompassing disciplines such as health informatics and bioinformatics, statistics, management with a focus on management information systems, microbiology, physics, cybersecurity, and computer science, among others. Additionally, the university offers a range of master�s programs including data science and analytics, health informatics and bioinformatics, biostatistics, applied computer science, cell and molecular biology, and more.
GVSU�s combined bachelor�s and master�s degree options include fields like statistics and data science and analytics, computer science and data science and analytics, computer science and applied computer science, cybersecurity, information systems, and applied computer science, as well as statistics and biostatistics. The university also extends certificates and badges in related subject areas. Every program at Grand Valley is meticulously crafted to align with the evolving demands and expectations of employers.
With a workforce of more than 3,000, the institution remains committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment conducive to the ongoing achievements of all individuals. �Nearly all classes are taught by faculty members, not teaching assistants or graduate assistants, ensuring a more personal and meaningful experience. Whether working on a faculty member�s research project or developing an independent project guided by a faculty member, Grand Valley students have opportunities to engage in original, hands-on research and scholarship.
While faculty/student research opportunities are usually reserved for graduate students at other universities, Grand Valley puts an emphasis on undergraduate research, better positioning our students for admission to top graduate schools and successful careers�, said Danny C. Velez, Ph.D., Associate Vice President for Admissions & Recruitment.
Bridging Student Talent to Industry Needs
Grand Valley serves as a crucial catalyst for industry growth in West Michigan and across the entire state. The university prioritizes hands-on learning experiences by offering internships, co-ops, student teaching, practicum placements, and various experiential learning opportunities.
This commitment to practical learning has resulted in early recruitment of GVSU students by employers. A striking 85 percent of graduates employed full-time reported receiving job offers before their graduation, with 98 percent of all graduates accepting offers within three months post-graduation.
The faculty�s close integration within the local community enables them to facilitate connections for students with West Michigan�s thriving economy. Through partnerships and relationships cultivated with local, national, and international companies, faculty members actively assist students in seizing opportunities within this dynamic economy.
�Because faculty members live, work, and network here, they are able to help students take advantage of West Michigan�s thriving economy through partnerships and relationships with local, national, and international companies. Grand Valley is West Michigan�s university, but its reach is limitless. That means more opportunities, more connections, and more prospects for Grand Valley students and alumni at the undergrad and graduate level�, said Dr. Velez.
While Grand Valley is deeply rooted in West Michigan, its influence extends far beyond, offering extensive opportunities, connections, and prospects for undergraduate and graduate students.
Affordable Tuition & Diverse Scholarships for International Students
GVSU strives to make education affordable for all students, especially international undergraduates. The university�s tuition falls within the lower half among public universities in Michigan. Generous scholarships further aid in making education at Grand Valley more accessible. International undergraduate students admitted to Grand Valley on specified visa types automatically receive a scholarship covering the additional cost of non-Michigan residency, allowing them to pay the in-state tuition rate. This scholarship, valued at about $6,200 per academic year, renews automatically for up to four years.
"The university prioritizes hands-on learning experiences by offering internships, co-ops, student teaching, practicum placements & various experiential learning opportunities"
Moreover, eligible undergraduate international students demonstrating academic excellence receive the International Merit Scholarship, ranging from $2,500 to $10,000, renewing for up to four years. Students can also combine the International Merit Scholarship and the GVSU International Scholarship.
Aside from these scholarships, additional financial aid opportunities exist based on personal interests, academic performance, talents, or majors, supported by donations from Grand Valley�s benefactors. Notably, last year, 96 percent of students received financial aid totaling over $300 million.
In addition to financial support, Grand Valley ensures a supportive campus environment for its international students. The university offers services like its PEEPs program to connect new international students with domestic students and returning international students.
International students also receive specialized advising, resources through the Padnos International Center, workshops, trainings, and seminars throughout the year, creating a holistic and engaging experience for its diverse student body.
Future Roadmap
GVSU values inquiry, innovation, integrity, international perspectives, and the fostering of an inclusive and equitable community. There�s a steadfast commitment to providing an empowered educational experience, nurturing a lifelong learning approach, and cultivating a culture centered on educational equity.
The ongoing initiative, Reach Higher 2025, extends an open invitation to the entire Grand Valley State University community to collectively participate in shaping the shared mission and vision for strategic planning. This initiative aims to equip the university to effectively confront the most critical challenges anticipated in the future of higher education.
Danny C. Velez, Associate Vice President - Admissions & Recruitment, Grand Valley State University
Danny Velez has more than two decades of leadership ex-perience at diverse institutions in the U.S. His work is one reason Grand Valley achieved its largest and most diverse freshman class in history in fall 2023, including nearly 700 international students.
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