GVSU Board Approves Tuition Increase for 2025-26

Students on the Grand Valley State University campus studying.

News Summary

The Grand Valley State University Board of Trustees has approved a 4.7% tuition increase for the 2025-26 academic year, raising costs by an average of $734. In addition, room and board rates will also rise by approximately 4.6%. Despite these increases, GVSU is committed to financial assistance, allocating over 21% of its general fund revenues to aid programs. The increase comes after 11 consecutive years of tuition hikes, aiming to maintain quality education at a relatively low cost for students.

Allendale, Michigan — The Grand Valley State University (GVSU) Board of Trustees has approved a 4.7% increase in tuition rates for the 2025-26 academic year, resulting in an average annual cost increase of $734 for students. The decision was made on April 25, 2025, and comes just below the state-imposed cap that permits a maximum tuition hike of either 4.5% or $735. In addition to tuition, room and board rates will see a boost of 4.6%.

Students living on campus can expect housing costs to rise by approximately $170 per semester, while the primary dining meal plan will increase by $100 per semester. Despite the tuition hike, GVSU remains committed to providing financial assistance, allocating just over 21% of its general fund revenues to financial aid programs.

Tuition and Fee Breakdown

Under the new rates, resident undergraduate students in the lower tuition division taking between 12 to 15 credits will pay $7,936 per semester, whereas non-resident undergraduates in the same division will pay $11,294. Tuition costs for graduate students will range from $826 to $1,044 per credit hour, depending on the specific program of study.

Housing and Dining Costs

For those living in campus housing, a double room will now cost $3,050, marking a $150 increase compared to the previous academic year. A single room will be priced at $4,330, which is $320 less than last year. GVSU notes that, even with the increase, it remains one of the lowest-cost universities for housing and dining in Michigan.

The projected occupancy rate for GVSU’s 6,000 beds is 95% for the upcoming academic year, indicating a continued high demand for on-campus housing options.

Budget for Housing and Dining

The proposed budget for housing and dining services is set at $66.6 million, reflecting a minor increase of $0.1 million from the previous year. This financial strategy aims to enhance service quality while maintaining affordability for students.

Programs Approved by the Board

In conjunction with the approval of the tuition hike, the Board of Trustees has also given the green light to three new undergraduate programs in climate science, environmental science, and human-centered computing. A new master’s program in human-centered computing was also approved, potentially expanding educational opportunities for students in these evolving fields.

Historical Context

GVSU has implemented tuition increases for the past 11 consecutive years, with the last instance of a decrease occurring in the 2014-15 academic year. The April decision by the Board of Trustees is part of an effort to enhance transparency for prospective students regarding financial obligations.

The ongoing financial planning at GVSU aims to provide high-quality educational services at relatively low prices, making the university an attractive option for both in-state and out-of-state students.

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Additional Resources

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Author: STAFF HERE GRANDRAPIDS WRITER

GRAND RAPIDS STAFF WRITER The GRAND RAPIDS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREGrandRapids.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Grand Rapids, Kent County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as ArtPrize, Festival of the Arts, and World of Winter. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce and Grand Rapids Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in furniture, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Steelcase, Spectrum Health, and Meijer. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREDetroitMI.com, HERENorthville.com, HERENovi.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.

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