Students enjoying their time on Grand Valley State University's campus as they prepare for the new academic year.
Grand Valley State University (GVSU) will raise tuition by 4.7% and housing fees by 4.6% for the 2025-26 academic year, amounting to an additional $734 per student. Despite these increases, GVSU aims to keep costs among the lowest in Michigan’s public universities, with financial aid projected to exceed $80 million. The university also introduces new academic programs while maintaining competitive pricing compared to other institutions, which have higher increases. This decision reinforces GVSU’s commitment to transparency and support for prospective students.
Allendale, Michigan – Grand Valley State University (GVSU) will increase tuition and housing fees for the 2025-26 academic year following a recent decision by the university’s Board of Trustees. The board approved a 4.7% increase in tuition and fees, which translates to an average additional cost of $734 per year for students. Additionally, housing and dining costs will rise by 4.6%.
Despite these increases, GVSU maintains that its costs will remain in the bottom quarter of Michigan’s public universities. Plans indicate that financial aid is expected to surpass $80 million in the upcoming academic year, aimed at assisting students in managing the elevated fees. This continued investment in financial aid is significant, constituting over 21% of the university’s general fund revenues.
The tuition adjustment comes as GVSU continues a trend of annual increases, marking the 11th consecutive year that GVSU has raised tuition. The last decrease occurred in the 2014-15 academic year. The newly approved tuition rates align with the state’s Fiscal Year ’25 higher education budget, which limits increases to either 4.5% or $735.
For the 2025-26 academic year, students living on-campus can expect to pay $3,050 for a double room or $4,330 for a single room. In addition, the cost of a meal plan that provides over 14 meals per week will rise to $2,175, marking a $100 increase from the prior year.
New policies also enhance the campus living experience, as GVSU requires all first-year students to reside on campus. This initiative aims to support students in their transition and improve completion rates. The university anticipates achieving 95% occupancy of its 6,000 residence hall beds for the upcoming year, further emphasizing its commitment to student housing.
In conjunction with the tuition increase, GVSU is set to unveil new undergraduate programs in climate science and environmental science, as well as a master’s program in human-centered computing. These program additions are part of a strategic effort to align with evolving job markets and educational needs.
GVSU’s tuition and living cost increases remain relatively modest in comparison to other universities in Michigan, some of which have reported housing and meal plan increases as high as 9%. This positions GVSU as a cost-effective option for students looking for quality education while managing their financial responsibilities.
The early decision to approve tuition and fee increases in April is aimed at promoting transparency and helping prospective students make informed enrollment decisions as they plan their educational journeys.
As GVSU graduates over 3,200 students in the recent weekend, the university continues to focus on providing accessible education while balancing the need for funding essential programs and services, positioning itself well for the challenges and opportunities the future holds.
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