Student Enrollment

Current student body demographics and enrollment patterns at Grand Valley State University

Allendale, MI

Total Enrollment

22,269

Currently enrolled students

Program Options

228

228 programs

Full-Time Students

17,230

2,013 part-time

Total FTE

19,353

Full-time equivalent students

Student-Faculty Ratio

15:1

Students per faculty member

What Is the Student Body Size?

Training Program Focus

256
Certificate Graduates
Short-term specialized training
6170
Total Recent Graduates

With 22,269 students, Grand Valley State University is a large institution offering diverse educational programs and extensive facilities. The school offers 228 specialized programs designed for immediate workforce entry.

How Do Students Attend?

Attendance Status Distribution

Full-Time Students 17,230 (89.5%)
89.5%
Part-Time Students 2,013 (10.5%)
Total Students 19,243

Predominantly full-time students (89.5%), typical of traditional academic programs.

Full-Time
Part-Time

A majority of students (77.4%) attend full-time, with a significant part-time population balancing work and studies.

Who Are the Students?

Student Demographics

Gender Distribution

Gender Split
Women
61.7%
13,730 students
Men
38.3%
8,539 students

Race/Ethnicity Distribution

Primary Ethnic Group
White
76.0%
16,921 students
White
76.0% (16,921)
Hispanic/Latino
7.3% (1,633)
Black/African American
6.2% (1,391)
Two or More Races
3.5% (782)
International Students
3.1% (686)
Asian
2.6% (584)
American Indian/Alaska Native
0.4% (86)
Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander
0.0% (8)

Demographics Summary

Gender: Predominantly female (62%) across 22,269 students

Largest Ethnic Group: White students make up 76% of the student body (16,921 students)

The student body reflects diverse backgrounds and demographics. Women make up 62% of students.

Interested in Academic Quality & Learning Environment?

Explore retention rates, student-faculty ratios, distance education options, and academic intensity on our dedicated Academics page.

View Academics Page

How Are Students Distributed by Level?

Undergraduate students

19,243 students

40% Men, 60% Women
17,230 Full-time 2,013 Part-time
Diversity Index: 40% • Minority Students: 17%

Graduate students

3,026 students

30% Men, 70% Women
1,619 Full-time 1,407 Part-time
Diversity Index: 47% • Minority Students: 11%

What Are the Attendance Patterns?

Full-Time Students

All Full-Time

18,849
All full-time students
7,227 men, 11,622 women
Diversity: 41%

FT Undergraduate

17,230
Full-time undergraduate
6,708 men, 10,522 women
Diversity: 40%

FT Degree-Seeking

17,207
Full-time degree/certificate-seeking
6,691 men, 10,516 women
Diversity: 40%

FT First-Time

4,805
Full-time first-time students
1,783 men, 3,022 women
Diversity: 48%

FT Continuing

12,402
Full-time continuing students
4,908 men, 7,494 women
Diversity: 36%

FT Transfer

1,067
Full-time transfer students
489 men, 578 women
Diversity: 43%

FT Continuing

11,335
Full-time other continuing
4,419 men, 6,916 women
Diversity: 35%

FT Non-Degree

23
Full-time non-degree seeking
17 men, 6 women
Diversity: 37%

FT Graduate

1,619
Full-time graduate students
519 men, 1,100 women
Diversity: 53%

Part-Time Students

All Part-Time

3,420
All part-time students
1,312 men, 2,108 women
Diversity: 39%

PT Undergraduate

2,013
Part-time undergraduate
922 men, 1,091 women
Diversity: 41%

PT Degree-Seeking

1,866
Part-time degree/certificate-seeking
868 men, 998 women
Diversity: 39%

PT First-Time

31
Part-time first-time students
10 men, 21 women
Diversity: 43%

PT Continuing

1,835
Part-time continuing students
858 men, 977 women
Diversity: 39%

PT Transfer

155
Part-time transfer students
50 men, 105 women
Diversity: 47%

PT Continuing

1,680
Part-time other continuing
808 men, 872 women
Diversity: 38%

PT Non-Degree

147
Part-time non-degree seeking
54 men, 93 women
Diversity: 58%

PT Graduate

1,407
Part-time graduate students
390 men, 1,017 women
Diversity: 37%

Understanding Student Categories

First-Time: Students starting their first postsecondary program

Continuing: Students who previously enrolled and are returning

Transfer: Students who transferred from other institutions

Degree-Seeking: Students enrolled in certificate or degree programs

Non-Degree: Students taking courses without pursuing a formal credential

What Is the Diversity Picture?

Undergraduate students

14,780
White
1,242
Black/African American
1,504
Hispanic/Latino
533
Asian
244
International
Diversity Index: 40% Minority Students: 17%

Graduate students

2,141
White
149
Black/African American
129
Hispanic/Latino
51
Asian
442
International
Diversity Index: 47% Minority Students: 11%

Want to See Student Success & Outcomes?

Explore completion rates, transfer patterns, and detailed 8-year student outcome tracking on our dedicated Student Outcomes page.

View Student Outcomes

Student Life & Campus Experience

Diverse Student Community

Students from various backgrounds come together to learn career-focused skills in a supportive environment.

Flexible Scheduling

Many students balance work and family commitments with their studies through part-time and evening programs.

Career-Focused Learning

Students are goal-oriented, seeking practical skills and credentials that lead directly to employment opportunities.

AI-generated illustration of diverse students on a college campus with enrollment statistics, charts showing student demographics, attendance patterns, and campus life activities

Key Takeaways About Grand Valley State University's Student Body

Training Environment: Large institution with 22,269 students offering extensive programs and state-of-the-art facilities.
Study Patterns: Primarily full-time students (77.4%) in a traditional academic setting.
Academic Intensity: 19,353 FTE students indicates mix of full-time and part-time study patterns.
Learning Format: Hybrid learning approach with 61% taking some online courses.
Academic Environment: Excellent student-faculty ratio (15:1) ensures personalized attention and mentorship.
Student Diversity: Growing diversity with students from various backgrounds and experiences.
Learning Environment: Students benefit from career-focused education with hands-on training, experienced instructors, and support services designed to help them achieve their professional goals.
Community: The student body includes diverse learners from various backgrounds, creating a rich learning environment where students can network and learn from each other's experiences.

Contact Information

Address

1 Campus Dr

Allendale, MI 49401-9403

Student Success

The student body at colleges often includes:

  • • Working adults seeking career changes
  • • Recent high school graduates
  • • Military veterans using education benefits
  • • Students upgrading skills in their field
  • • Individuals seeking fast-track credentials
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