In its 2020 college ranking guide, Washington Monthly named Grand Valley State University as a “Best Bang for the Buck” among Midwestern universities. The title means that GVSU is at the top of the list for helping non-wealthy students obtain marketable degrees at affordable prices.

Also included in the criteria is the number of first-generation students, Pell grant recipients, tuition rates, loans and predicted earnings after college. GVSU received this honor in several previous years as well.

“The fact that GVSU has so much to offer our students in addition to making this list based on their metrics, demonstrates an even greater value for our students,” said Valerie Guzman, Director of the Office of Student Life. “Even during restrictions brought on by the pandemic, creative virtual events from organizations like the Campus Activities Board help create student-centered campus life.”

GVSU has also earned a spot on the list of “Best Colleges for Student Voters”, which is particularly important with this year’s presidential election right around the corner. This list emphasizes institutions with active plans to increase student voter registration and turn out at the polls.

Keeping on track with last year’s results, GVSU was ranked 146th in the master’s category. Criteria for this category includes social mobility (recruiting and graduating low-income students), research (producing cutting-edge scholarship) and service (encouraging students to give back to their community). GVSU has a 62% 8-year graduation rate for master’s students.

Even though the university has moved the majority of its events online, plenty of club meetings and other events are still taking place virtually. Before the Staying in Place order was released, a handful of organizations held socially distant meetings as well. Just because events are taking place online does not mean that they are less valuable to their participants.

More information about the Washington Monthly 2020 college guide and other rankings can be found at washingtonmonthly.com.