The most significant enrollment growth came among first-time freshman. GVSU Admissions Director William Eilola attributes the growth in this category to Grand Valley's growing reputation for academic quality. Our freshman profile has increased this year as well. He noted that the average grade point averages and ACT scores of the incoming freshmen are both up. Grand Valley's own survey of high school seniors and counselors in both west Michigan and southeast Michigan shows that quality academic reputation is the key factor for students selecting a college.
Value is the second most important consideration.
GVSU Vice Provost Robert Fletcher said the enrollment increases are seen throughout the university. Enrollments are up at Grand Valley's Muskegon, Holland, and downtown Grand Rapids sites in addition to the main campus in Allendale. Fletcher said the more than 60 degree-completion programs GVSU offers in Grand Rapids are an example of offering what students need. It's academic programs that people sign up for, and we're highly regarded for our focus on teaching and the quality of our faculty. The numbers are up across the curricula as well.