grand valley state university vs ferris state

Grand Valley State University's main campus is located in the town of Allendale, midway between downtown Grand Rapids and Lake Michigan. The other campus is the Grand Rapids campus and other regional centers like the Lake Michigan center, Muskegon innovation center etc. 

Located on the southern edge of the City of Big Rapids, straddling the border between Big Rapids Township and the city, the university has over 880 acres (3.6 km2) for its main campus. In addition to the main campus, Ferris State University has programs offered at 19 off-campus locations including Dowagiac, Grand Rapids, Flint, Lansing, Traverse City, and University Center.

At Grand Valley, you can be anything you want — except bored. With student life programming, diverse student organizations, annual traditions, and on-campus space to relax and socialize, you'll always have plenty of opportunities to enjoy college life outside of the classroom. With nearly 400 student organizations at Grand Valley, the university makes sure that getting involved with campus life becomes easy. It isn't difficult to find people who share your interests. So volunteer, learn about a new culture, work on cars, join a writing club, or play a sport in your free time. In fact, Grand Valley has one of the broadest club sport and intramural programs around with a wide variety of sports to choose from, ranging from basketball to tennis to quidditch.  Living on campus will place you at the center of campus life at Grand Valley. You'll enjoy convenient access to classes, academic resources, and diversity and inclusion resources. You'll also enjoy comfortable and welcoming living centers, shared learning experiences in living/learning communities, healthy food, on-campus employment opportunities, and more. Grand Valley truly is more than just a place to learn. It's a community where lifelong friendships and connections are made. It's a place to live and grow. No wonder students who live on campus get better grades and are more likely to graduate than those who don't.  Being a Laker means being involved with campus life at Grand Valley. Lakers perform in music, dance, and theatre productions, execute exhibitions in student art galleries, play sports, and cheer varsity teams on for free at 100+ games a year. Lakers tutor at the library, are members of the Future Alumni Association, participate in leadership development programs, and attend a wide range of diverse, educational, and fun on-campus events. 

Living on-campus gives the residents the opportunities and advantages that can make the collegiate experience more memorable, more enjoyable, and more successful. The Office of Housing and Residence Life views parents, guardians, and family members as partners in the journey that a student takes in continuing their education. The Birkam Health Center is the on campus resource to keep you healthy while achieving your academic success.  It offers primary care services as well as acute care for all Ferris students and their dependents. The Center for Student Involvement (CSI) puts you at the center of the student experience. The CSI will connect you with the events, organizations, and experiences that make life at Ferris so dynamic. From energizing events and inspiring traditions to unique students organizations and our fraternities and sororities, the CSI will help you find your people, your place, and yourself at Ferris. There’s always something to do and somewhere to go on campus. From informational to inspirational, developmental to just plain fun, there's never a dull moment at Ferris. The David L. Eisler Center is a place for students to socialize, study and relax. There are many events held in the ballrooms and conference rooms, many of which can be seen on flyers around campus. Student Organizations choose the David L. Eisler Center as a good place to hold meetings and events.

Allendale is a suburb of Grand Rapids with a population of 23,999. Allendale is in Ottawa County. Living in Allendale offers residents a dense suburban feel and most residents own their homes. In Allendale there are a lot of coffee shops and parks. Many young professionals live in Allendale and residents tend to lean conservative. The city features an abundance of local attractions including a historic downtown area, multiple parks and recreation areas for outdoor activities, and nearby ski hills for winter sports enthusiasts. Education is also important to the community with numerous well-regarded schools ranging from elementary to college level. Additionally, there are plenty of restaurants and shopping centers for those looking for some retail therapy or entertainment. With its great location and many amenities, Allendale is truly an idyllic place to live or visit.

Big Rapids is a city situated within Mecosta County Michigan boasting approximately 11 thousand people. Here you can find lots to do as well - from exploring nearby state parks like Hemlock Park for recreational activities like mountain biking or snowmobiling to perusing through its many unique shops that allow you to get your own piece of this vibrant spot; plus there’s also plenty of cultural attractions too! The cost of living in Big Rapids is lower than the national average and most cities in the state. While some areas can be higher than others on a state and federal level, the overall average of housing costs, utilities, grocery items, transportation, health care, and miscellaneous goods and services are less expensive.