07/11/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 07/11/2025 12:43
With a focus on increasing the university's impact for students, faculty, staff and the communities Grand Valley State University serves, the Board of Trustees on July 11 approved a budget that includes a record $81.4 million in financial aid.
The $409 million 2025-26 budget represents a 1.8% increase in spending over 2024-25, as the university strives to maximize value for students and their supporters while planning for inflation and a modest performance-based increase for employees.
The budget assumes a 1% increase in support from the state, which consistently provides GVSU with funding that places it among the lowest per student of any of Michigan's state universities.
Board Chair Elizabeth C. Emmitt lauded the university's leadership for a conservative, but steady budgetary approach that brings an extraordinary return on investment to students and the taxpayers of Michigan.
"With a strong understanding of the needs of both learners and job creators, Grand Valley is getting it right," Emmitt said. "The proof is the fact that 90% of our graduates are living and working in Michigan, powering the economic future of the Midwest. This university innovates and adapts to support today's learners to meet the needs of the future, all while keeping a promise to deliver one of the best values in higher education."
GVSU President Philomena V. Mantella thanked the board and pledged to work with faculty and staff to ensure the university remains focused on enhancing its impact on the future of the state's workforce and economy.
With undergraduate research, experiential learning, co-ops and internships undergirding the Grand Valley experience, students launch from Grand Valley prepared to work and make a difference in their communities. Mantella noted GVSU's history rooted in critical thinking, an entrepreneurial spirit and an innovation-oriented mindset that allows it to adapt to evolving needs.
"We look to the future with optimism as we continue to see the transformative effect of Grand Valley's presence in our communities and in the lives of our students and our colleagues," Mantella said. "We recognize changing undercurrents facing higher education in this state and in our nation. We look to our Legislature to recognize and correct historic funding inequities. However, even as we face these challenges, I know that no university is better positioned to shape a brighter future for Michigan than Grand Valley State University."
In other business:
The Board approved the creation of a new Master of Business Leadership program at the Seidman College of Business.