Grand View University
Grand View University has an acceptance rate of 99.1%, annual tuition of $34,762, average net price of $21,774, and a national rank of #829 (Grade B), with a 54.0% six-year graduation rate, about 1,486 undergraduates, and median earnings of $47,582 six years after enrollment. Figures come from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and EDsmart's 2026 rankings.
Grand View University is a private nonprofit university in Des Moines, IA. Students most often pursue Human Resources Management and Services and Computer and Information Sciences.
Inside the classroom, students benefit from a 12:1 student-faculty ratio, and 70.2% first-year retention. Faculty pair challenging syllabi with intentional mentoring so learners keep momentum even as expectations rise.
EDsmart calculates return on investment at -45.4%, roughly 130.7 points below typical outcomes. Expect the strongest outcomes for students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.
Who is Grand View University Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
Grand View University graduates 54.0% of students within six years and keeps 70.2% of first-year students. Affordability earns a B compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use Grand View University's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $34,762 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,296 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $13,912 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $4,470 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $48,522 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 45.0% of Grand View University students receive Pell Grants — above the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Net prices range from $18,512 to $24,601 depending on family income. Use Grand View University's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $23,414/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $24,601/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $47,582
- 10-Year Median Earnings $47,582
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $15,097
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 61.3%
- Employment Rate 91.3%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Grand View University graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
Grand View University vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Grand View University's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Grand View University's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While Grand View University graduates earn $47,582 median, the -45.4% ROI suggests the investment may take longer to pay off. Consider your major choice and career goals when evaluating value.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading Not reported
- SAT Math Not reported
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite Not reported
- SAT & ACTNot required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 1,486
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate 70.2%
- Graduation Rate 54.0%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 12:1
How to Get Into Grand View University
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Grand View University requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 99.1%, Grand View University is relatively open. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
EDsmart Insight: With a 99.1% acceptance rate, Grand View University is more accessible than highly selective schools. Meeting the test score ranges and maintaining a solid GPA significantly improves admission chances.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Grand View University undergraduates. Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitnes, Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing, and Business/Commerce, General draw the most students.
- Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitnes 12.4%
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing 9.0%
- Business/Commerce, General 8.1%
- Psychology, General 7.0%
- Human Services, General 6.0%
- Finance and Financial Management Services 5.6%
See more majors
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods 5.5%
- Criminal Justice and Corrections 4.5%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Human Resources Management and Services $80,108
- 2. Computer and Information Sciences, General $79,650
- 3. Accounting and Related Services $70,591
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Finance and Financial Management Services $63,368
- 5. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing $63,111
- 6. Marketing $58,421
- 7. Criminal Justice and Corrections $58,107
- 8. Biology, General $57,769
- 9. Business/Commerce, General $56,271
- 10. Health and Physical Education/Fitness $55,780
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Health and Physical Education/Fitness (Master's Degree) $49,976
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Human Resources Management and Services grads earn $80,108—44% more than Health and Physical Education/Fitness ($55,780). Graduate: Health and Physical Education/Fitness programs lead with $49,976 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for Grand View University. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness (Bachelor's Degree, 66 graduates)
- Human Services, General (Bachelor's Degree, 32 graduates)
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Bachelor's Degree, 29 graduates)
- Biology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 19 graduates)
- Education, General (Master's Degree, 16 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (29 programs)â–¼
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- Human Services, General
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Biology, General
- Social Work
- Design and Applied Arts
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Political Science and Government
- Management Information Systems and Services
- Human Resources Management and Services
- International Business
- History
- Health/Medical Preparatory Programs
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Business/Corporate Communications
- Biotechnology
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Applied Mathematics
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- English Language and Literature, General
- Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication
- Film/Video and Photographic Arts
- Communication, Journalism, and Related Programs, Other
- Theological and Ministerial Studies
- Graphic Communications
- Communication and Media Studies
- Computer Science
- Agriculture/Veterinary Preparatory Programs
Online Master's Degrees (3 programs)â–¼
- Education, General
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
Online Undergraduate Certificates & Diplomas (4 programs)â–¼
- Human Resources Management and Services
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
- Computer Software and Media Applications
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 1,486
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 45.3%
- Female Students 54.7%
- Caucasian 53.8%
- Asian 4.2%
- Hispanic 12.7%
- Black 9.6%
- Pell Grant Recipients 45.0%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Grand View University's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Grand View University's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Grand View University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Grand View University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Grand View University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Grand View University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Grand View University offers a private university experience at a regional scale, combining smaller class sizes with -45.4% ROI. Ranked #829 nationally, the institution balances personalized attention against higher costs than public alternatives.
The $21,774 annual net price is significantly higher than public universities, offset somewhat by $47,582 median earnings. With 54.0% graduating within six years and 70.2% returning for sophomore year, outcomes reflect the personalized support typical of smaller private institutions.
Private University Value: Grand View University's Positioning
With a B grade and #829 ranking, Grand View University competes in the crowded regional private university market.
The Private University Premium: At $21,774 annually, Grand View University charges more than public alternatives but typically offers smaller classes, more personalized advising, and tighter-knit campus communities. The 70.2% retention rate suggests students value this environment.
Who Benefits Most: Students who thrive in smaller, more intimate academic settings. Those seeking specific programs or values-based education aligned with the institution's mission. Students who receive merit scholarships that bring costs below $15,242 achieve particularly strong value.
Cost-Benefit Reality: The -45.4% ROI and $47,582 median earnings don't always justify the premium over public universities. Students paying full price should compare whether the personalized experience warrants $11,774+ in additional annual costs over state flagships.
Competitive Standing: Grand View University ranks #829 of 6101 institutions, with 872 schools achieving higher ROI. For students offered substantial merit aid or seeking specific programs unavailable at public universities, the value proposition strengthens significantly.
Key Takeaways
- 54.0% six-year graduation rate sits 8.5 points below the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 70.2% first-year retention is 6.6 points below the national norm of 76.8%.
- -45.4% return on investment is 130.7 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $47,582 run about 9% higher than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $21,774 is roughly $4,377 higher than the national median of $17,397.
Helpfulness for Students
- 12:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 70.2% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 91.3% employment rate within three years sits 23.1 points above national outcomes.
- Average net price of $21,774 is about $4,377 higher than comparable schools, so scholarship planning is key.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
EDsmart rates Grand View University—a private nonprofit university in Des Moines, IA—at B overall. It is currently ranked #829 nationally Grades by category break down as Completion B-, Support B-, Career Outcomes B+, and Affordability B.
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
About 70.2% of first-year students return, and roughly 54.0% finish within six years. Return on investment currently measures -45.4% for this program.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $21,774 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $48,522.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $26,748 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $15,097 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 45.0% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Graduates report median earnings of about $47,582 six years after entry. This is roughly 9% above typical U.S. college outcomes.
The three-year employment rate is close to 91.3%.
The ROI comes in near -45.4%, which you can cross-check against your financial plan.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
99.1% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the Grand View University admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Grand View University's acceptance rate?
Grand View University's acceptance rate is 99.1%, based on U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard admissions data.
How much does Grand View University cost?
At Grand View University, listed tuition and fees are $34,762 per year, and the average net price after aid is $21,774. Use the net price calculator on this page for a personalized estimate.
What is Grand View University's ranking?
Grand View University ranks #829 nationally in EDsmart's 2026 college rankings with an overall grade of B, based on completion, affordability, support, and career outcomes.
What is Grand View University's graduation rate?
At Grand View University, the six-year graduation rate is 54.0%, and first-year retention is 70.2%.
What are Grand View University's job outcomes?
Graduates of Grand View University report median earnings of $47,582 six years after enrollment, according to College Scorecard federal outcome data. Outcomes vary by major.
What is Grand View University's student population?
Grand View University enrolls about 1,486 undergraduate students, per College Scorecard enrollment data.
Contact Information
- Address Des Moines, IA 50316
- Website www.grandview.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationHigher Learning Commission (NCACHE)
- Endowment$34.1M
- Transfer Enrollment Rate21.2%