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Grand View University

Des Moines, IA·Private nonprofit·1,472 students
Last updated: March 22, 2026

A good fit for students who want accessible admissions and students who want small classes and close faculty access. no major red flags in the data. financial aid brings net price below sticker.

98%
Accept
1,472
Students
$21,616
Net Price
56%
Grad Rate
$45,200
Earnings
10 yr
$15,097
Debt

About This School

Grand View University is a private nonprofit institution located in Des Moines, Iowa with approximately 1,472 undergraduate students enrolled. Grand View University has an open or accessible admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 98%. The average net price after financial aid is $21,616 per year. The graduation rate is 56%, and the typical graduate earns $45,200 within 10 years of enrollment.

Grand View University is a private liberal arts university in Des Moines, Iowa. Founded in 1896 and affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, the university enrolls approximately 2,000 students and is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

The numbers tell a mixed story here: the $21,616 average net price and relatively low median debt of $15,097 are genuinely affordable, and the small campus in Des Moines offers real access to a city with job opportunities. However, a 56% graduation rate is a meaningful red flag — nearly half of students who start here don't finish — and median earnings of $45,200 a decade out suggest modest long-term financial returns. Worth considering if you're drawn to a small, faith-affiliated environment and have a clear plan to stay on track, but ask hard questions about student support before committing.

Founded
1896
Setting
Midsize city

Popular Programs

Business & Marketing22%
Health Professions14%
Education7%
Psychology6%
Visual & Performing Arts5%
Biological Sciences4%
Communications4%
Computer Science2%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Notable Alumni

Slick Watts

Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average CompositeN/A

ACT Scores

Midpoint Composite20

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$33,450
Out-of-State Tuition
$33,450
Avg Net Price
$21,616
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants38%
Median debt at graduation$15,097

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
56%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
73%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$45,200
after enrollment
Median Debt
$15,097
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$15,097
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$39,800
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$45,200
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 3.0x

Solid return. Earnings outpace debt, though major choice matters.

Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.

Student Body

White57%
Black10%
Hispanic/Latino12%
Asian4%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (1,472 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

Grand View University

1200 Grandview Ave

Des Moines, IA 50316

View on Google Maps →

Other Schools in Iowa

Browse all Iowa schools →

Sources & Methodology

Data

Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.

Contextual Enrichment

School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.

Important Caveats
  • Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
  • Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
  • Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
  • Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
Trademarks

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