Students at Grand View University achieve earnings that exceed expectations by nearly $9,000 compared with similar students at other institutions, reflecting the university's effectiveness in career preparation and job placement.
The combination of strong nursing programs, accessible pricing, and support for first-generation students creates meaningful opportunities for economic advancement in Iowa's capital region.
Grand View University is a small private nonprofit institution in Des Moines, Iowa, that focuses on providing accessible education with strong outcomes in key professional fields. With 38% of students receiving Pell Grants and 36% being first-generation college students, Grand View serves a diverse student body while maintaining the close-knit community feel typical of smaller institutions. The university's graduates earn a median of $52,824 ten years after enrollment, with particularly strong performance in nursing and health-related programs.
What distinguishes Grand View is its ability to deliver earnings beyond expectations—graduates earn about $8,682 more than similar students at comparable institutions nationwide. This earnings advantage reflects the university's focus on career-oriented programs, especially in nursing, exercise science, and business fields that connect directly to Iowa's job market. The nursing program stands out as Grand View's flagship offering, graduating 48 students annually with median earnings of $54,621.
As a small private university with strong community ties in Des Moines, Grand View combines the personal attention of a liberal arts college with practical, career-focused programs. The university's commitment to supporting first-generation and working-class students, combined with its track record of helping graduates exceed earnings expectations, makes it a solid choice for students seeking both educational quality and economic mobility in Iowa's capital region.
Grand View University's program portfolio centers on practical, career-focused fields that connect directly to Iowa's job market and provide clear pathways to stable employment. The Adult Health Nursing program stands out as the university's flagship offering, graduating 48 students annually with strong median earnings of $54,621 that reflect the high demand for healthcare professionals in the Des Moines region. This program combines substantial enrollment with excellent financial outcomes, making it Grand View's highest aggregate return major.
Exercise Science and Kinesiology represents the university's largest program with 66 graduates, though earnings are more moderate at $34,187 as students often pursue diverse career paths in fitness, therapy, and health promotion. Banking and Financial Support Services, with 30 graduates earning $46,478, demonstrates Grand View's connection to Des Moines' role as a regional financial center, preparing students for careers in Iowa's insurance and banking industries.
The concentration in health sciences and business programs reflects Grand View's understanding of regional workforce needs and student career goals. These fields provide stable employment opportunities with clear advancement pathways, and the university's small size allows for personalized faculty mentorship and strong clinical partnerships that enhance job placement. The focus on practical, professional programs helps explain why Grand View graduates consistently earn beyond expectations compared with peers at similar institutions.
Grand View University graduates achieve solid long-term financial outcomes, with median earnings of $52,824 ten years after enrollment. More importantly, graduates earn about $8,682 beyond expectations compared with similar students at other institutions, demonstrating the university's ability to add meaningful value to students' career prospects. This earnings advantage places Grand View in a strong position among small private colleges, showing that the personalized education and career preparation students receive translates into real financial benefits.
The university's strongest returns come from its nursing program, which combines high enrollment with excellent earnings outcomes. Adult Health Nursing graduates 48 students annually and delivers median earnings of $54,621, making it Grand View's highest aggregate return program. Exercise Science and Kinesiology, the university's largest program with 66 graduates, provides more moderate earnings at $34,187 but serves as a pathway into diverse health and fitness careers. Banking and Financial Support Services rounds out the top programs with 30 graduates earning $46,478, reflecting Grand View's connection to Des Moines' financial services sector.
The concentration in health sciences and business programs helps explain Grand View's above-average earnings performance. These fields provide stable career pathways with clear advancement opportunities, and Grand View's small size allows for strong faculty mentorship and clinical partnerships that enhance job placement. The university's location in Des Moines provides access to major healthcare systems and financial institutions, creating internship and employment opportunities that support the strong earnings outcomes graduates achieve.
Grand View University offers relatively consistent and manageable net prices across income levels, making it accessible to families from diverse economic backgrounds. Low-income students pay about $19,216 annually, while middle-income families see costs of $19,778—remarkably similar pricing that reflects the university's commitment to need-based aid. Even high-income families pay $25,025, which is reasonable for a private college education and demonstrates Grand View's effort to keep costs predictable across the income spectrum.
The university's financial aid strategy appears designed to minimize income-based disparities in college access. The small difference between low- and middle-income net prices suggests that Grand View uses institutional aid effectively to level the playing field for working-class families. This approach aligns with the university's mission of serving first-generation and Pell-eligible students, ensuring that financial barriers don't prevent qualified students from accessing quality education.
Grand View's pricing structure reflects its position as an accessible private alternative to public universities in Iowa. While not the lowest-cost option available, the consistent net prices across income bands and the university's track record of helping students achieve earnings beyond expectations create a value proposition that works for many families seeking personalized education with strong career outcomes.
Grand View University Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
