Percentile rankings vs 1,600+ peer institutions. Higher is better.
Career OutcomesAzimuth ranks Grand View University #734 for overall value on Azimuth's composite among nonprofit four-year institutions. Graduates earn about $8,422 more than similar students at comparable institutions, placing the institution in the 83.4 percentile for earnings beyond expectations among nonprofit four-year institutions. Grand View University sits in the 32.3 percentile for median earnings four years after enrollment among nonprofit four-year institutions. --- Grand View University's composite ranking reflects balanced performance across Azimuth's pillars, with particular strength in return on investment. Graduates achieve meaningful financial outcomes that exceed expectations for similar students at comparable institutions.
Azimuth ranks Grand View University #734 for overall value on Azimuth's composite among nonprofit four-year institutions. A private university in Des Moines, Iowa, Grand View University enrolls roughly 1,486 undergraduates. Retention stands at 70.2% and the six-year graduation rate is 54.0%, reflecting solid student persistence and degree completion. Grand View University performs strongest in return on investment. Azimuth ranks Grand View University #553 for return on investment among nonprofit four-year institutions. Graduates earn median 4-year earnings of $57,521, and earn about $8,422 more than similar students at comparable institutions, placing Grand View University in the 83.4 percentile for earnings beyond expectations among nonprofit four-year institutions. The institution's strength in Business — which represents a substantial share of degrees — anchors these solid financial outcomes. Access and affordability sit lower in the composite. Grand View University sits in the 38.7 percentile for access and the 51.7 percentile for affordability among nonprofit four-year institutions. As a private master's university, Grand View University carries a higher sticker price than public institutions, though need-based aid reshapes the net cost for families that qualify. For prospective students weighing long-term value, the institution's return-on-investment strength — driven by solid graduate earnings and earnings beyond expectations — offers a meaningful counterweight to the higher upfront cost.
Grand View University's published cost of attendance is $48,522. Financial aid reshapes that figure across income levels: low-income families pay approximately $18,512, middle-income families pay around $20,254, and higher-income families pay approximately $24,601. Azimuth ranks Grand View University #689 for post-graduation affordability among nonprofit four-year institutions. Net prices by income band are medians within those bands; individual aid packages vary, so some families in each band pay more and some less than the figures shown. Grand View University's aid structure combines need-based and merit-based components. Families apply using the FAFSA, and the institution participates in federal (Pell Grants, Direct Loans), state, and institutional aid programs. The gap between published cost and actual net price reflects the institution's commitment to financial aid, though the affordability rank indicates that post-graduation debt service remains a meaningful consideration relative to peer institutions. Median federal student loan debt at graduation is $22,500, and families using Parent PLUS borrow a median of $20,398; private or institutional loans may add further borrowing that falls outside these federal-only figures — see the Parent PLUS risk framework for how household context shapes PLUS decisions. For a graduate at the institution's median four-year earnings of $57,521, median federal debt of $22,500 projects to a monthly payment of about $254 under standard ten-year repayment. For personalized projections across earnings scenarios — including Parent PLUS planning — use Azimuth's Financial GPS tool.
Grand View University is a strong fit for students interested in business and related fields who want a private nonprofit university experience in Des Moines, IA. The university's program mix is concentrated in Business, representing 27% of graduates. Graduates earn median 4-year earnings of $57,521, placing Grand View University in the 32.3 percentile for median earnings four years after enrollment among nonprofit four-year institutions. They also earn about $8,422 more than similar students at comparable institutions, placing the university in the 83.4 percentile for earnings beyond expectations among nonprofit four-year institutions. The university enrolls a meaningful share of Pell-eligible and first-generation students — 45.0% of undergraduates receive Pell Grants and 36.0% are first-generation. The 62.1% Pell completion rate shows these students graduate at rates comparable to the broader student body. Fit depends on two realistic filters: the 99.1% admit rate makes the application process moderately selective, and the program mix favors business-oriented fields. Students whose interests align with these areas will find strong outcomes relative to IA's no-degree-equivalent earnings baseline of $34,809.
This school profile was generated using Azimuth's proprietary ROI framework, developed by founder Daniel Rogers. Our methodology transforms federal education data into actionable insights for families.
College Azimuth is a private research initiative and is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Education or Federal Student Aid. Data sourced from College Scorecard.
This content is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, investment, or professional advice. Consult a qualified advisor before making any financial decisions.
Comprehensive Analysis
Detailed metrics, charts, and full data breakdown
Financial GPS Tool
Personalized cost and earnings calculator
This is the Grand View University hub overview page. Related admissions, cost, outcomes, majors, and similar-school pages provide the detailed school data.
Based on federal data for students receiving aid. Actual costs may vary.
Grand View University's published cost of attendance is $48,522. Financial aid reshapes that figure across income levels: low-income families pay approximately $18,512, middle-income families pay around $20,254, and higher-income families pay approximately $24,601.
Azimuth ranks Grand View University #689 for post-graduation affordability among nonprofit four-year institutions. Net prices by income band are medians within those bands; individual aid packages vary, so some families in each band pay more and some less than the figures shown.
Grand View University's aid structure combines need-based and merit-based components. Families apply using the FAFSA, and the institution participates in federal (Pell Grants, Direct Loans), state, and institutional aid programs.
The gap between published cost and actual net price reflects the institution's commitment to financial aid, though the affordability rank indicates that post-graduation debt service remains a meaningful consideration relative to peer institutions. Median federal student loan debt at graduation is $22,500, and families using Parent PLUS borrow a median of $20,398; private or institutional loans may add further borrowing that falls outside these federal-only figures — see the [Parent PLUS risk framework](/analysis/ou-what-happens-when-parents-borrow-too/) for how household context shapes PLUS decisions.
For a graduate at the institution's median four-year earnings of $57,521, median federal debt of $22,500 projects to a monthly payment of about $254 under standard ten-year repayment. For personalized projections across earnings scenarios — including Parent PLUS planning — use [Azimuth's Financial GPS tool](/analysis/financial-gps-framework/).
Graduates of Grand View University earn median 4-year earnings of $57,521, placing Grand View University in the 32.3 percentile for median earnings four years after enrollment among nonprofit four-year institutions. Graduates earn about $8,422 more than similar students at comparable institutions, placing Grand View University in the 83.4 percentile for [earnings beyond expectations](/analysis/a-value-added-approach-to-college-outcomes/) among nonprofit four-year institutions.
Azimuth ranks Grand View University #553 for return on investment among nonprofit four-year institutions. The earnings pattern reflects Grand View University's concentration in business and professional fields.
Kinesiology is the largest program with 56 graduates earning median 4-year earnings of $54,875, at 1.0x the national benchmark for the field. The Business/Commerce, General program graduates 36 students earning $64,126, and the The Teacher Education program graduates 35 students earning $49,409.
Together, these programs anchor the institution's earnings profile and reflect the dominant business and professional focus that characterizes Grand View University's degree portfolio.
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
33 graduates
Finance and Financial Management Services
25 graduates
Accounting and Related Services
24 graduates
Biology, General
9 graduates
Marketing
25 graduates
Grand View University's program mix is anchored in business and professional fields, reflecting the institution's focus on applied, career-oriented education. Kinesiology is the largest program with 56 graduates annually, followed by Business/Commerce, General, Teacher Education, Nursing, and Psychology, General.
Across 0 ranked programs serving roughly 433 students annually, the institution's strength concentrates in business, accounting, and management-related fields. The earnings pattern reflects this professional focus.
Nursing leads with median earnings of $73,047 four years after enrollment across 33 graduates, while Finance graduates earn $67,234 and Accounting graduates earn $66,906. Digital Marketing and Business/Commerce, General round out the highest-earning programs, demonstrating consistent mid-career pay across the institution's core portfolio.
The concentration of graduates in Kinesiology and Business/Commerce, General — combined with solid earnings outcomes — reflects Grand View University's positioning as a business-focused private institution. These programs represent high-mobility pathways where graduates enter the workforce directly in accounting, finance, management, and related professional roles.
The [supply and demand for college graduates](/analysis/supply-demand-map-college-degrees/) provides context for how Grand View University's dominant program families align with labor-market demand in the Midwest and beyond.
Peer institutions with comparable quality and outcomes:
| School | State | Accept Rate | Median Earnings | Rank | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Bryan College Of Health Sciences Similar quality tier in Midwest (#19755 ranked) | NE | 67% | $70,845 | #19755 | Compare |
Brescia University Similar quality tier (#20271 ranked) | KY | 35% | $45,500 | #20271 | Compare |
Saint Ambrose University Similar quality tier in Midwest (#20272 ranked) | IA | 77% | $59,531 | #20272 | Compare |
College Of The Ozarks Similar quality tier in Midwest (#19751 ranked) | MO | 12% | $41,592 | #19751 | Compare |
William Jewell College Similar quality tier in Midwest (#19750 ranked) | MO | 38% | $59,268 | #19750 | Compare |
