About Graceland University-Lamoni
Graceland University serves 901 students in rural Iowa with a strong focus on nursing and education programs. The Community of Christ-affiliated institution draws students from across the country, with only 18% coming from Iowa. The trimester calendar system allows for accelerated learning, while the 14:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personal attention in small classes.
Students pay an average net price of $15,975 after financial aid, making this private education surprisingly affordable. Nearly three-quarters of students take federal loans, graduating with a median debt of $21,212. The investment pays off modestly, with graduates earning a median of $47,361 ten years after graduation. The 96% employment rate shows strong job placement, though the 38% six-year graduation rate suggests many students struggle to finish their degrees.
The Yellowjackets field 20 varsity sports teams with 586 total athletes, making athletics a major part of campus life. Men outnumber women 60% to 40%, and the student body is diverse with 44% white students, 19% Black students, and 13% Hispanic students. The $5.9 million in athletic scholarships helps attract talent to this small rural campus where most of the 768 housing spots fill quickly.
Students pay an average net price of $15,975 after financial aid, making this private education surprisingly affordable. Nearly three-quarters of students take federal loans, graduating with a median debt of $21,212. The investment pays off modestly, with graduates earning a median of $47,361 ten years after graduation. The 96% employment rate shows strong job placement, though the 38% six-year graduation rate suggests many students struggle to finish their degrees.
The Yellowjackets field 20 varsity sports teams with 586 total athletes, making athletics a major part of campus life. Men outnumber women 60% to 40%, and the student body is diverse with 44% white students, 19% Black students, and 13% Hispanic students. The $5.9 million in athletic scholarships helps attract talent to this small rural campus where most of the 768 housing spots fill quickly.
Academics & Faculty
Graceland University centers on nursing and education programs that draw students from across the country. The 14:1 student-faculty ratio provides close mentorship in these health and teaching fields. However, the 38% six-year graduation rate reflects challenges many students face completing their degrees. The university's Community of Christ affiliation shapes its approach to service-oriented careers. Nearly three-quarters of students need federal loans to afford their education. The trimester calendar system allows for intensive coursework and faster degree completion for those who stay enrolled. Students benefit from small class sizes and personal attention from professors, though retention struggles suggest the academic rigor or financial pressures prove difficult for many.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 14:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 100.0%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 43.1%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 38.3%
- Retention Rate
- 64.4%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $47,361
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Large)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Certificate | $122,038 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $102,149 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $63,005 |
| Education, Other. | Master | $52,107 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $36,132 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Bachelor | $33,993 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $30,460 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness. | Bachelor | $29,685 |
Campus Life
Graceland sits on a compact campus in rural Iowa, about 90 minutes from Des Moines. With 901 students and housing capacity for 768, most undergraduates live on campus in a tight-knit community. The 14:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name and your academic struggles.
Winters demand heavy coats as Iowa temperatures drop well below freezing, while springs bring muddy fields and the return of outdoor activities. The trimester system keeps the academic pace quick. Men make up 60% of the student body, creating a noticeably male-heavy social environment. With 586 athletes competing in 20 varsity sports, athletics dominate weekend life and school spirit revolves around Yellowjackets games.
The Community of Christ affiliation brings a service-minded culture, though the "Other" religious classification reflects the church's relatively small size. Students often volunteer in the local Lamoni community of 2,300 residents. Weekend options stay limited in this remote setting, so campus events and nearby nature areas become central to social life. Road trips to Kansas City or Des Moines provide bigger-city entertainment.
Winters demand heavy coats as Iowa temperatures drop well below freezing, while springs bring muddy fields and the return of outdoor activities. The trimester system keeps the academic pace quick. Men make up 60% of the student body, creating a noticeably male-heavy social environment. With 586 athletes competing in 20 varsity sports, athletics dominate weekend life and school spirit revolves around Yellowjackets games.
The Community of Christ affiliation brings a service-minded culture, though the "Other" religious classification reflects the church's relatively small size. Students often volunteer in the local Lamoni community of 2,300 residents. Weekend options stay limited in this remote setting, so campus events and nearby nature areas become central to social life. Road trips to Kansas City or Des Moines provide bigger-city entertainment.
- Setting
- Rural-Remote
- Housing Capacity
- 768 beds
- Calendar System
- Trimester
- Study Abroad
- Available
Campus Safety (2023)
24 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burglary | 5 | 5 | 0 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Fondling | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| Rape | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 15°–33°F
- July Avg
- 65°–85°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 78.5"
- Annual Snowfall
- 23.8"
Student Demographics
Students travel far to reach this rural Iowa campus, with over 80% coming from out-of-state. The Community of Christ affiliation draws students seeking a faith-centered education. Men outnumber women by a significant margin, reflecting strong athletics programs that award nearly $6 million in scholarships across 20 varsity sports. Nearly half of students receive Pell Grants, showing Graceland serves families with limited means. The diverse student body includes substantial Black and Hispanic populations alongside white students. These demographics reflect a small university that recruits nationally while maintaining an affordable, values-based mission.
- Men
- 60.0%
- Women
- 40.0%
- White
- 44.3%
- Black
- 18.5%
- Hispanic
- 13.4%
- Asian
- 0.8%
- In-State Students
- 18.0%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 45.2%
Location
Graceland University sits in Lamoni, Iowa, about 70 miles south of Des Moines in the rolling hills of southern Iowa. The town has fewer than 2,500 residents, creating an intimate small-town atmosphere where the university forms the community's heart. Students experience true rural living with wide-open farmland stretching in all directions and minimal urban distractions. The 170-acre campus houses 768 students in residence halls, fostering close relationships among the 901-member student body. Iowa's agricultural landscape provides a peaceful backdrop for academic focus, though students seeking city amenities must drive over an hour to reach Des Moines. Students considering colleges in Iowa may also compare Graceland University with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Lamoni, Iowa 50140
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $47,361
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $51,838
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $41,400
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 58.8%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $225/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $21,212
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Graceland University-Lamoni?
Graceland University-Lamoni accepts 74.49% of applicants. The small private university affiliated with the Community of Christ church maintains relatively open admissions while serving just 901 students.
How much does Graceland University-Lamoni cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $15,975 after financial aid, well below the sticker price of $33,220. About 45% of students receive Pell Grants, and institutional grants average $29,753 for those who receive them.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Graceland University-Lamoni?
The student-faculty ratio is 14:1, providing small class sizes typical of a liberal arts environment. The university operates on a trimester calendar system and is particularly known for its nursing and education programs.
What are the graduation rates at Graceland University-Lamoni?
The six-year graduation rate is 38.3% with a four-year rate of 43.1%. Graduates earn a median of $47,361 ten years after enrollment, and 96% of graduates find employment.
Where is Graceland University-Lamoni located and what is campus life like?
The campus sits in rural Lamoni, Iowa, housing 768 students in residence halls. With 60% men and 40% women, the student body is more male-heavy than typical, and only 18% come from Iowa.
Does Graceland University-Lamoni have strong athletics programs?
The Yellowjackets field 20 varsity sports with 586 total athletes competing at the NJCAA level. The university awards $5.9 million in athletic scholarships, making sports a major part of campus culture for this small institution.
