About Grand View University
Grand View University builds tight-knit communities where students know their professors personally. The private Lutheran institution enrolls 1,472 students in Des Moines, creating an intimate campus environment. With a 98.41% acceptance rate, Grand View welcomes nearly every applicant who applies. The university emphasizes hands-on learning and career preparation across its programs. A 12:1 student-faculty ratio ensures professors can mentor students individually.
Students pay an average net price of $21,616 after financial aid, making this private education surprisingly affordable. Graduates earn a median salary of $52,824 ten years after graduation, while typical student debt sits at $22,500. Monthly loan payments average just $239, manageable given the earning potential. The 96.7% employment rate shows Grand View effectively prepares students for the job market.
Athletics dominate campus culture with 918 student-athletes competing across 23 varsity sports. Nearly two-thirds of the student body participates in Vikings athletics, creating an unusually sports-focused environment for a small university. The school awards $6.7 million in athletic scholarships annually. With 74.49% of students from Iowa, Grand View maintains strong local connections while drawing talent from across the region.
Students pay an average net price of $21,616 after financial aid, making this private education surprisingly affordable. Graduates earn a median salary of $52,824 ten years after graduation, while typical student debt sits at $22,500. Monthly loan payments average just $239, manageable given the earning potential. The 96.7% employment rate shows Grand View effectively prepares students for the job market.
Athletics dominate campus culture with 918 student-athletes competing across 23 varsity sports. Nearly two-thirds of the student body participates in Vikings athletics, creating an unusually sports-focused environment for a small university. The school awards $6.7 million in athletic scholarships annually. With 74.49% of students from Iowa, Grand View maintains strong local connections while drawing talent from across the region.
Academics & Faculty
Grand View University operates as a full private university with a strong focus on professional preparation. The 12:1 student-faculty ratio creates an intimate learning environment where professors know students personally. However, the 54% four-year graduation rate suggests many students need extra time to complete their degrees. The school has built a reputation for its nursing program, which consistently produces graduates who pass state licensing exams at high rates. Business and education programs also attract significant enrollment. The university emphasizes hands-on learning through internships and clinical experiences in Des Moines. With 98.41% acceptance rate, Grand View welcomes students who may need additional academic support to succeed.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 12:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 49.7%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 54.0%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 55.8%
- Retention Rate
- 73.0%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $52,824
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Small)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $59,485 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $54,621 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $47,729 |
| Human Resources Management and Services. | Bachelor | $47,260 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Bachelor | $46,478 |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Bachelor | $42,073 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Bachelor | $41,725 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Bachelor | $41,007 |
| Marketing. | Bachelor | $41,007 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $38,721 |
Campus Life
Grand View's compact campus sits in Des Moines, putting students right in Iowa's capital city with internships at major insurance companies and government offices within reach. With housing capacity for 894 students and total enrollment of 1,472, about 60% of students live on campus in a tight-knit community. Winter coats are essential here - Des Moines sees snow from December through March with temperatures often below freezing.
The 12:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name, and the small size creates a family atmosphere where Vikings athletes make up a huge portion of campus life. With 918 total athletes across 23 varsity sports, nearly two-thirds of students compete at the NAIA level. Weekends revolve around cheering on the Vikings or exploring Des Moines' growing downtown scene just minutes away. The semester calendar gives students traditional college breaks, while the 72.95% retention rate suggests most students find their groove here. Campus traditions center around Lutheran heritage events and athletic rivalries that unite the close-knit student body.
The 12:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name, and the small size creates a family atmosphere where Vikings athletes make up a huge portion of campus life. With 918 total athletes across 23 varsity sports, nearly two-thirds of students compete at the NAIA level. Weekends revolve around cheering on the Vikings or exploring Des Moines' growing downtown scene just minutes away. The semester calendar gives students traditional college breaks, while the 72.95% retention rate suggests most students find their groove here. Campus traditions center around Lutheran heritage events and athletic rivalries that unite the close-knit student body.
- Setting
- City-Midsize
- Housing Capacity
- 894 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1896
Campus Safety (2023)
23 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burglary | 6 | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 5 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Rape | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Arson | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Fondling | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 13°–30°F
- July Avg
- 66°–85°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 36.6"
- Annual Snowfall
- 36.5"
Student Demographics
Grand View draws primarily Iowa natives who stay close to home for college, with three-quarters of students coming from in-state. The student body leans slightly female, reflecting the university's strong programs in nursing and education that traditionally attract more women. Nearly two in five students receive Pell Grants, showing Grand View serves working-class families seeking affordable private education. The diverse mix includes substantial Black and Hispanic populations for Iowa, creating a more varied campus than many regional schools. Students typically choose Grand View for its personal attention and career-focused Lutheran values rather than prestige.
- Men
- 47.4%
- Women
- 52.7%
- White
- 57.0%
- Black
- 10.0%
- Hispanic
- 12.4%
- Asian
- 4.0%
- In-State Students
- 74.5%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 38.1%
Location
Grand View University sits in Des Moines, Iowa's capital and largest city with over 200,000 residents. The campus occupies 25 acres in the heart of downtown, putting students within walking distance of internships at major insurance companies and state government offices. Des Moines anchors central Iowa's prairie landscape, where rolling farmland stretches for miles in every direction. The city balances Midwestern charm with urban amenities, featuring a revitalized downtown core and nationally recognized farmers markets. With 74.49% of students coming from in-state, most are already familiar with Iowa's agricultural heritage and tight-knit communities. Students considering colleges in Iowa may also compare Grand View University with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Des Moines, Iowa 50316
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $52,824
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $56,005
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $39,800
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 61.3%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $239/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $22,500
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Grand View University?
Grand View University admits 98.41% of applicants, making it highly accessible to students. This open admission policy reflects the university's commitment to providing educational opportunities to a broad range of students in central Iowa.
How much does Grand View University cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $21,616 annually after aid, despite the sticker price of $33,450 for tuition. The university awards institutional grants averaging $22,893 to 19.70% of students, helping reduce the financial burden .
What is the student-faculty ratio at Grand View University?
Grand View maintains a 12:1 student-faculty ratio with just 1,472 total students. This small size allows for personalized attention and close relationships between students and professors in the Lutheran university setting.
What do graduates of Grand View University typically earn?
Alumni earn a median salary of $52,824 ten years after graduation, with graduates carrying manageable debt loads of $22,500. The university boasts a 96.7% employment rate, demonstrating strong career outcomes for its graduates.
Where do Grand View University students live on campus?
The university houses 894 students in on-campus facilities, with room and board costing $12,880 annually. Located in Des Moines, students have access to internships and job opportunities in Iowa's capital city while enjoying a close-knit campus community.
How strong is athletics at Grand View University?
Grand View fields 23 varsity sports teams competing at the NAIA level, with 918 total student-athletes. The university invests $6,667,564 in athletic scholarships, making the Vikings a significant force in small college athletics with robust participation rates.
