At $21,616/yr net price, Grand View University graduates earn $52,824/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $18,824/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $21,616 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $86,464 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $52,824/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$18,824/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.6 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 55.8% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $22,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $19,216/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $20,268/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $19,778/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $19,911/yr |
| $110,001+ | $25,025/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $59,485 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $54,621 | $27,000 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $47,729 | $24,698 |
| Human Resources Management and Services. | Bachelor | $47,260 | $22,153 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Bachelor | $46,478 | $22,807 |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Bachelor | $42,073 | $21,750 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Bachelor | $41,725 | $25,000 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Bachelor | $41,007 | |
| Marketing. | Bachelor | $41,007 | $22,019 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $38,721 | $25,818 |
The Risk Factor
55.8% of students at Grand View University graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Grand View University delivers mixed financial returns that depend heavily on your program choice. The $21,616 annual net price sits at a reasonable level for a private college, but the 55.8% graduation rate means nearly half of students never complete their degree.
Computer science majors earn the strongest returns at $59,485 annually, making the investment worthwhile despite the private school premium. Nursing graduates also perform well at $54,621, though they carry higher debt loads of $27,000. Business programs show weaker returns, with accounting, human resources, and finance majors earning in the mid-$40,000s while still carrying over $22,000 in debt.
The school's location in Des Moines provides access to insurance, healthcare, and government jobs that align well with Grand View's business and nursing programs. However, the 73% retention rate signals that many students struggle with the academic or financial demands early on.
You should consider Grand View if you plan to study computer science or nursing and want smaller class sizes in the Des Moines area. The low percentage of students receiving aid suggests merit scholarships may be limited. Skip this school if you're considering liberal arts programs not listed among the top earners, as the debt-to-income ratio becomes problematic. Students who need significant financial aid or worry about completing their degree should explore state universities with stronger completion rates and lower costs.
The biggest risk is the graduation rate. With nearly half of students failing to finish, you need realistic confidence in your ability to complete the program to justify the private school costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Grand View University worth the cost?
Grand View University's ROI is mixed - graduates earn $52,824 after 10 years with median debt of $22,500. The low graduation rate of 56% means many students don't finish, making the investment risky for those who don't complete their degree.
What are the best paying majors at Grand View University?
Computer science graduates from Grand View University earn the most at $59,485 annually, followed by nursing at $54,621. Business programs like accounting and finance pay significantly less, around $47,000 annually.
How much debt do Grand View University students typically have?
Grand View University students graduate with a median debt of $22,500, which is manageable compared to the national average. However, with nearly half of students not graduating, many accumulate debt without earning a degree.
Does Grand View University have good financial aid?
Grand View University's net price of $21,616 per year suggests decent financial aid for a private school. The low debt levels indicate students aren't borrowing excessively, though the poor graduation rate remains a concern for getting value from any aid received.