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Private nonprofit, 4-year

Grand View University

Des Moines, Iowa · www.grandview.edu

中文

Acceptance rate

99.1%

2025

Peer median 77.9%

Tuition per year

$34,762

$48,674 with room and board

Peer median $34,392

Undergraduates

1,500

Student-faculty ratio 12:1

Peer median 13 : 1

Graduation rate

45.7%

4-year; 6-year rate 52.2%

Peer median 44.6%

“Peers” are all 406 private master's colleges and universities in the U.S. (by Carnegie Classification).

About

Grand View University, located in Des Moines, Iowa, is renowned for its commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive learning environment. Established in 1896, the university embodies a rich history and tradition of academic excellence. One of its defining characteristics is its strong emphasis on experiential learning, which encourages students to engage in internships and community service, promoting a hands-on approach to education. This focus not only enhances students' practical skills but also prepares them for successful careers in their chosen fields. Grand View's diverse array of undergraduate and graduate programs, particularly in health sciences, business, and education, cater to a wide range of academic interests and career aspirations.

The university’s campus culture is vibrant and inclusive, offering a plethora of extracurricular activities and student organizations that promote personal growth and community engagement. Students are encouraged to participate in athletics, arts, and various clubs, fostering a well-rounded college experience. The university's motto, "In Christ, we serve," reflects its commitment to values of service and leadership, encouraging students to contribute positively to society. Furthermore, Grand View is home to dedicated faculty who prioritize student success, providing mentorship and guidance throughout the educational journey. With its strategic location in the heart of Iowa's capital, students benefit from proximity to numerous professional opportunities and cultural experiences, making Grand View University not just an educational institution, but a community that empowers students to thrive.

Analysis of Key Educational Metrics at Grand View University

Grand View University, a private institution, has shown notable trends in tuition costs, student enrollment, graduation rates, and gender ratios over recent years. The tuition for in-state undergraduate students has steadily increased from $22,628 in 2014 to $33,450 in 2024, marking an increase of approximately 47.7%. This rising cost of education can have significant implications for accessibility and affordability, influencing prospective students’ decisions regarding enrollment.

Student enrollment has also experienced a downward trend, with undergraduate numbers dropping from 2,197 in 2013 to 1,556 in 2023. This decline of about 29% may reflect broader trends in higher education, where many institutions are struggling to attract and retain students. In contrast, the graduate student body has seen an increase, rising from 37 to 271 over the same period, indicating a potential shift in the university's focus on graduate programs in response to changing labor market demands.

Moreover, graduation rates have improved significantly, with the on-time graduation rate rising from 26.6% in 2013 to 44.4% in 2023. This 17.8 percentage point increase suggests that the university is enhancing its support systems and academic resources, helping students complete their degrees more efficiently.

The gender ratio among undergraduates has remained relatively stable, with female students consistently making up a larger portion of the student body. For instance, in 2023, women comprised approximately 54.0% of the undergraduate population. This consistent female majority may reflect broader societal trends in education, where women are increasingly pursuing higher education degrees.

Overall, these metrics highlight the evolving landscape of higher education at Grand View University and raise important questions about how institutions can adapt to maintain enrollment and ensure student success in an increasingly competitive environment.

This collegeRanked colleges nearby

Setting
Midsize city
Nearest major city
In Des Moines
Nearest international airport
Des Moines International Airport (DSM), about 7 mi
Des Moines, Iowa
Academic calendar
Semester
Religious affiliation
Evangelical Lutheran Church
President
Dr. Rachelle Keck (President)
Phone
5152632800
City
Des Moines, Iowa
Address
1200 Grandview Ave, Des Moines, IA 50316

Rankings & Admission

Acceptance rate (%)

Peer median 77.9% · all 406 private master's colleges and universities in the U.S.

Acceptance rate by gender, 2025

Men
98.8%
Women
99.3%

In 2020: men 95.6%, women 96.1%.

Data insights

Analysis of Admissions Data for Grand View University

The admissions data for Grand View University over the years reveals significant insights into its enrollment trends and gender-based acceptance rates. The university has maintained a high acceptance rate, with male acceptance rates fluctuating between approximately 89% to nearly 100%, while female acceptance rates have remained consistently higher, peaking at about 99%. This suggests that the institution has been quite welcoming to female applicants, potentially reflecting broader trends in higher education where female enrollment has been rising.
The number of students enrolled each year appears to be stable, with peaks and troughs in specific years. For instance, in 2020, the university enrolled 332 students despite a relatively high number of denials at 63. In contrast, 2019 saw a notable spike in denials at 128, suggesting a more competitive year for applicants. This variability may be indicative of changing applicant pools and the university's strategic decisions regarding class size and composition.
Moreover, the data shows a consistent trend of deferrals, with numbers reaching as high as 1,462 in 2021. This could signal an increasing number of students opting to delay their entry, possibly due to external factors such as economic conditions or the ongoing impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on higher education.
Overall, Grand View University's admissions data illustrates its commitment to maintaining diversity and accessibility, while also navigating the challenges of fluctuating applicant interest and external circumstances.

Test Scores

SAT/ACT not considered, even if submitted IPEDS (US Department of Education) has no recent SAT/ACT data for admitted students here. GPA, course rigor, essays and activities matter more.

Data insights

Evaluation of Admission Test Scores at Grand View University

The admission data for Grand View University over the years reveals notable trends in standardized test scores and submission rates. From 2007 to 2023, there has been a fluctuation in both the number of students submitting SAT and ACT scores as well as the corresponding score ranges for admitted students.

The percentage of students submitting SAT scores peaked at 13% in 2021, while the lowest was 4% in both 2007 and 2017. Similarly, the ACT submission percentage varied, with peaks and lows that reflect changing trends in college admissions. This variation could be attributed to the growing acceptance of a test-optional policy adopted by many institutions in recent years, particularly as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic, which has influenced student preferences regarding standardized testing.

In terms of scores, the 25th percentile and 75th percentile ranges demonstrate a gradual fluctuation, with SAT Reading scores starting from a low of 380 in 2009 and climbing to a high of 470 in recent years. This upward trend indicates a potential improvement in the academic preparedness of incoming students or a shift in applicant demographics.

The data highlights the evolving landscape of college admissions, where reliance on standardized test scores is being reassessed. As institutions like Grand View University adapt to these changes, it will be interesting to observe how these trends affect overall enrollment and diversity in future cohorts. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for prospective students and educational policymakers alike.

How Hard Is It to Get In

about 10 in 10

1,426 applicants in 2025, 99.1% admitted

1,413 admitted 13 not admitted Yield 20.9%

Degrees & Majors

Graduates in 2025 (first major)

Bachelor's37819 international (5.0%)
Master's1215 international (4.1%)
Top 10 Bachelor's majors by graduates
Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
36
Psychology, General
32
Business Administration and Management, General
29
Elementary Education and Teaching
24
Social Work
20
Accounting
18
Finance, General
18
Criminal Justice/Safety Studies
18
Exercise Science and Kinesiology
18
Sport and Fitness Administration/Management
17

U.S. studentsInternational

Popular graduate programs

  • Mental Health Counseling/Counselor · Master's37 (0% international)
  • Education, General · Master's29 (0% international)
  • Sport and Fitness Administration/Management · Master's16 (31% international)
  • Organizational Leadership · Master's15 (0% international)
  • Clinical/Medical Social Work · Master's10 (0% international)
  • Athletic Training/Trainer · Master's8 (0% international)

Data insights

Analysis of Graduation Data from Grand View University

The graduation data from Grand View University reveals significant insights into the trends in various academic fields. Notably, the Registered Nursing program stands out as the most popular, producing 41 bachelor's degree graduates, reflecting the ongoing demand for healthcare professionals, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has emphasized the critical role of nurses in healthcare systems.

In the realm of business and management, several programs, including Business Administration and Marketing, showcase a healthy number of graduates, with 25 and 19 bachelor's graduates, respectively. This trend aligns with the growing emphasis on entrepreneurial skills in the current job market, where businesses increasingly seek graduates equipped with business acumen and marketing strategies.

Interestingly, the data indicates a lack of international student graduates in most programs, particularly in the bachelor's category, where only a few fields, like Exercise Science and Business, report international graduates. This could reflect broader issues related to visa regulations and global mobility trends, impacting international students' ability to study abroad.

Moreover, fields related to education also show promising numbers, with programs such as Elementary Education and Teaching producing 15 graduates. This signifies a continuing commitment to addressing the teacher shortage in various regions, a challenge that educational institutions are striving to mitigate.

In summary, Grand View University's graduation data highlights a strong emphasis on nursing and business programs, while also indicating areas where international student participation could be improved. As the job market evolves, the university's curriculum may need to adapt to meet emerging demands across various sectors.

All majors, graduates and earnings IPEDS · College Scorecard

*Depends on whether majors have graduates in 2025 or not, Yes / No
**Move mouse on can check deitaled graudates number, click for major detailed information
***Due to privacy policy, graduate salaries are not shown for some majors that has few gradautes

Businesshas 108 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
Business Administration and Management, General.$77,683
Organizational Leadership.$77,683
Accounting.$61,318
Finance, General.$59,277
Human Resources Management/Personnel Administration, General.$57,798
International Business/Trade/Commerce.-
Management Information Systems, General.-
Marketing/Marketing Management, General.$50,082
Selling Skills and Sales Operations.-
Health professionshas 103 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
Athletic Training/Trainer.-
Pre-Medicine/Pre-Medical Studies.-
Pre-Physician Assistant.-
Clinical/Medical Social Work.-
Mental Health Counseling/Counselor.-
Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse.$73,065
Educationhas 65 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
Education, General.$61,262
Counselor Education/School Counseling and Guidance Services.-
Elementary Education and Teaching.$46,913
Secondary Education and Teaching.$46,913
Art Teacher Education.-
Physical Education Teaching and Coaching.-
Parks, recreation, leisure has 55 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness, General.$37,503
Sport and Fitness Administration/Management.$37,503
Exercise Science and Kinesiology.$37,503
Public administrationhas 39 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
Human Services, General.$41,240
Public Administration.-
Social Work.$38,025
Youth Services/Administration.$38,025
Psychology has 32 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
Psychology, General.$38,885
Homeland security has 18 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
Criminal Justice/Safety Studies.$46,591
Liberal arts has 16 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies.$47,504
General Studies.$47,504
Biologyhas 13 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
Biology/Biological Sciences, General.$50,272
Biochemistry.-
Biotechnology.-
Visual and Performing artshas 13 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
Graphic Design.-
Game and Interactive Media Design.-
Drama and Dramatics/Theatre Arts, General.-
Fine/Studio Arts, General.-
Computer and information sciencehas 8 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
Computer Science.-
Communication has 6 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
Mass Communication/Media Studies.-
Multi/inerdisciplinary studies has 5 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
Business Analytics.-
Legal professionshas 5 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
Pre-Law Studies.-
Legal Assistant/Paralegal.-
History has 4 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
History, General.-
Mathmatics and statistics has 3 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
Applied Mathematics, General.-
English has 2 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
English Language and Literature, General.-
Foreign languages has 2 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
Spanish Language and Literature.-
Agricultural has 1 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
Pre-Veterinary Studies.-
Theology has 1 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
Theology/Theological Studies.-

Students

1,856 students in 2025 · Undergraduate men to women 45:55 · Freshman retention 70.1%

Undergraduate race and ethnicity (1,500)

White
804 · 53.6%
Hispanic
190 · 12.7%
Unknown
173 · 11.5%
Black
143 · 9.5%
Two or more races
70 · 4.7%
Asian
62 · 4.1%
International
49 · 3.3%

Data insights

Student Demographics at Grand View University in 2023

The student body composition at Grand View University in 2023 reflects a diverse and evolving academic environment. Among undergraduate newcomers, there are a total of 331 students, with a gender distribution of approximately 45.6% male and 54.4% female. This slight predominance of female students is a trend observed in many higher education institutions across the United States, showcasing the increasing participation of women in higher education.

For continuing undergraduate students, the total population rises significantly to 996, again showing a similar gender distribution with 45.7% male and 54.3% female. This steadiness in gender ratio suggests a consistent enrollment pattern. Conversely, among undergraduate transfer students, the numbers are relatively lower, with 198 students, maintaining a comparable gender distribution of 46.5% male and 53.5% female.

The graduate student population, consisting of 271 individuals, presents a notable shift in gender dynamics, with only 32.1% male and 67.9% female students. This significant female majority can be attributed to various factors, including the increasing pursuit of advanced degrees by women in traditionally male-dominated fields.

Interestingly, the data also signifies a growing diversity among the student body, though specific racial and ethnic breakdowns for the continuing and transfer students are not fully detailed. The representation of different racial groups is crucial in fostering an inclusive academic atmosphere. Overall, these statistics indicate a positive trend toward gender equity and a more diverse student population at Grand View University, aligning with broader societal movements towards inclusivity in education.

Analysis of Age Distribution at Grand View University

The age composition of students at Grand View University in 2023 reveals some interesting trends. The majority of students fall within the age categories of 18-19 and 20-21, which collectively account for approximately 62% of the total student population. This aligns with the traditional demographic of universities, where younger students typically dominate the undergraduate population.

Specifically, the 18-19 age group has 243 male undergraduates and 226 female undergraduates, indicating a nearly balanced gender ratio within this age range. Similarly, the 20-21 age range shows a notable number of female undergraduates (330) compared to male undergraduates (253). This trend may reflect broader societal patterns where more women are pursuing higher education than men, a phenomenon observed across many institutions nationwide.

As we analyze older age groups, a significant decline in student numbers is evident. For instance, only 47 students are in the 25-29 age bracket, with the number further dropping in the subsequent categories. This decreasing trend may suggest that participation in higher education typically decreases with age, perhaps due to career commitments or family responsibilities.

Moreover, the presence of graduate students, particularly in the 22-24 and 25-29 age groups, highlights an increasing trend of individuals returning to education for advanced degrees. The gender distribution among graduate students shows a slight female predominance, particularly in the 22-24 age category.

Overall, the data reflects a vibrant young student body at Grand View University, while also indicating a need for further support and outreach for older and graduate students to foster inclusivity in higher education.

International Students

International share over the last 10 years · gray line: median of all 406 private master's colleges and universities in the U.S.

Undergraduates3.3%

49 in 2025 · 2.0% in 2016

0% 5% 10% 2016: 2.0%2017: 2.3%2018: 2.8%2019: 3.3%2020: 3.1%2021: 2.7%2022: 3.7%2023: 3.5%2024: 3.4%2025: 3.3%
2016Peer median 2.6%2025
Graduate students1.7%

6 in 2025 · 0.0% in 2016

0% 5% 10% 2016: 0.0%2017: 4.9%2018: 4.2%2019: 3.2%2020: 3.8%2021: 0.6%2022: 1.5%2023: 1.5%2024: 2.9%2025: 1.7%
2016Peer median 2.2%2025

Data insights

Analysis of International Student Trends at Grand View University

The data regarding international students at Grand View University reveals a noteworthy trajectory over the years. Starting from 2004, the percentage of international undergraduate students was relatively low at just 1.41%. However, the trend has shown a consistent increase, reaching 3.47% in 2023. This growth indicates a rising interest in the university among international students, which could be attributed to various factors such as enhanced academic programs, a welcoming campus atmosphere, and increased recruitment efforts.

For graduate students, the figures tell a more complex story. Although there was a significant number of international graduate students recorded in certain years, the percentage of these students has fluctuated considerably. For instance, in 2016, 67 international graduate students were noted, but by 2021, this number had dropped to just one, resulting in a mere 0.56% representation. This volatility may reflect broader trends in higher education, such as changing immigration policies, global economic conditions, or shifts in the preferences of international students regarding their study destinations.

Overall, the increasing presence of international undergraduates is a positive sign for Grand View University, suggesting that the institution is becoming more globally oriented. However, the inconsistent patterns among graduate students highlight potential challenges that the university may need to address to maintain a balanced and diverse student population. As the landscape of international education continues to evolve, it will be crucial for Grand View University to adapt its strategies to attract and retain international talent effectively.

Cost

2025 cost per year

$48,674

Undergraduate tuition
$34,762
Room and board
$13,912
Graduate tuition
$9,550
Tuition and room and board over time

Peer median tuition + room and board $47,329 · all 406 private master's colleges and universities in the U.S.

Tuition rose 41% from 2016 to 2025; room and board rose 78%.

Finances · fiscal year 2024

Revenue$41.7M

Tuition and fees
$22.9M54.9%
Auxiliary enterprises
$9.8M23.4%
Investment return
$4.2M10.0%
Gifts and private grants
$2.7M6.4%
Government grants and contracts
$727K1.7%
Other
$1.4M3.5%

Expenses$40.7M

Instruction
$12.5M30.8%
Student services
$9.0M22.0%
Institutional support
$8.8M21.7%
Auxiliary enterprises
$6.8M16.7%
Academic support
$3.6M8.8%

Average faculty salary · 2025 (9-month equivalent)

Dark gray ticks: median pay for the same rank at all 406 private master's colleges and universities in the U.S.

All faculty
$67,739peers $68,006
Professor
$73,012peers $78,041
Associate professor
$64,001peers $70,202
Assistant professor
$69,225peers $63,827

Campus Life

Athletics and varsity athletes NAIA · Heart of America Athletic Conference

Heart of America Athletic Conference: football, basketball, baseball, cross country

2025
NAIA Division I MENWOMEN
Football150-
Wrestling8164
Soccer8641
Track and Field and Cross Country (combined)5848
Baseball76-
Basketball3439
Volleyball2024
Other Sports-42
Softball-28
Bowling1414
Golf178
Tennis106
Rifle--
Archery--
2024
NAIA Division IMENWOMEN
Football158-
Soccer9350
Track and Field and Cross Country (combined)7261
Wrestling7556
Basketball3633
Baseball65-
Volleyball2627
Other Sports-39
Bowling2014
Softball-33
Golf1312
Tennis78
Rifle--
2023
NAIA Division IMENWOMEN
Track and Field and Cross Country (combined)10778
Football152-
Soccer7461
Wrestling7147
Baseball69-
Basketball3631
Volleyball2528
Other Sports-38
Softball-37
Bowling2115
Golf1216
Tennis810
Rifle--

Nearby & Safety

Ranked colleges nearby

Data insights

Here are some notable schools surrounding Grand View University:

  1. Drake University - Ranked 178 in the 2024 US News, Drake University is a comprehensive university known for its strong programs in law, business, and journalism.

  2. Iowa State University - With a rank of 115, Iowa State University is a comprehensive university that excels in engineering, agriculture, and veterinary medicine.

  3. Grinnell College - This highly regarded liberal arts college is ranked 11th and is known for its rigorous academics and commitment to social justice.

  4. University of Iowa - Ranked 93, the University of Iowa is a comprehensive university with strong programs in writing, health sciences, and business.

  5. Creighton University - With a rank of 124, Creighton University is a comprehensive institution that offers a strong education in healthcare, business, and law.

  6. Augustana College - This liberal arts college, ranked 100, is known for its personalized education and vibrant campus life.

  7. University of Nebraska-Lincoln - A comprehensive university ranked 159, it offers a wide range of programs and is noted for its research initiatives.

  8. Carleton College - Ranked 9th, Carleton College is a prestigious liberal arts college recognized for its academic excellence and vibrant student community.

These institutions provide a variety of educational opportunities and contribute to the vibrant academic landscape surrounding Grand View University.

Campus safety · incidents per 1,000 students

Peer median 4.0 · all 406 private master's colleges and universities in the U.S.

Incidents, 2023–2025

Liquor referrals
147
Drug referrals
86
Burglary
20
Motor vehicle theft
18
Rape
6
Aggravated assault
4

From the Clery Act campus safety reports schools file, covering on-campus, non-campus and public property.

Data insights

Analysis of Crime Rates at Grand View University

The crime rates at Grand View University have shown fluctuations from 2013 to 2023. In 2013, the rate stood at 12.00 incidents per 1,000 students, which reflects a relatively low level of crime. However, over the years, there has been a notable increase, peaking at 24.35 incidents per 1,000 students in 2020. This spike could be attributed to various factors, including external societal influences such as the COVID-19 pandemic, which has been linked to rising tensions and mental health issues, potentially leading to an increase in certain types of crime.

In recent years, particularly from 2018 to 2023, the average crime rate has shown some stabilization, hovering around 15.03 to 19.93 incidents per 1,000 students, with a slight uptick in 2023 at 16.86. This stabilization is somewhat promising, suggesting that the university may be implementing effective safety measures or that the campus community is becoming more vigilant.

Examining the types of crimes, while specific numbers were not provided, it is crucial to focus on prevention and education to mitigate these issues. Programs aimed at awareness, mental health support, and community building can play a significant role in reducing crime rates in university settings. Moreover, as students return to campus post-pandemic, fostering a safe environment is paramount to ensure a conducive atmosphere for learning and growth.

For further information on calculating crime rates, please refer to the following link: Crime Rate Calculation.

References and Data Sources

Data from IPEDS (U.S. Department of Education), U.S. News, THE, QS, ARWU and Clery Act campus safety reports. Data insights are written by the Forward Pathway data team from public data.