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Grand View University vs Iowa State University

Grand View University is a private university in Des Moines, IA, and Iowa State University is a public university in Ames, IA. Iowa State University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 89% of applicants against 99% at Grand View University. Iowa State University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $18,589 a year against $21,774 at Grand View University. About 75% of students graduate at Iowa State University, compared with 55% at Grand View University. Ten years after enrolling, Iowa State University alumni earn a median of about $63,386, against $52,824 for Grand View University.

Grand View University

Des Moines, IA · Private

Iowa State University

Ames, IA · Public
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Des Moines, IA
Ames, IA
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
1,486
25,367
Acceptance rate
99%
89%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.13–3.63
~3.76 avg
SAT (middle 50%)
920–1080
1120–1360
ACT (middle 50%)
17–22
21–28
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$21,774
$18,589
Full cost / yr
$48,522
$24,018
In-state tuition
$34,762
$10,787
Out-of-state tuition
$34,762
$28,881
Application fee
$0
$40
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$18,512
$10,582
$30k - $48k
$18,773
$11,506
$48k - $75k
$20,254
$15,463
$75k - $110k
$23,414
$19,605
Over $110k
$24,601
$22,496
Outcomes
Graduation rate
55%
75%
Freshman retention
70%
88%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$47,582
$53,873
Median earnings (10 yr)
$52,824
$63,386
Median debt at graduation
$22,500
$22,869
Student body
Pell grant recipients
45%
19%
First-generation students
36%
20%
International students
3%
4%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Jul 17
Rolling

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is Grand View University or Iowa State University harder to get into?
Iowa State University is harder to get into. It admits about 89% of applicants, compared with 99% at Grand View University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Grand View University or Iowa State University?
Iowa State University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $18,589 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $21,774 at Grand View University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at Grand View University and Iowa State University?
Before aid, Iowa State University costs about $24,018 a year and Grand View University about $48,522. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Grand View University or Iowa State University?
Iowa State University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $10,582 there, against about $18,512 at Grand View University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Grand View University or Iowa State University?
Iowa State University is the larger of the two, with about 25,367 undergraduates against 1,486 at Grand View University.
Does Grand View University or Iowa State University have a better graduation rate?
Iowa State University has the higher graduation rate, at about 75% against 55% at Grand View University.
Do graduates of Grand View University or Iowa State University earn more?
Iowa State University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $63,386 ten years after enrolling, against about $52,824 for Grand View University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Grand View University and Iowa State University require SAT or ACT scores?
Grand View University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Iowa State University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Grand View University and Iowa State University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 920–1080 at Grand View University and 1120–1360 at Iowa State University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

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