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Grand View University vs University of Northern Iowa

Grand View University is a private university in Des Moines, IA, and University of Northern Iowa is a public university in Cedar Falls, IA. University of Northern Iowa is the more selective of the two, admitting about 93% of applicants against 99% at Grand View University. University of Northern Iowa is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $15,901 a year against $21,774 at Grand View University. About 68% of students graduate at University of Northern Iowa, compared with 55% at Grand View University. Ten years after enrolling, University of Northern Iowa alumni earn a median of about $55,177, against $52,824 for Grand View University.

Grand View University

Des Moines, IA · Private

University of Northern Iowa

Cedar Falls, IA · Public
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Des Moines, IA
Cedar Falls, IA
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
1,486
7,529
Acceptance rate
99%
93%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.13–3.63
3.23–3.73
SAT (middle 50%)
920–1080
1020–1280
ACT (middle 50%)
17–22
19–26
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$21,774
$15,901
Full cost / yr
$48,522
$22,278
In-state tuition
$34,762
$9,936
Out-of-state tuition
$34,762
$21,712
Application fee
$0
$40
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$18,512
$10,863
$30k - $48k
$18,773
$11,751
$48k - $75k
$20,254
$14,099
$75k - $110k
$23,414
$17,740
Over $110k
$24,601
$18,706
Outcomes
Graduation rate
55%
68%
Freshman retention
70%
82%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$47,582
$47,222
Median earnings (10 yr)
$52,824
$55,177
Median debt at graduation
$22,500
$19,691
Student body
Pell grant recipients
45%
27%
First-generation students
36%
22%
International students
3%
1%
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 University of Northern Iowa harder to get into?
University of Northern Iowa is harder to get into. It admits about 93% 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 University of Northern Iowa?
University of Northern Iowa is cheaper on average. Students pay about $15,901 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 University of Northern Iowa?
Before aid, University of Northern Iowa costs about $22,278 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 University of Northern Iowa?
University of Northern Iowa. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $10,863 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 University of Northern Iowa?
University of Northern Iowa is the larger of the two, with about 7,529 undergraduates against 1,486 at Grand View University.
Does Grand View University or University of Northern Iowa have a better graduation rate?
University of Northern Iowa has the higher graduation rate, at about 68% against 55% at Grand View University.
Do graduates of Grand View University or University of Northern Iowa earn more?
University of Northern Iowa alumni earn more on average: a median of about $55,177 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 University of Northern Iowa require SAT or ACT scores?
Grand View University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. University of Northern Iowa is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Grand View University and University of Northern Iowa look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 920–1080 at Grand View University and 1020–1280 at University of Northern Iowa. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

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