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Grand View University vs Briar Cliff University: which has better ROI?

Private nonprofit, Des Moines IA · vs · Private nonprofit, Sioux City IA

The verdict

Briar Cliff University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $95,628 in 15.6 years versus 19.5 years at Grand View University, on median earnings of $54,475 vs $52,824 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureGrand View UniversityBriar Cliff University
Net price / yr$21,774$23,907
Total net cost$87,096$95,628
Median earnings, 10 yrs$52,824$54,475
Median debt$22,500$23,250
Payback19.5 yrs15.6 yrs
20-year net return$2,184$26,672

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.

Which is cheaper, Grand View University or Briar Cliff University?

Grand View University, at $21,774 a year after aid versus $23,907 — a gap of $2,133 a year, or $8,532 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do Grand View University or Briar Cliff University graduates earn more?

Briar Cliff University graduates report a median $54,475 ten years after entry, $1,651 more than the $52,824 at Grand View University. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.

Which leaves students with less debt, Grand View University or Briar Cliff University?

Grand View University: its completers carry a median $22,500 in federal loans versus $23,250 at Briar Cliff University, a difference of $750. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

54% of students finish at Grand View University, against 48% at Briar Cliff University. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.

Grand View University vs Briar Cliff University: frequently asked questions

Is Grand View University or Briar Cliff University a better value?
Briar Cliff University. It clears its $95,628 net cost in about 15.6 years versus 19.5 years at Grand View University, on median earnings of $54,475 vs $52,824 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Grand View University or Briar Cliff University?
Grand View University: $21,774/yr net price after aid versus $23,907/yr at Briar Cliff University — a difference of $2,133 a year, or about $8,532 over four years.
Do Grand View University or Briar Cliff University graduates earn more?
Briar Cliff University graduates earn a median $54,475 ten years after entry, versus $52,824 at Grand View University — a $1,651 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.