Degree Dividend
Sourced from federal dataEvery figure datedNo rankings for sale

Grand View University vs Buena Vista University: which has better ROI?

Private nonprofit, Des Moines IA · vs · Private nonprofit, Storm Lake IA

The verdict

Grand View University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $87,096 in 19.5 years versus 94.7 years at Buena Vista University, on median earnings of $52,824 vs $49,156 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

Share
Head to head
MeasureGrand View UniversityBuena Vista University
Net price / yr$21,774$18,846
Total net cost$87,096$75,384
Median earnings, 10 yrs$52,824$49,156
Median debt$22,500$25,000
Payback19.5 yrs94.7 yrs
20-year net return$2,184-$59,464

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

Which is cheaper, Grand View University or Buena Vista University?

Buena Vista University, at $18,846 a year after aid versus $21,774 — a gap of $2,928 a year, or $11,712 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 Buena Vista University graduates earn more?

Grand View University graduates report a median $52,824 ten years after entry, $3,668 more than the $49,156 at Buena Vista 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 Buena Vista University?

Grand View University: its completers carry a median $22,500 in federal loans versus $25,000 at Buena Vista University, a difference of $2,500. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

62% of students finish at Buena Vista University, against 54% at Grand View 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 Buena Vista University: frequently asked questions

Is Grand View University or Buena Vista University a better value?
Grand View University. It clears its $87,096 net cost in about 19.5 years versus 94.7 years at Buena Vista University, on median earnings of $52,824 vs $49,156 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Grand View University or Buena Vista University?
Buena Vista University: $18,846/yr net price after aid versus $21,774/yr at Grand View University — a difference of $2,928 a year, or about $11,712 over four years.
Do Grand View University or Buena Vista University graduates earn more?
Grand View University graduates earn a median $52,824 ten years after entry, versus $49,156 at Buena Vista University — a $3,668 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.