Grand View University vs Central College: which has better ROI?
Central College has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $93,508 in 15.7 years versus 19.5 years at Grand View University, on median earnings of $54,317 vs $52,824 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Grand View University | Central College |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $21,774 | $23,377 |
| Total net cost | $87,096 | $93,508 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $52,824 | $54,317 |
| Median debt | $22,500 | $26,984 |
| Payback | 19.5 yrs | 15.7 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $2,184 | $25,632 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Grand View University or Central College?
Grand View University, at $21,774 a year after aid versus $23,377 — a gap of $1,603 a year, or $6,412 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 Central College graduates earn more?
Central College graduates report a median $54,317 ten years after entry, $1,493 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 Central College?
Grand View University: its completers carry a median $22,500 in federal loans versus $26,984 at Central College, a difference of $4,484. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
66% of students finish at Central College, 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.