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Grand View University vs Cornell College: which has better ROI?

Private nonprofit, Des Moines IA · vs · Private nonprofit, Mount Vernon IA

The verdict

Cornell College has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $94,536 in 18.5 years versus 19.5 years at Grand View University, on median earnings of $53,460 vs $52,824 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureGrand View UniversityCornell College
Net price / yr$21,774$23,634
Total net cost$87,096$94,536
Median earnings, 10 yrs$52,824$53,460
Median debt$22,500$27,000
Payback19.5 yrs18.5 yrs
20-year net return$2,184$7,464

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

Which is cheaper, Grand View University or Cornell College?

Grand View University, at $21,774 a year after aid versus $23,634 — a gap of $1,860 a year, or $7,440 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 Cornell College graduates earn more?

Cornell College graduates report a median $53,460 ten years after entry, $636 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 Cornell College?

Grand View University: its completers carry a median $22,500 in federal loans versus $27,000 at Cornell College, a difference of $4,500. 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 Cornell 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.

Grand View University vs Cornell College: frequently asked questions

Is Grand View University or Cornell College a better value?
Cornell College. It clears its $94,536 net cost in about 18.5 years versus 19.5 years at Grand View University, on median earnings of $53,460 vs $52,824 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Grand View University or Cornell College?
Grand View University: $21,774/yr net price after aid versus $23,634/yr at Cornell College — a difference of $1,860 a year, or about $7,440 over four years.
Do Grand View University or Cornell College graduates earn more?
Cornell College graduates earn a median $53,460 ten years after entry, versus $52,824 at Grand View University — a $636 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.