Degree Dividend
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Grand View University vs William Penn University: which has better ROI?

Private nonprofit, Des Moines IA · vs · Private nonprofit, Oskaloosa 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 157 years at William Penn University, on median earnings of $52,824 vs $48,936 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureGrand View UniversityWilliam Penn University
Net price / yr$21,774$22,601
Total net cost$87,096$90,404
Median earnings, 10 yrs$52,824$48,936
Median debt$22,500$22,415
Payback19.5 yrs157 yrs
20-year net return$2,184-$78,884

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

Which is cheaper, Grand View University or William Penn University?

Grand View University, at $21,774 a year after aid versus $22,601 — a gap of $827 a year, or $3,308 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 William Penn University graduates earn more?

Grand View University graduates report a median $52,824 ten years after entry, $3,888 more than the $48,936 at William Penn 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 William Penn University?

William Penn University: its completers carry a median $22,415 in federal loans versus $22,500 at Grand View University, a difference of $85. 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 33% at William Penn 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 William Penn University: frequently asked questions

Is Grand View University or William Penn University a better value?
Grand View University. It clears its $87,096 net cost in about 19.5 years versus 157 years at William Penn University, on median earnings of $52,824 vs $48,936 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Grand View University or William Penn University?
Grand View University: $21,774/yr net price after aid versus $22,601/yr at William Penn University — a difference of $827 a year, or about $3,308 over four years.
Do Grand View University or William Penn University graduates earn more?
Grand View University graduates earn a median $52,824 ten years after entry, versus $48,936 at William Penn University — a $3,888 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.