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Upper Iowa University vs Grand View University: which has better ROI?

Private nonprofit, Fayette IA · vs · Private nonprofit, Des Moines IA

The verdict

Upper Iowa University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $83,768 in 19 years versus 19.5 years at Grand View University, on median earnings of $52,766 vs $52,824 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureUpper Iowa UniversityGrand View University
Net price / yr$20,942$21,774
Total net cost$83,768$87,096
Median earnings, 10 yrs$52,766$52,824
Median debt$25,000$22,500
Payback19 yrs19.5 yrs
20-year net return$4,352$2,184

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

Which is cheaper, Upper Iowa University or Grand View University?

Upper Iowa University, at $20,942 a year after aid versus $21,774 — a gap of $832 a year, or $3,328 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do Upper Iowa University or Grand View University graduates earn more?

Grand View University graduates report a median $52,824 ten years after entry, $58 more than the $52,766 at Upper Iowa 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, Upper Iowa University or Grand View University?

Grand View University: its completers carry a median $22,500 in federal loans versus $25,000 at Upper Iowa 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?

54% of students finish at Grand View University, against 34% at Upper Iowa 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.

Upper Iowa University vs Grand View University: frequently asked questions

Is Upper Iowa University or Grand View University a better value?
Upper Iowa University. It clears its $83,768 net cost in about 19 years versus 19.5 years at Grand View University, on median earnings of $52,766 vs $52,824 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Upper Iowa University or Grand View University?
Upper Iowa University: $20,942/yr net price after aid versus $21,774/yr at Grand View University — a difference of $832 a year, or about $3,328 over four years.
Do Upper Iowa University or Grand View University graduates earn more?
Grand View University graduates earn a median $52,824 ten years after entry, versus $52,766 at Upper Iowa University — a $58 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.