Biology at Grand View University
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
Grand View's biology program punches well above its weight, with first-year earnings of $43,237 placing it in the 95th percentile nationally and 80th percentile among Iowa programs—essentially tied with Upper Iowa for the highest biology earnings in the state. For a school with a 98% admission rate, these outcomes are remarkable, outperforming even selective institutions like Grinnell and Drake.
The $26,000 median debt sits right at the national average and slightly below Iowa's typical burden, creating a manageable 0.60 debt-to-earnings ratio. Graduates see steady income growth to nearly $49,000 by year four, a respectable 13% increase that suggests career progression rather than stagnation. This financial picture works well for students who might not access more selective schools but want strong biology program outcomes.
The significant caveat: these numbers come from a small sample (under 30 graduates), so individual experiences may vary more than at larger programs. Still, the combination of accessibility, modest debt, and exceptional earnings makes this program worth serious consideration, particularly for Iowa families looking for value close to home. Just be aware you're looking at a small data set that might not fully predict your child's experience.
Where Grand View University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all biology bachelors's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Grand View University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Grand View University graduates earn $43k, placing them in the 95th percentile of all biology bachelors programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Iowa
Biology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Iowa (26 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grand View University | $43,237 | $48,797 | $26,000 | 0.60 |
| Upper Iowa University | $43,311 | — | $27,000 | 0.62 |
| Drake University | $41,226 | $63,077 | $25,343 | 0.61 |
| Coe College | $41,112 | $48,877 | $27,000 | 0.66 |
| Grinnell College | $37,170 | $48,846 | $17,500 | 0.47 |
| William Penn University | $36,449 | — | $27,000 | 0.74 |
| National Median | $32,316 | — | $25,000 | 0.77 |
Other Biology Programs in Iowa
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Iowa schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upper Iowa University Fayette | $19,000 | $43,311 | $27,000 |
| Drake University Des Moines | $49,944 | $41,226 | $25,343 |
| Coe College Cedar Rapids | $52,576 | $41,112 | $27,000 |
| Grinnell College Grinnell | $64,862 | $37,170 | $17,500 |
| William Penn University Oskaloosa | $28,750 | $36,449 | $27,000 |
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Grand View University, approximately 38% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Sample Size: Based on 17 graduates with reported earnings and 33 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.