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
Earnings Distribution
How Grand View University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grand View University | $43,237 | $48,797 | +13% |
| Drake University | $41,226 | $63,077 | +53% |
| Saint Ambrose University | $30,825 | $61,468 | +99% |
| Wartburg College | $34,398 | $60,804 | +77% |
| Morningside University | $32,620 | $52,416 | +61% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Iowa
Biology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Iowa (26 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Grand View UniversityDes Moines | $33,450 | $43,237 | $48,797 | $26,000 | 0.60 |
 Upper Iowa UniversityFayette | $19,000 | $43,311 | — | $27,000 | 0.62 |
 Drake UniversityDes Moines | $49,944 | $41,226 | $63,077 | $25,343 | 0.61 |
 Coe CollegeCedar Rapids | $52,576 | $41,112 | $48,877 | $27,000 | 0.66 |
 Grinnell CollegeGrinnell | $64,862 | $37,170 | $48,846 | $17,500 | 0.47 |
 William Penn UniversityOskaloosa | $28,750 | $36,449 | — | $27,000 | 0.74 |
| National Median | — | $32,316 | — | $25,000 | 0.77 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with biology graduates
Natural Sciences Managers
Clinical Research Coordinators
Water Resource Specialists
Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists
Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary
Forensic Science Technicians
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
Biological Technicians
Agricultural Technicians
Precision Agriculture Technicians
Food Science Technicians
Biological Scientists, All Other
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.