Human Resources Management and Services at Grand View University
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
Grand View's HR program delivers solidly middle-of-the-pack results for Iowa, ranking in the 60th percentile statewide—a meaningful position given that only 14 Iowa schools offer this degree. First-year earnings of $49,917 essentially match the state median, though they trail behind what Waldorf and University of Iowa graduates achieve. The debt load of $27,375 translates to a manageable 0.55 ratio, meaning graduates owe about half their first-year salary, which sits comfortably below concerning thresholds.
The 27% earnings growth to $63,128 by year four suggests the degree opens doors to career advancement, though the small sample size (under 30 graduates) means any individual student's experience could vary considerably from these medians. The school's 98% admission rate and significant Pell grant population (38%) indicate this program serves students who might not access more selective institutions, making the solid middle-tier outcomes particularly relevant for families evaluating realistic options.
For an anxious parent, the takeaway is straightforward: this isn't an elite program, but it positions graduates for steady entry into HR roles with reasonable debt and clear earning potential that grows meaningfully over time. If your student is admitted to University of Iowa, that's likely the better choice, but Grand View represents a viable path into human resources without the debt nightmares that plague some private institutions.
Where Grand View University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all human resources management and services 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 $50k, placing them in the 47th percentile of all human resources management and services 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
Human Resources Management and Services bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Iowa (14 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grand View University | $49,917 | $63,128 | $27,375 | 0.55 |
| Waldorf University | $77,897 | $68,524 | $32,111 | 0.41 |
| University of Iowa | $52,945 | $67,540 | $23,149 | 0.44 |
| Upper Iowa University | $49,106 | $48,961 | $41,006 | 0.84 |
| Mount Mercy University | $48,722 | $52,422 | $29,225 | 0.60 |
| University of Dubuque | $48,657 | — | $27,000 | 0.55 |
| National Median | $50,361 | — | $26,625 | 0.53 |
Other Human Resources Management and Services Programs in Iowa
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Iowa schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Waldorf University Forest City | $25,220 | $77,897 | $32,111 |
| University of Iowa Iowa City | $10,964 | $52,945 | $23,149 |
| Upper Iowa University Fayette | $19,000 | $49,106 | $41,006 |
| Mount Mercy University Cedar Rapids | $39,070 | $48,722 | $29,225 |
| University of Dubuque Dubuque | $40,065 | $48,657 | $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.