Grand View University

Key Highlights

• Private non-profit institution with strong academic tradition
• Mid-size city location with balance of urban amenities
• Research-intensive with extensive graduate programs
• Diverse academic programs across multiple disciplines

Student Life & Environment

Life at Grand View centers on genuine community rather than anonymous crowds. With just under 1,500 students, the university creates an environment where people know each other and look out for one another. The campus buzzes with activity despite its smaller size, offering everything from intramural sports to student government to faith-based organizations. Viking athletics compete in NAIA Division II, giving student-athletes the chance to compete seriously while maintaining rigorous academic schedules. The women's basketball program has achieved particular success, regularly appearing in national tournaments. Students who prefer recreational sports can join intramural leagues in volleyball, basketball, flag football, and soccer. Greek life exists on campus through local fraternities and sororities that emphasize service and leadership rather than the party culture sometimes associated with larger universities. Campus ministry provides opportunities for spiritual growth regardless of religious background, though participation remains entirely optional. The urban location means entertainment options extend well beyond campus boundaries. Students frequently explore downtown Des Moines, catching concerts at major venues, trying restaurants that reflect the city's increasingly international population, or simply walking along the Pappajohn Sculpture Park. Many students hold part-time jobs in the city, gaining professional experience while earning spending money. Housing options include traditional residence halls for freshmen and apartment-style living for upperclassmen who want more independence.

Location & Surroundings

Grand View's Danish heritage sets it apart from other Midwestern universities and continues to influence campus life in meaningful ways. The annual Danish Days celebration brings the community together to honor this heritage through traditional foods, folk dancing, and cultural education. The university maintains connections with Denmark through study abroad opportunities and faculty exchanges. The Sisler McFawn Gallery provides an on-campus venue for art exhibitions featuring both student work and visiting artists, enriching the cultural life of campus and the surrounding community. Students interested in broadcasting and journalism gain hands-on experience through campus media outlets that produce content for real audiences. The Viking Theatre stages multiple productions each year, giving performers and technical crew members practical experience in all aspects of theatrical production. Science students benefit from the Rasmussen Environmental Science Research Center, which supports undergraduate research and environmental education initiatives. The center maintains partnerships with local organizations working on sustainability issues. Grand View's location along the Des Moines River trail system means students can run, bike, or walk for miles without leaving developed paths. The university emphasizes service learning, integrating community engagement into academic courses so students contribute to Des Moines while learning. This approach creates graduates who understand civic responsibility as inseparable from professional success.

Costs & Career Outcomes

Grand View graduates enter the workforce with practical skills and professional connections that translate directly into employment. The university tracks graduate outcomes carefully and maintains strong relationships with local employers who specifically recruit Grand View students. Nursing graduates find immediate employment at Des Moines healthcare systems, often at facilities where they completed clinical rotations. Many receive job offers before even completing their degrees. Business graduates enter management training programs at insurance companies like Principal Financial and Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield, both headquartered in Des Moines. Education majors secure teaching positions in Iowa schools, benefiting from the state's strong support for public education and relatively high teacher salaries compared to neighboring states. The career services office provides individualized support including resume reviews, interview preparation, and job search strategies tailored to each student's field. Internship coordination ensures students complete meaningful professional experiences rather than just checking boxes. Some students continue their education at graduate and professional schools across the country. Grand View's pre-law and pre-health advising helps students navigate competitive application processes. The alumni network, while not enormous, maintains tight connections, with graduates regularly mentoring current students and providing job leads. The university's Des Moines location proves particularly valuable for careers in government and nonprofit work, with the Iowa State Capitol and numerous advocacy organizations providing entry points for public service careers.

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