
1200 Grandview Ave., Des Moines, IA 50316, USA


Grand View University holds accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission, an agency recognized by the U. S. Department of Education. This institutional accreditation ensures that the university meets established standards of quality and integrity in its academic offerings, governance, and financial stability.
Additionally, several of the university's programs have earned specialized accreditation, underscoring their adherence to rigorous professional standards. For example, its teacher education programs are approved by the Iowa Department of Education, confirming they satisfy state requirements for educator preparation. The nursing programs maintain accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, reflecting compliance with national benchmarks for nursing education.
Prospective students can view these accreditations as indicators of the university's commitment to providing credible and quality education that is recognized by employers and other institutions nationwide.
Grand View University requires applicants to have completed a high school education or hold a General Educational Development (GED) certificate. A minimum secondary school GPA is mandatory, while it is recommended-but not required-to submit secondary school rank and records. The university also advises prospective students to have previous college program experience, letters of recommendation, and demonstrated competencies, although these are not obligatory.
Admission testing is recommended but not strictly enforced, with the exception of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), which is required for students whose native language is not English. Other standardized tests beyond TOEFL are suggested but not mandatory. The institution does not have an open admission policy, ensuring a selective intake process.
Grand View University accepts credit from previous studies, including Advanced Placement (AP) credits, but does not participate in dual credit programs. Applicants are not required to own or lease a computer for admission purposes.
The university's acceptance rate stands at 98%, placing it among institutions with a relatively high admission rate. The average enrolled student's ACT composite score is around 20, indicating that admitted students typically fall in the lower fifteen percent nationally. While SAT data is less comprehensive, the mean SAT score approximates 1000, also reflecting a lower performance percentile.
Grand View University requires prospective students to pay an application fee when submitting their admission materials. This fee is a standard part of the application process and helps cover administrative costs associated with evaluating candidates.
The university offers fee waivers for certain applicants who demonstrate financial need or qualify under specific criteria. These waivers are intended to reduce barriers for students who might otherwise find the application fee burdensome, ensuring a more accessible admissions process.
Applicants interested in fee waivers are encouraged to review eligibility requirements carefully and submit any necessary documentation with their application. This support aligns with Grand View University's efforts to promote inclusivity and equal opportunity among all prospective students.
Grand View University does not currently host any ROTC branch units on its campus nor does it serve as a cooperating host institution for ROTC programs. Prospective students interested in participating in Reserve Officers' Training Corps activities would need to consider other institutions that offer affiliated ROTC units.
Grand View University welcomes transfer students during the fall term and accepts a variety of prior academic credits. It recognizes credits earned through CLEP exams in both subject-specific and general areas, as well as credits from DANTES examinations. The university also considers transfer recommendations as part of the admission process. Overall, the entrance difficulty level for transfer applicants is classified as minimally difficult, which may facilitate a smoother transition for students transferring from other institutions.
Grand View University offers a variety of study abroad opportunities designed to enhance students' global perspectives and academic experiences. These programs allow students to immerse themselves in different cultures while continuing their education in diverse international settings. The university collaborates with partner institutions and organizations to provide options ranging from short-term trips to semester-long exchanges.
Students at Grand View University can participate in faculty-led programs that focus on specific academic topics or cultural experiences. These trips typically last a few weeks and include guided learning activities, excursions, and opportunities to engage with local communities. Additionally, the university supports semester and year-long programs abroad, which enable students to enroll in courses at foreign universities that often transfer back as credits toward their degrees.
Grand View University's study abroad programs are available across various regions globally, allowing students to explore places in Europe, Asia, and Latin America. The programs cater to a wide range of academic disciplines, ensuring that students from different majors can find relevant international experiences aligned with their educational goals.
Preparation for study abroad at Grand View University includes comprehensive advising services to help students select appropriate programs, understand cultural differences, manage logistics, and secure necessary funding or scholarships. The institution emphasizes the importance of academic integration and support before, during, and after the abroad experience to maximize the benefits of global learning.
Median composite SAT score
1000Median composite ACT score
20Percent of students submitting ACT scores
36%High school completions
General Educational Development (GED) requiredComputer required
NoComputer purchase/lease plan is available in the institution
NoSecondary school GPA
RequiredSecondary school rank
RecommendedSecondary school record
RecommendedCompletion of college-preparatory program
RecommendedRecommendations
RecommendedFormal demonstration of competencies
RecommendedAdmission test scores
RecommendedTOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language
RequiredOther Test (Wonderlic, WISC-III, etc.)
RecommendedOpen admission policy
NoDual credit
NoCredit for life experiences
YesAdvanced placement (AP) credits
YesOrientation program
YesDisabilities services
YesOff-campus study
YesROTC-Army
ROTC branch unit at a cooperating host institutionROTC-Air Force
ROTC branch unit at a cooperating host institutionStudy abroad
YesWeekend/evening college
YesStudent can complete their preparation in certain areas of specialization
YesPreparation at another institution required
NoApproved by the state for initial certification or licensure of teacher
YesEntrance difficulty for transfer students
EasyGenerally accepts credits
YesAccept ACE recommendation for credit
YesPossible transfer
Fall