FAQ

We offer 38 undergraduate majors. For a complete list, click here. Some of the most popular are business administration, education, nursing, mass communication, and graphic design.  New majors include biochemistry and church music.

The faculty-to-student ratio is 14 to 1.

The Career Center has many web-based tools that can help you explore your inerests and talents, including one that gives you information on career options for various majors.  You may want to meet with the Career Center staff, who are always willing to assist you. Contact the Career Center at 515-263-2888 or careers@grandview.edu.

Many adult learners have engaged in educational activities outside the formal classroom, which have resulted in the acquisition of new knowledge, skills and attitudes. This experiential learning or prior learning may qualify for college credit. Not all such learning, however, can be converted. If you are interested in finding out more about experiential learning credit, contact your advisor.

Our Athletic Success program offers ongoing support for all student athletes.

While most community colleges offer a good foundation, national statistics show that freshmen who start at a private four-year college are much likelier to return for their sophomore year. (Eighty percent return to private colleges, while only 53% return to community colleges). There is also a very significant difference in graduation rates: 73% who start at private colleges as freshmen get a bachelor’s degree, while only 36% who start at a community college and then go on for a four-year degree actually complete it.

Overall, students who begin their educations at private four-year colleges are much likelier to graduate, putting the money spent on their educations to use in a professional career. If you do decide to attend a community college first, we will welcome you to Grand View as a transfer student and support your success.

Grand View has an individualized undergraduate admissions process, where every applicant is evaluated across the whole spectrum of his/her experience and potential. We do require high school GPA/ class rank and ACT/SAT scores, but those are simply two elements of a much broader look that includes activities, accomplishments, interests and potential. Students are required to submit high school transcripts.

Grand View has an individualized admissions process that takes into account the totality of an applicant's previous education.  We look at your high school grades -- and, if you are a transfer or evening student -- the grades you earned for previous college credit.  We also look at your standardized test scores, your activities, and other aspects of your total educational experience. There is no specific threshold GPA requirement.

2011-12 annual tuition for full-time day students is $20,648. Average room and board is around $7,000. Remember that most GV students receive attractive financial aid packages which bring their overall expenses to a level that's comparable to the state universities.

Part-time and evening students pay by the credit hour, which varies. For complete tuition information, click here.

Book expenses are the responsibility of the student, and not typically covered by Financial Aid. However, bookstore vouchers are available to students who will have an excess of funds resulting from student loans whose financial aid is complete and who have met several conditions as described by financial aid. These vouchers are available in the Business Office. The cost of the books is charged to the student's tuition account and is then deducted from the amount of the financial aid refund.

(book voucher, bookstore voucher, voucher, book vouchers)

A statement of tuition charges due will be sent to students in the first week in July. Statements can also be viewed online immediately following registration myView, the campus intranet. All tuition charges for the fall semester must be paid in full by August 29. A monthly payment plan, which allows students to pay in five equal, monthly installments, is available through Sally Mae. A student may enroll in the payment plan at tuitionpayenroll.com Enrollment in the plan must be completed and the first payment made no later than August 5 for the fall semester.

The Grand View scholarships available to new full-time day freshmen are four-year renewable scholarships. Each one has a set of criteria you must meet. There are several levels, ranging from $4,500 to $8,500.  For more information, click here.

There are two primary federal grants: the Pell Grant and the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant. Both are based on financial need, determined by the information you supply on the FAFSA. You may also qualify for other grants.  Please go to the Financial Aid Handbook for more specific information.

There are a number of federal loan programs. Remember that a loan is money you have to repay. The main loans are the Federal Perkins Loan, the Stafford Loan and the PLUS Loan, which is for parents of undergrads. Each has its own criteria, and you have to submit the FAFSA.  Please go to the Financial Aid Handbook for more specific information.

There a numerous outside scholarships. For help locating those that might apply to you, click here.

Work-study awards are based on calculated need as determined by information provided on the FAFSA. Many students are offered employment as part of their financial aid packages.

FAFSA stands for Free Application for Federal Student Aid. To qualify for eligibility for Federal and most state student aid programs, you (and probably your parents) will need to complete the FAFSA. The information you supply and the results go to the colleges you select.

You can fill out and submit the FAFSA on paper or online. For paper forms, ask your Admissions counselor or click here, where you'll find downloadable forms you can print. The easiest way to fill out the FAFSA is online.

Grand View offers athletic scholarships, as well as scholarships in some major areas such as music, theatre and art. Click here for more information.

In order to qualify as independent, you must meet ANY of these criteria: 1) be at least 24 years old; 2) be working on a degree beyond a bachelor's; 3) be married; 4) have legal dependents other than a spouse; 5) be an orphan or ward of the court (or have been a ward until age 18); 6) be a veteran.

There are several Federal and state tax credits that can help manage the cost of education: the Hope Scholarship, the Lifelong Learning Credit, student loan interest deductions, the Coverdell Education Savings Account, and the College Savings Iowa 529 plan are a few. Grand View financial aid staff can help you understand which ones you might qualify for.

Credit balance checks are available in the Business office after the start of the semester if you have met the following criteria:

1. All required/requested documents turned into the Financial Aid Office at least one month prior to the beginning of the semester (this includes signed award letters, verification materials and loan applications).
2. If you are a first-time loan borrower, you must have completed an entrance counseling session. If you have not completed this you may do so on-line at www.gvc.edu.
3. You must be enrolled for the number of credits that you had indicated when you were packaged for financial aid.
4. Tuition/Fee charges are fully covered by Financial Aid.

** Excess aid refund checks will be issued within 5 days after funds are credited to your student account, and will be mailed promptly upon issue. Please be certain that the address you have provided is correct to ensure receipt of your check.

Grand View abides by federal and state deadlines, with no additional priority deadline.  Please go to the FAFSA website.

You have several different ways to get in touch with your GV classmates. To find out more information, please contact the Alumni Office at 1-800-444-6083, Ext. 2957 or 263-2957.

Alumni benefits include:

• Free subscription to the GV Magazine
• 20% discount on select purchases made in the Grand View Bookstore including clothing, gifts and office supplies. Excludes textbooks, software, electronics, class rings and convenience items. (just mention you’re an alumni!)
• Eligible for membership to the Charles S. Johnson Wellness Center
• Eligible to apply for a Grand View Platinum Plus MasterCard credit card.
• Athletic event discount: Receive 2 for 1 pricing on all athletic paid events. For more information on how to get this, please contact Katie Ostrem 515-263-2957 or kostrem@grandview.edu.

Here's a list of the most popular events. Please see the Alumni section of the website for details.

Viking 5k – All ages are welcome to join us for the Annual Grand View Viking 5K! Each year more than 200 runners and walkers participate in this family-oriented event that starts and ends on the Grand View campus. The Viking 5K is a Grand View tradition as part of our Homecoming event.

Alumni Golf Outing – Open to alumni and friends, this outing is jam-packed with fun, food and lots of prizes! An event you won't want to miss!

Homecoming/Studenterfest – The tradition of Studenterfest has been combined with the annual Homecoming celebration. Alumni will still enjoy all the original Studenterfest events, as well as Homecoming activities with students and new alumni in early fall.

Lunch/After Hour Gatherings at Des Moines area businesses – Want to get together with fellow alumni employed at your business or organization? Give the alumni office a call at 263-2957 or email Katie Ostrem at kostrem@grandview.edu . Do you have ideas for other alumni events? Give the alumni office a call at 263-2957 or email Katie.

Grand View is a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and the Midwest Collegiate Conference (MCC), which includes seven colleges in Iowa and Wisconsin, as well as the Midstates Football Association.

Yes. Athletic scholarships are offered for all sports. Please contact the coach of the sport you're interested in for more information.

Grand View currently has men's and women's basketball, bowling, golf, soccer, cross country, tennis, track and field and volleyball, as well as men's baseball, football, and wrestling, and women's cheerleading, competitive dance, and softball. Please click on Athletics under Quick Links. You'll find comprehensive information about all Viking athletic programs on our athletics website.

Most faculty and staff resources are located on myView, the institution's secure intranet. To access some services you'll need your user name and password.  However, there is some information on this site in the "For Faculty and Staff" category under On Campus. Prospective faculty may find that information helpful.

Yes, unless you already have another master’s degree or elect to write the optional essay. Nurses and teachers should take the GRE. Those interested in business should take the GMT. For instructions about the essay, please go to the Graduate Admissions Requirements page.

No. Grand View looks at a combination of test scores, GPA, and relevant personal factors in making graduate admissions decisions.

Yes. You must have taken the exam within the last five years.

Please go to the applicable web sites: GRE; GMAT.

Yes. In fact, we encourage you to share your unofficial scores. However, we must have your official scores before we can make a final admissions decision.

No. Grand View uses a rolling admissions process. Decisions are made on completed applications by the 15th of each month. However, there has been a great deal of interest in the program, so be sure to allow enough time before the start of classes in the fall to complete the full application process before August 15th.

Yes.

Possibly, if other relevant factors are strong. We encourage you to apply.

All licensed teachers and nurses who have worked in their field for at least two years will meet the professional work experience requirement. Most work experience in businesses, not-for-profit organizations, the government and the military will qualify, especially if a qualification for the relevant position was a bachelor’s degree. All work experience that may qualify will be reviewed during the admissions process.

Prior graduate work from accredited institutions may be evaluated for transfer. You must have earned a B- or better in the class. However, only coursework with content relevant to specific courses in the GV curriculum will be evaluated as potential credit toward the degree; up to six credit hours may be accepted. Please see page 3 of the Graduate Studies Catalog for specific information.

You must have a current Iowa teaching certificate by the time classes begin in the fall. If you have a teaching certificate from another state, you must be seeking certification in Iowa. If you’ve never had a teaching certificate in any state, with no prior background that qualifies you for one, you won’t be able to enter the program in the education track. However, the business track would be an option.

No. Graduates in the nursing track will be qualified as Clinical Nurse Leaders.

Yes. Based on the information GV has, the program meets Iowa Board of Nursing standards for nurse educators.

Please see Graduate Tuition & Financial Aid in the Graduate Students section of the site for specific information. There are endowed scholarships available to a limited number of qualified students in the education track. You may also be eligible for the Lifetime Learning Credit, up to $2,000. This IRS publication provides information.

We accept license from a state participating in the nurse licensure compact.

Official transcripts must be sent directly to Grand View Graduate Admissions by the institution(s) that granted the credit. Hand-carried transcripts will not be accepted.

Des Moines Area Community College offers preparation courses for both exams. Please click here for more information.

Grand View hosts students from 29 states and 7 countries. Among the student body are representatives of a variety of ethnic groups. The institution's Director of Multicultural and Community Outreach sponsors programs, activities and services designed to promote a diverse campus life, make all students feel at home and promote academic success. Direct your questions about multicultural programming to our Director of Multicultural and Community Outreach Alex Piedras.

You can post a position electronically on this site at no cost. Go to the Employers section and select Post Jobs. Follow the instructions and create an employer profile. Once you've created a profile, the Grand View Career Center will review and approve your request for access to post jobs at any time. The Career Center will have access to the username and password that you create, if needed in the future. For questions or clarification on posting jobs you may email careers@grandview.edu. or call 515-263-2888.

The Career Center has full time, part time, seasonal, on-campus jobs and internship opportunities listed on myView and on the Job Listings page of this website. Jobs can also be viewed in The Career Center. Staff will help you develop skills and access the tools necessary to be competitive as you begin prospecting. Specific workshops and individual assistance is available in many areas including: resume development, graduate/professional school preparation, mock interviews, employment prospecting strategies, and career/vocation exploration.

Plan ahead! Internship announcements are listed on myView . Additional opportunities through the Iowa College Recruiting Network will be available throughout the year. Contact the Career Center staff to assist you in accessing those. The Career Center staff can also help you identify internships in your major. Meet with the Faculty Internship Coordinator and the Director of the Career Center to update your resume, hone your interviewing skills and formalize your prospecting strategies to secure a rewarding internship experience.

Yes. We post all internships for student viewing on myView, our secure intranet. As an internship provider you may post your internship opportunities electronically and at no cost. Simply go to the Employers section on this site, select Post Internships, and follow the instructions to electronically submit.

Each semester, prior to registration, you will receive e-mail notification instructing you to make a registration appointment with your advisor. You make this appointment on your advisor’s registration appointment schedule via myView or a sign-up sheet near your advisor’s office door. Spring registration begins during the month of October, and summer and fall registration begins during the month of March. Note that your tuition must be paid in full prior to registration for the next term. Logging in on myView  regularly will provide you with alerts when a hold that blocks registration has been applied to your record, as well as instructions on who to contact with questions.

Under the provisions of the Family Educational Rights and Educational Privacy Act, most student information is provided only to authorized individuals, which includes the student and certain parties within the College. Unless your student has signed a form authorizing you as a party to the information, grades and other information cannot be released. Please see the College catalog for more information.

The best way to get a copy of your student's grades is to ask your student.

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, passed in 1974, guarantees students and parents access to educational records and also prevents the release of records to unauthorized people and organizations. When a student turns 18 and/or enrolls in a post-secondary educational institution, rights under FERPA pass to the student. What that means is that unless a student signs written authorization giving parents acess to his or her records, those records can't be released to parents. FERPA extends to most information a college keeps or knows about a student.

Grand View has a written policy that outlines how we comply with FERPA. Please see the university catalog for a summary.

It can be frustrating for parents who want more information about their student than the university can legally provide. But rest assured that we comply with the law ... and we encourage students to share information with people who support them.

Currently, Grand View has limited online registration capability because faculty advisors play a key role in the registration and academic planning process.

Approximately 2,300.

Grand View has an attractive mixture of campus housing, from traditional residence halls to campus houses and suites and apartment-style living. Our apartments house between four and eight students -- each one in a private bedroom -- have living rooms, complete kitchens and baths. The Langrock Suites house 154 sophomore and junior level students, each suite having two bedrooms, living area, bath, with laundry facilities located on the second floor. In the fall of 2011, a new student apartment residence for 232 students will open.  For more information about housing options, please click here.

Students in their first two years of college (not determined by credits) are required to live in college housing for at least four semesters. Exempted from this policy are students who have reached their twenty-first birthday prior to the first day of class; veterans of at least two years active military service; married students living with their spouse; students who have dependent children living with them; students who commute to school daily from the permanent, legal residence of their parent(s)/legal guardian (within 30 miles) documentation of legal guardianship must be provided; and students who have graduated from high school two or more years ago and will be at least 20 years old when beginning classes at Grand View.

If you are under the age of 21 prior to the first day of the term, you must do the following in order to be considered for a housing exemption:

•A parent or legal guardian must also sign the housing exemption application if you are under 21 and requesting an exemption to commute from the permanent home of your parent(s) or legal guardian (within a 30 mile radius).
•Complete, sign and return the housing exemption application.
All exemptions of the residency requirement must be made by submitting a Housing Exemption Request Form.

Grand View offers a full range of programs and events. University-sponsored activities and organizations in which you can participate are offered free of charge/or a minimum charge. A variety of student activities are sponsored by a number of campus clubs and organizations. Student groups plan events and also may participate in student government. You can find a complete list here.

Grand View is a member of the Midwest Collegiate Conference (MCC) and the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), District 15, and the Midstates Football Association, with competition in 24 different sports for men and women. The Physical Education Department sponsors an intramural program based on student interest. For more information, click on Athletics under Quick Links.

Food service is run by Sodexo Campus Service. The main student dining facility is located in the lower level of Knudsen Hall. A satellite dining room is in Jensen Hall. The hours of operation are located below. A Continental Breakfast is available on Saturday. These meals are an all-you-can-eat meal service. Meal plans may be purchased through the business office. Stacks Deli is located in the Student Center.

Food service options include 5 or 10 meals per week for commuter or part-time students; 5, 10, 15, or 20 meals per week for campus houses and apartments; 15 or 20 meals per week for residential students. Meals can be substituted in the Deli during off hours of the dining hall for equivalency meals. Flex dollars can be added to the meal plan for addition purchases in the Deli. Also, there are vending machines in every building.

Monday–Friday
Breakfast 7:15–9 a.m.;
Lunch 11:15 a.m.–1:30 p.m.;
Dinner 4:45–6:30 p.m.
(except Fridays, 5–6 p.m.)

Weekend
Continental Breakfast Saturday Only 9–9:30 a.m.;
Brunch Noon–12:30 p.m.;
Dinner 5–5:30 p.m.

Grand View also offers an on-campus coffee shop, @the Library. A variety of coffee drinks, smoothies, teas, sodas, juices, and many more are available -- featuring Starbuck's brands. Lunch and dinner options include soup, yogurt blasts, and fresh bagels, just to name a few. Purchase is not required to come in and enjoy the relaxing atmosphere with good conversation and study tables.

All Grand View scholarships for new full-time transfer students are renewable. To qualify, you must meet specific academic requirements, visit campus, apply and be accepted to the College. These scholarship and grant amounts are based on commuter status. Additional awards are available to students living on campus. For details, please click here.

Your personal advising file will stay in the Office of Academic Advising until assigned a permanent advisor, who will be a faculty member in your major. At that time your personal file will be sent to their office. You will receive notification when this exchange occurs, usually during the first three weeks of your first semester. In the meantime, you can call the Office of Academic Advising at 263-2860 or 263-6118 if you have any questions or concerns.

Transfer credits are evaluated when a student is accepted to Grand View and an appointment is made to register for classes. Articulation agreements that list how some transfer courses are accepted can be found here. An unofficial evaluation may be developed on a time-available basis. Requests for unofficial evaluations should be made through an admissions counselor. Any questions about an evaluation can be directed to Rachel Baron-Hanson, transcript evaluator.