Graceland University-Lamoni
Graceland University-Lamoni — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Graceland University-Lamoni at a Glance
Graceland University is a private university with campuses in Lamoni, Iowa, and Independence, Missouri, United States. The university offers degree completion and master's degree programs. It also offers undergraduate and graduate programs online. The university was founded in 1895. Graceland was established by, and is affiliated with, Community of Christ, formerly the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.
1895
131 years old
$53M
$52.5 million
1,102
798 undergrad · 304 grad
120
170 acres
Identity
Is Graceland University-Lamoni Worth It?
At a value score of 26/100, Graceland University-Lamoni is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $47,361 — 12% below average — while paying $18,504/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.6 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 40% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 4 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at Graceland University-Lamoni has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Graceland University-Lamoni compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier in IA
Ranked #87 of 146 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | College of Biblical Studies-Houston | 100 | $672 | $39,260 |
| #2 | Christian Brothers University | 81 | $9,854 | $57,478 |
| #3 | Andrews University | 73 | $12,547 | $53,187 |
| #4 | Goshen College | 56 | $14,493 | $51,943 |
| #5 | Ursuline College | 53 | $16,164 | $56,878 |
| #6 | Waynesburg University | 50 | $18,235 | $58,537 |
| #87 | Graceland University-Lamoni | 26 | $18,504 | $47,361 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Graceland University-Lamoni's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 6 in IA.
Best Programs at Graceland University-Lamoni
The highest-earning program at Graceland University-Lamoni is Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at $61,400/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods at $28,500/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduate from Graceland University-Lamoni earns $61,400, while a Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods graduate earns $28,500. That's more than a 2× difference from the same institution. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduates carry $17,201 in median debt vs. $20,832 for Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $18,504/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $61,400 | $61,400 | $17,201 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $34,700 | $34,700 | $27,000 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $28,500 | $28,500 | $20,832 |
Similar Colleges in IA
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Lamoni, IA
- Student Body
- 798 students
- Admission Rate
- 81%
- Graduation Rate
- 40%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $18,504
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $47,361
- Median Student Debt
- $21,212