Graceland University-Lamoni

Graceland offers 31 undergraduate majors, with health professions (nursing, exercise science) and business programs dominating enrollment. The curriculum leans practical, with 9 pre-professional tracks (including law and medicine) and a handful of graduate programs like a Doctor of Nursing Practice. Small classes are the norm—Niche reports 'meaningful discussions' in seminars—and the university has recently added innovative majors focused on 'accessibility and student success.' While not a research powerhouse, Graceland stakes its reputation on career-ready liberal arts, blending skills like critical thinking with hands-on training. The academic vibe is supportive rather than cutthroat, with faculty known for personalized attention.

The heartbeat of Graceland is its house system—a throwback to British boarding schools where students are sorted into residential communities ('houses') that compete in everything from sports to talent shows. This 'unique program based on the principle of inclusion' ensures even shy freshmen find a crew. Located in Lamoni, Iowa (population 2,300), the rural campus leans heavily on DIY fun: think bonfires, intramurals, and road trips to Des Moines (90 minutes away). Descriptions like 'passionate, open-minded, and caring' abound in official materials, hinting at a chummy, if insular, culture. The YouTube campus tour shows a quaint, walkable quad surrounded by red-brick dorms—a setting that feels more 'tight-knit' than 'cosmopolitan.'

Graceland’s 6-year graduation rate is 70%, slightly below national averages for private colleges, while its 4-year rate is just 61%. Early-career earnings are modest—$36,427 one year post-graduation, rising to $47,361 after a decade—placing it in the bottom half of ROI rankings. Retention is a weak spot: only 55% of freshmen return for sophomore year, suggesting some struggle with the transition. That said, the university emphasizes real-world preparation, with nursing and education grads finding steady regional employment. The outcomes reflect Graceland’s mission: it’s a stepping stone for students who thrive in small communities, not a pipeline to elite grad schools.

Sticker price runs $36,250 per year, but 72% of students receive financial aid, slashing the average net cost to $16,632. Graceland dangles $11,000 in automatic scholarships for undergrads, with additional aid layering on top. The Net Price?Net priceWhat a family actually pays after grants and scholarships are subtracted from the sticker price — usually far less than the published cost. Calculator hints at deals for middle-income Midwesterners, though the fine print warns estimates aren’t binding. Compared to pricier private colleges, Graceland positions itself as a budget-conscious option—especially for those eyeing stable-but-unflashy careers in teaching or healthcare. One asterisk: the aid packages lean heavily on loans, so debt-conscious students should scrutinize the terms.

Graceland’s house system is its crown jewel—a rare collegiate tradition that forges instant camaraderie (and friendly rivalries) through themed dorms, intramural leagues, and shared meals. It’s a small-school alternative to Greek life, with none of the exclusivity. Academically, the university punches above its weight in nursing and health sciences, leveraging Iowa’s demand for medical workers. The vibe is unapologetically wholesome: think service projects, interfaith dialogue, and 'change the world' idealism. For students who’d feel lost at a Big Ten school, Graceland offers a low-pressure landing pad with enough structure to foster growth—and enough cornfields to guarantee a quiet place to study.