Graceland University

Statistics

School Says - General Information
Graceland University creates and maintains high academic standards of excellence by prioritizing a close student/faculty learning environment, providing nurturing communities that foster intellectual engagement and curiosity, and embracing the philosophy that learning is not confined to the classroom. Graceland integrates a strong tradition in the liberal arts with targeted professional learning.

School Says - Student Body
Graceland sponsors more than 45 student clubs and organizations, including opportunities for non-traditional and special-interest student groups to participate. We boast 19 varsity and numerous junior varsity sports, and eight performing arts groups. Anyone who wants to play or perform at Graceland has ample opportunity.

The basic residential and social unit of student life is known as a 'House.' The house system at GU is a unique program begun in the 1960s that is based on the principle of inclusion. The importance of each student is recognized. Unlike fraternities and sororities, every student is involved in the 'House' system. Members of each 'House' elect five students, known as the house council, to hold key leadership positions. Under their direction, social, religious, and academic support activities are planned for 'House' members. By cooperative effort, the 'House' organizes its own social, religious, and intramural programs. Each student determines the extent of his/her participation in all 'House' activities. Our students love this "community" approach to residential life.

You will meet students from China, Kosovo, Nepal and more. Our students hail from more than 40 states and 40 countries. Seventeen percent or our students are international students, the second highest ratio among private universities in Iowa. We are committed to providing an environment that is free of alcohol and tobacco. When you meet the friendly people in our Campus Ministries office, you will learn that whatever your faith tradition, your spiritual life will be nurtured as much as you desire while you are at Graceland.

School Says - Academics
From day one at Graceland, students learn in an individualized, challenging and supportive environment, with a 15:1 student/faculty ratio. Students immediately meet key professors in 'First Year Experience' classes. GU offers over 50 academic majors and programs. You will work closely with professors who are both teachers and scholars. Most hold a doctorate or the highest degree in their field. Leadership opportunities abound. Our Honors program, highly acclaimed by participants, is designed for motivated students who want to expand their learning beyond the regular curriculum. Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE) participate in national and international service efforts and our team has won regional championships 10 of the last 11 years. Our 80-strong SIFE team placed first in the U.S. and second in the world (at the competition in Paris) in 2006. Winter Term separates the two traditional semesters and allows students to interact with faculty in action-oriented learning experiences on campus and around the worldÂ… for example, building a home in Nicaragua or touring European art museums.

Your Graceland Experience will combine a personalized education and an ongoing adventure that will stay with you for the rest of your life. Once a Gracelander, always a Gracelander. Our graduates go on to stellar careers in the sciences, the arts, nursing, education, business, athletics and humanitarian service. Our alumni will tell you that the Graceland Experience helped focus their passions and shape their futures.

In addition to its traditional programs, Graceland offers many options for distance learners. Programs offered online by our renowned School of Nursing include the Bachelor in Healthcare Management, RN-B.S.N., RN-M.S.N., and M.S.N. programs. The M.S.N. program has three tracks: family nurse practitioner, nurse educator, and health-care administrator. The Graceland University School of Education offers a Master of Education with an emphasis in collaborative learning and teaching, and special education. The Master of Education program is offered in Cedar Rapids, Des Moines, and Lamoni, Iowa; Independence, Missouri; and online. The Community of Christ Seminary at Graceland offers a Master of Arts in Religion and a Master of Arts in Christian Ministries in blended delivery systems perfect for distance learners.

School Says - Admissions
To be considered for acceptance at Graceland, you must meet two of the following three criteria: rank in the upper 50% of your high school class, have a 2.5 grade point average (based on a 4.0 system) and a minimum composite ACT score of 21, or a minimum combined SAT score of 960.

International students also need to score at or above 450 on TOEFL and prove ability to cover expenses while enrolled. Transfer students need a minimum 2.0 GPA on previous college coursework.

School Says - Campus Life
Situated on 170 acres of rolling hills and trees, our main campus in Lamoni, IA is home to about 1,000 students. It is a short, one-hour drive to busy Des Moines, Iowa, or two hours to Kansas City. We offer a beautiful, safe residential campus where diversity of thought and culture are celebrated. You are warmly welcomed at Graceland and in Lamoni from the minute you arrive. You instantly have friends and become a valued member in an all-are-included home away from home.

We integrate learning inside and outside of the classroom and provide limitless opportunities for involvement in educational service, leadership and entertainment activities. The Independence Campus offers online learning opportunities, graduate and undergraduate, in nursing, religion and education.

You will see horses and buggies around town in Lamoni, home to a large community of Amish who provide an old-world ambience. Life at Graceland includes forums and guest speakers on the hot issues of the day; community service projects; poetry readings at a downtown coffee house; world-class entertainment; and quiet time in a relaxed, rural setting.

School Says - Cost Aid
Graceland University has been listed in America's 100 Best College Buys. We are committed to managing our costs, now and in the future, while maintaining the quality of education we provide every student. Costs for traditional students for the 2011-12 academic year are listed below. Online program costs vary.

Annual Semester
Tuition $20,680 $10,340
Room 2,810 1,405
Board 4,230 2,115
Activity Fee 300 150
Total Direct Costs $28,020 $14,410Student Financial Aid is available for those students who qualify. All aid is based upon financial need, academic achievement, and/or meritorious performance. Financial aid is viewed as a supplement to the effort of the family to finance their studentÂ's college education. In order to receive federal or state financial aid, students must file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year using code #001866 and maintain satisfactory academic progress. Institutional Scholarships and Grants may be awarded to full-time students for academics, athletics, performing arts, and for Community of Christ students. When Graceland University receives all documents needed to complete a Financial Aid Package, an award notice will be sent to the student for review. More than 94 percent of Graceland students receive some form of financial aid.

Students Say - Academics
"Graceland University is "a small school with high morals" and a "family-oriented atmosphere" in a small Iowa town (though the School of Nursing is located in Independence, Missouri). Affiliated with the Community of Christ (formerly known as the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints), the school promotes "closeness, community, acceptance, and growth" in "all aspects of a college education." Students appreciate the fact that "Graceland does not use any teacher's assistants" and "professors take the time to get to know the students and take interest in their success." However, some would prefer a "more challenging" curriculum. Students agree that the halls are "the school's greatest strength"; thanks to them, "no one is left out and there are always people there if you need help." "The one thing I enjoy the most about this school is the relationships I have with my professors," says a sophomore. "Most create close bonds with students and really care about your welfare and success." Graceland's "very personable" administrators "take the time to get to know the students" as well."

Students Say - Campus Life
"The "very beautiful" campus "has a friendly atmosphere" and "a strong residence life program." Greek life is nonexistent; instead, a House System promotes "an amazing sense of community" for all students. Extracurricular activities abound. "It is a small school so anyone can get involved with anything." For diversions, Graceland "brings a lot of entertainment to campus such as comedians, dances, and hypnotists." "Dances, the Wednesday-night movie, [and] sports" are popular social activities, and all strictly prohibit "drinking, smoking, and drugs." "No overnight guests of the opposite sex" are allowed in halls, either. Some report that their "social life revolves around the one bar in town," while others prefer the "less popular [but] fun alcohol- and smoke-free club called Choices." Though Lamoni is a "small town," students skirt the blues by taking "road trips to Des Moines or Kansas City.""

Students Say - Student Body
"Graceland is "close knit" and "has a wonderful, welcoming community vibe": "You can get to know everyone." Of course, that means that "everybody knows everything about everybody," but "you get used to that." While "there are a lot of religious students," there "is a high level of tolerance for those who do not fit into the mainstream." The majority of students are "outgoing, friendly, [and] very approachable." Graceland does have a "very diverse campus" with students from over 40 different countries. "There are so many different people from all over the world, and it's amazing how everyone seems to get along with one another," reports one student. "People are so nice and friendly," agrees an international student."

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