Overview
Founded in 1846, Grinnell College is a 4-year liberal arts college located in central Iowa. Grinnell offers bachelor’s degrees in 27 academic majors and 17 concentrations. For environmentally-minded Grinellians, the college is home to the Conard Environmental Research Area and Grinnell implements sustainability initiatives through residence halls that collect rainwater for recycling, a dining hall composting its own food waste, and a Science Center with a rainwater-irrigated greenhouse. For a break from the rigors of college life, downtown is a few blocks away from the College and features art galleries and a farmers market.
Acceptance Rate:
15%
Average Net Price:
$33,436
Campus Setting:
Suburb or town
Average GPA
4.0
Average ACT Composite
34
Average SAT Composite
1457
Virtual Tour
Tuition, Cost & Aid
Affordability & Cost
Tuition
| In-State Tuition In-state tuition is the tuition charged by institutions to those students who meet the state's or institution's residency requirements. In-district tuition is the tuition charged by the institution to those students residing in the locality in which they attend school and may be a lower rate than in-state tuition if offered by the institution. | $71,788 |
| Out-of-State Tuition Out-of-state tuition is the tuition charged by institutions to those students who do not meet the state’s or institution’s residency requirements. Out-of-district tuition is the tuition charged by the institution to those students not residing in the locality in which they attend school. | $71,788 |
Additional Costs
Room and Board The weighted average for room and board and other expenses is generated as follows:
| $17,348 |
| Books and Supplies | $1658 |
Aid & Grants
0
100
100%
Need Met
Students Receiving Gift Aid Percent of undergraduate students awarded federal gift aid. Federal gift aid includes any grant or scholarship aid awarded, from the federal government, a state or local government, the institution, and other sources known by the institution. Students Receiving Grants Percent of undergraduate students awarded grant aid. Grant aid includes any grant or scholarship aid awarded, from the federal government, a state or local government, the institution, and other sources known by the institution.
91%
Average Aid Per Year
$66,483
91%
Average Federal Grant Aid Per Year
$7,134
Average Institution Grant Aid Per Year
$44,274
Student Loans
Students Borrowing Loans Loans to students - Any monies that must be repaid to the lending institution for which the student is the designated borrower. Includes all Title IV subsidized and unsubsidized loans and all institutionally- and privately-sponsored loans. Does not include PLUS and other loans made directly to parents.
15%
Average Loan Amount Per Year
$7,432
Average Debt at Graduation The median federal debt of undergraduate borrowers who graduated. This figure includes only federal loans; it excludes private student loans and Parent PLUS loans.
$15,946
Median Monthly Loan Payment The median monthly loan payment for student borrowers who completed, if it were repaid over 10 years at a 5.05% interest rate.
$186
Admissions
Key Admissions Stats
Institution Type
Private
- Not for Profit
- Coed
Need Blind
This school does not consider an applicant’s financial situation when deciding admission
Level of Institution
4 Year
Campus Setting
Suburb or town
Admissions Requirements
SAT
No
ACT
No
Transcript
Yes
Test Optional
Yes
Important Deadlines
Admitted Student Stats
20%
Submitting ACT
29%
Submitting SAT
Average ACT Composite: 34
Average SAT Composite: 1457
Admissions Resources
Academics
Key Academic Stats
Highest Degree Offered
Bachelor's
Total Number of Students
1,729
Total Number of Undergrads
1,729
0
100
82%
Graduate in 4 Years US National: 28%
0
100
87%
Graduate in 6 Years US National: 52%
Student:Faculty Ratio
9:1
US National: 21:1Degrees and Majors
MAJORS
27
Faculty Overview
Campus Life
Key Campus Stats
Student Gender
Residency
Housing
0
100
88%
Undergrads Living on Campus
On-campus living required of freshman
Yes
Athletics
Divisional Sports Nickname
Pioneers
School Colors
scarlet and black
Varsity Athletics Association
NCAA
Varsity Athletics Conference Primary
Midwest Conference
Campus Safety
24-HR security patrol
Yes
Campus emergency phones
Yes
After Graduation
Post Grad Stats
Average Salary
6 years after graduation
$61,000
REVIEWS
Read What Students Are SayingThough the courses cover a large amount of material in what seems to be a short time span, the professors are happy to help outside of class.
Marlu from Sun Valley, CA
I feel like I have learned a lot at Grinnell College in my first year. The workload here is rigorous and the classes cover a large amount of material in a short amount of time. However, the professors are more than happy to make sure you understand the material in or outside of class. The professors, 95%+ of them having earned their PhD, are very passionate about their fields and this shows in their teaching. There are also many tutors and mentors who are willing to aid in your comprehension. Both the professors and fellow students cater to a great learning environment.
Amanda from Merrionette Park, IL
Grinnell college is bubble where you can suspend yourself into pure learning, not just from classes, but from peers and situations. The students and staff are supporting and understanding, and the motto of 'self gov' gives you an assurance that everyone in campus wants to improve their community. There are countless opportunities within the college, it is just up to you to take advantage of everything given to you.
Yazan from Chicago, IL
From my research and visit, I can tell that Grinnell is an amazing place to live and learn. While the bubble created by campus and the tiny town are pretty much unavoidable, Grinnell's strong academics and global focus (as seen through the high % of international students on campus) help to expand your perspective. This place also offers a great preparation for graduate school, as shown by many of Grinnell's recent alumni.
Anna from Westby, WI
A very progressive college. Open and accepting to various types of people. A vibrant college when it comes to eccentricity.
from Grinnell, IA
A beautiful campus! The people are very welcoming and willing to help! Also have an awesome sports facility.
Claire from Cedar Rapids, IA
Grinnell is a world class small liberal arts college; a hidden gem.
Here at Grinnell, we value our fellow student, and seek to gain the knowledge to make a change for the better in the world. The professors and resources we have access to make this development into entrepreneurs of social change possible.
Here at Grinnell, we value our fellow student, and seek to gain the knowledge to make a change for the better in the world. The professors and resources we have access to make this development into entrepreneurs of social change possible.
DJB from Grinnell, IA
At Grinnell College, you learn how to think for the very first time in your life. At Grinnell College, you meet people who are amazing, strange, amazingly strange, and strangely amazing--many of whom you will never want to live without. At Grinnell College, you are challenged, discomfited, and completely thrown for a loop, only to find that, four years down the line, you've become the best, most comfortable version of you to date.
Jenny from Long Beach, CA
