Grinnell College
Founded in 1846, Grinnell College is a 4-year liberal arts college located in central Iowa. Grinell offers bachelor’s degrees in 27 academic majors and 13 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, the college is a few blocks from the town of Grinnell, which features art galleries and a farmers market.
Admissions
Key Admissions Stats
Institution Type
Private
- Not for Profit
- Coed
Need Aware
This school may 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
Important Deadlines
| Application Type | Application Deadline | Reply Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Early Decision Acceptance is binding so student must attend college if accepted. | November 15 | January 9 |
| Fall Regular Decision | January 15 | May 1 |
Admitted Student Stats
27%
Submitting ACT
28%
Submitting SAT
Average ACT Composite: 34
Average SAT Composite: 1457
Academics
Key Academic Stats
Highest Degree Offered
Bachelor's
Total Number of Students
1,759
Total Number of Undergrads
1,759
Classroom Sizes
0
100
81%
Graduate in 4 Years US National: 28%
0
100
87%
Graduate in 6 Years US National: 52%
Student:Faculty Ratio
9:1
US National: 21:1Tuition, Cost & Aid
Key Financial Stats
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. | $64,862 |
| 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. | $64,862 |
Additional Costs
Room and Board The weighted average for room and board and other expenses is generated as follows:
| $15,878 |
| Books and Supplies | $800 |
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.
17%
Average Aid Per Year
$42,231
17%
Average Federal Grant Aid Per Year
$7,134
Average Institution Grant Aid Per Year
$40,749
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
$7,707
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.
$15,500
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.
$167
Campus Life
Key Campus Stats
Student Gender
Student Organizations
110
Size of Town
Suburb or town
LGBTQIA Student Resource Groups
Yes
On Campus Women's Center
No
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
Top 5 Cities
Chicago
Des Moines
New York
Washington
Minneapolis
Employed
6 mos. after graduation
62%
Average Salary
6 years after graduation
$61,000
What Students Are Saying
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
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