Private nonprofit Institution

Grinnell College — Grinnell, Iowa

Compare Visit Website
Annual Tuition $64,862

Estimated Out-of-Pocket

Acceptance 12.7%

Most Selective

Enrollment 1,705

Active Students

Avg. Salary $62,830

After 10 Years

Institutional Profile

Location Grinnell, Iowa
Institution type Private nonprofit
Accreditation Higher Learning Commission
Founded 1/1/1990

Academic Mission & Environment

"Grinnell College stands as a pillar of higher education in Grinnell, providing a robust academic foundation for 1,705 students. The institution is recognized for its dedication to career-ready outcomes and community impact."

Campus Setting Urban Campus
Student Focus High Employment ROI

What programs does Grinnell College offer?

Discover the most popular degrees and fields of study at Grinnell College. These programs represent the institution's primary areas of academic focus and professional preparation.

Social Sciences
29%

Enrollment Share

Biological Sciences
18.2%

Enrollment Share

Computer Science
12.3%

Enrollment Share

English
6.9%

Enrollment Share

Foreign Languages
6.4%

Enrollment Share

Physical Sciences
5.6%

Enrollment Share

Institutional Choice

Best Social Sciences College

The Social Sciences program at Grinnell College provides a comprehensive education...

Strategic Profile Audited
Institutional Choice

Best Biological Sciences College

The Biological Sciences program at Grinnell College provides a comprehensive education...

Strategic Profile Audited
Institutional Choice

Best Computer Science College

The Computer Science department is a hub for cutting-edge research...

Strategic Profile Audited
Institutional Choice

Best English College

The English program at Grinnell College provides a comprehensive education...

Strategic Profile Audited
Institutional Choice

Best Foreign Languages College

The Foreign Languages program at Grinnell College provides a comprehensive education...

Strategic Profile Audited
Institutional Choice

Best Physical Sciences College

The Physical Sciences program at Grinnell College provides a comprehensive education...

Strategic Profile Audited

What is the acceptance rate at Grinnell College?

Admissions & Selectivity Dashboard — 2026

Acceptance 12.7%
Difficulty Extremely High

Grinnell College maintains an acceptance rate of 12.7%, reflecting its status as a most selective institution. The admissions process evaluates academic potential alongside standardized testing trends to ensure a balanced student body.

Test Requirement SAT/ACT scores are considered but not required.

Student Body Composition

Men Enrollment 45.9%
Women Enrollment 54.1%

Test Score Ranges (25th - 75th Percentile)

SAT Reading 698 - 760
SAT Mathematics 720 - 790
ACT English 31 - 35
ACT Mathematics 27 - 34
Expert Insight

Competitive scores often fall within or exceed these typical 50% benchmarks for admitted students.

How much does Grinnell College cost in 2026?

In-State Tuition $64,862
Out-of-State Tuition $64,862

Financial Support Snapshot

Pell Grant Rate 16.9%
Median Student Debt $17,500

ROI Insight

With a tuition of only $64,862, graduates see a median starting salary of $62,830, making it one of the most affordable pathways in Iowa.

What salary can Grinnell College graduates expect?

Avg. Early Career Salary $62,830

10 years after entry

Graduation Rate 87.5%

Investment Analysis & ROI

Average Net Price $15,608
Median Salary (6yr) $49,004
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio Above Average
Career Stability Index High

What is student life like at Grinnell College in Grinnell?

1,705 Students

Gender Comparison

45.9% Men
54.1% Women
Male Enrollment Female Enrollment

Retention & Enrollment

93.1%
Retention First-year
0%
Full-time Enrollment

Diversity & Ethnicity

American Indian
0.1%
Asian
8.4%
Black
5%
White
51.7%
Unknown
1.7%
Hispanic
8.3%
Two or More Races
5.6%
International
19.2%

Campus Demographics

🎂
Avg. Age at Entry 19
🎓
First-Generation 17.6%
💰
Receive Pell Grant 42.3%

Student Economic Background

Median Household Income $70,311
Average Family Income $90,298
Median Family Income $74,915

Faculty Profile

Faculty Gender

51.2%
48.8%
Women Men
Premium Campus Location

Explore the Grinnell Campus Environment

Located at 1121 Park Street, Grinnell College offers a strategic urban setting that connects students with the economic and cultural heart of Iowa. Use our verified map utility to plan your visit or explore nearby professional hubs.

Campus Setting Urban / Metropolitan
Access High Connectivity
Get Directions Open in Google Maps

Common Questions about Grinnell College

Is Grinnell College a good college in Grinnell, Iowa?
Grinnell College is a recognized institution in Grinnell with an enrollment of 1,705 students. It is accredited by Higher Learning Commission and offers a robust ROI for students in Iowa based on Department of Education data.
Is Grinnell College worth attending in 2026?
Yes, Grinnell College offers exceptional value with an average net price of $0 and median graduate earnings of $62,830. The institution's focus on professional outcomes makes it a strong investment for 2026.
How much does Grinnell College cost for Iowa residents in 2026?
For the 2026 academic year, in-state tuition at Grinnell College is approximately $64,862. In addition, out-of-state tuition is $64,862. Financial aid and Pell Grants significantly reduce this cost for most local residents.
What is the real cost of Grinnell College after financial aid and FAFSA?
The real cost of attending Grinnell College for most students is its average net price of $0. Approximately 42.3% of students receive Pell Grants and FAFSA-based aid to offset costs.
Is Grinnell College good for Social Sciences and Biological Sciences programs?
Grinnell College is highly regarded for its Social Sciences and Biological Sciences programs. These tracks are among the most popular, preparing students for immediate career entry.
What career can I get after attending Grinnell College?
Graduates of Grinnell College often transition into high-demand roles in fields like Social Sciences. With a median salary of $62,830, the college provides a clear pathway to professional advancement.
What are the admission requirements for Grinnell College?
Grinnell College operates with a Most Selective policy. This typically includes a simplified application process focused on accessibility and student success regardless of past standardized test scores.
Does Grinnell College require SAT or ACT scores for admission?
No, Grinnell College follows a test-optional approach for the 2026 cycle. Standardized test scores like the SAT or ACT are not required for general admission.
What salary can Grinnell College graduates expect after 10 years?
Graduates of Grinnell College earn a median salary of $62,830 after 10 years. This demonstrates long-term professional stability and growth.
Is Grinnell College a good investment compared to other IA colleges?
Grinnell College stands out as a high-value investment in Iowa. With an average net price of only $0, it offers one of the most affordable pathways to a degree and a professional career in the state.
Where is Grinnell College located and what is the campus like?
Grinnell College is located at 1121 Park Street in Grinnell, IA. The campus provides a dynamic environment serving a diverse student body of 1,705 learners.
Who typically attends Grinnell College in Grinnell, IA?
The student body at Grinnell College is diverse and career-focused. Approximately 17.6% are first-generation students, reflecting a community of motivated, real-world learners.
🏆

2026 Rankings: Iowa

Explore top-tier academic pathways across the state

Compare Grinnell College with other leading institutions in Iowa across various professional disciplines. Our verified data audits provide transparency on career ROI and academic quality.

N
Nursing
B
Business Administration
C
Computer Science
M
Medical
P
Psychology
E
Engineering
C
Criminal Justice
S
Social Work
A
Accounting
M
Marketing
C
Cybersecurity
F
Finance
B
Biotechnology
M
Mechanical Engineering
P
Public Administration
F
Fire Protection
I
International Business
I
Information Science
C
Civil Engineering
J
Journalism
G
Graphic Communications
C
Computer Engineering
D
Data Science
L
Law
A
Architecture
E
Education
L
Liberal Arts
🧭

Local Discovery Hub

Explore specialized academic pathways in Grinnell

Degrees & Research Social Sciences Insights →
2026 Audit Complete
Professional Training Social Sciences Insights →
2026 Audit Complete
Career Opportunities Social Sciences Insights →
2026 Audit Complete
Affordable Tuition Social Sciences Insights →
2026 Audit Complete
Accredited Programs Social Sciences Insights →
2026 Audit Complete
Leading Schools Social Sciences Insights →
2026 Audit Complete
International Support Social Sciences Insights →
2026 Audit Complete
Community Colleges Social Sciences Insights →
2026 Audit Complete

Looking for similar schools in Iowa?

Our intelligence engine has audited 6,400+ institutions to find the best matches for your career goals.

View State Rankings →