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Grinnell College

Grinnell College

Grinnell, IA · Town · 1,729 students
Website Common App Forbes ranking Scorecard
Nov 15 · Early Decision I (binding) · in 35 days
Checked Sep 2026 · grinnell.edu
$17,648
Average net priceYour net price
<30
30–48
48–75
75–110
110+
By household income — tap a bar
88%
Graduation rate
69% typical
$62,830
Earnings 10 years on
$58,391 typical
15%
Acceptance rate
64% typical · not scored
Accredited by Higher Learning Commission
About

Grinnell College is a premier national liberal arts college in Iowa renowned for its academic rigor, exceptional financial resources, and standout programs in the natural sciences, economics, computer science, and political science. The college distinguishes itself through its "Individually Advised Curriculum," an open academic model with only one core requirement—the First-Year Tutorial—which grants students near-total freedom to design their academic pathways alongside dedicated faculty mentors. Campus life is shaped by a socially conscious, intellectually vibrant student body grounded in a philosophy of self-governance and collaboration rather than competition, bolstered by the absence of Greek life and vast institutional funding for undergraduate research and global experiences.

Wikipedia:Grinnell College is a private liberal arts college in Grinnell, Iowa, United States. It was established as Iowa College in 1846 by a group of Congregationalists from New England. It has an "open curriculum," which means students need not follow a prescribed list of classes. The college's 120-acre (49 ha) campus includes several listings on the National Register of Historic Places.

Location
Grinnell, IA, 50112-1690 · Town campus
✈
Nearest airport from college
OMA · Omaha
167 mi away
Open in Google Maps
Cost & aid
Cost of attendance
YoursEveryone
Tuition & fees$68,106
Housing & food (on campus)$16,842
Books & supplies$800
Cost of attendance$93,338
Average net price$17,648
Same price for all students
Tuition & fees$68,106
Housing & food (on campus)$16,842
Books & supplies$800
Cost of attendance$93,338
Average net price$17,648
Source: U.S. College Scorecard · published total: www.grinnell.edu
How it’s made up
Tuition$73,582
Fees$572
Housing$8,316
Food$9,468
Personal expenses$1,100
Transportation$300
Total published by the school$93,338
Net price by family income
$0–30k
$9,970
$30–48k
$7,789
$48–75k
$9,669
$75–110k
$19,348
$110k+
$37,725
Grants from the school
94% of first-years get a grant from the school, averaging $47,513
Source: College Navigator (U.S. Department of Education, IPEDS)
Outcomes
Completion
Within 6 yrs
88%
Within 4 yrs
75%
Back for yr 2
93%
Transferred
0%
Pell students: 90.0% · others: 87.6% 
8 yrs after starting
88% graduated · 9% transferred · 3% left or unknown · none still enrolled
Earnings
6 yrs after entry$49,004
10 yrs after entry$62,830
Debt
Median at graduation$17,500
Monthly payment$186
Middle 50% owe$7.8k–$19.5k
90th percentile$25,500
Green marks a figure above the typical Baccalaureate — arts & sciences: 69% graduate within 6 yrs, $58,391 earned 10 yrs after entry.
Admissions
Getting in
Admit rate
15%
Test policy
Test optional
SAT average
1486
R 700–750 · M 710–790
ACT midpoint
32
Comp 31–34 · E 31–35 · M 28–34
SAT middle 50%: 1410–1540
40080012001600
Admitted students
Admit rate: men 12.6% · women 16.4% 
Yield: 30.9% of admitted students enroll 
Application deadlines · first-year, fall 2027 entry
Early Decision I
Nov 15 2026
binding in 35 days
If admitted, you must enroll and withdraw other applications.
Early Decision II
Jan 5 2027
binding in 86 days
A later Early Decision round: if admitted, you must enroll and withdraw other applications.
Regular Decision
Jan 15 2027
in 96 days
Not binding: the standard deadline.
Checked Sep 2026 · grinnell.edu · Confirm on the school's site before you apply.

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Essay prompts
How much essays count at Grinnell College: Important (one of four levels: very important · important · considered · not considered)
Source: Grinnell College's Common Data Set — the school's own yearly report of its admissions and aid figures.
From Grinnell College (grinnell.edu) · 2026–27 application · checked Sep 28, 2026
  • Grinnell's core values include supporting a diverse community that is respectful, egalitarian, and committed to the common good. How might your background, respect for the lived experiences of others, and/or eagerness to be exposed to new perspectives equip you to thrive at Grinnell and serve the common good?
    200–450 words · Optional

Quoted from Grinnell College's own page. The application itself is the final word.

The personal essay is separate: see the Common App essay prompts.

Student Body
Gender
Men 46%Women 54%
Who enrolls
Faculty ratio
9 : 1
Pell grant
18%
First-gen
18%
Family income
$74,915
Age at entry
19.0
Part-time
0%
Where first-years come from
In state (IA)
8.0%
Out of state
67.6%
International
21.5%

Most out-of-state first-years from: IL 47 · CA 35 · MN 25 · TX 24 · NJ 12

Race & ethnicity
White
48%
Hispanic
9%
Black
5%
Asian
10%
Two or more
6%
Non-resident
21%
Unknown
1%
Varsity sports
NCAA Division III with football
  • Baseball
    Men's
  • Basketball
    Men's · Women's
  • Cross Country
    Men's · Women's
  • Football
    Men's
  • Golf
    Men's · Women's
  • Soccer
    Men's · Women's
  • Softball
    Women's
  • Swimming and Diving (combined)
    Men's · Women's
  • Tennis
    Men's · Women's
  • Track and Field (Indoor)
    Men's · Women's
  • Track and Field (Outdoor)
    Men's · Women's
  • Volleyball
    Women's
Programs & Earnings
Bachelor's degrees by annual completions · 4yr national median earnings
Median earnings, all programs
After 6 yrs
$49,004
After 10 yrs
$62,830
Computer Science62
Economics54
Biology, General43
Political Science and Government40
Sociology36
Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology35
English Language and Literature, General34
Mathematics33
Research and Experimental Psychology24
Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics23
Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies17
Physics17
Anthropology14
Philosophy12
History12
Music11
Type your major above to highlight and detail relevant programs.
Institutional
Resources
Endowment
$2.7B
Full-time faculty
81%
Faculty salary
$12,576/mo
Teaching spend
$32,882
per student
Federal loans
13%
Classification
Carnegie type
Baccalaureate — arts & sciences
Research activity
Research college or university
$7M research spending
Undergraduate profile
Four-year, more selective admissions

Wondering if Grinnell College is the right fit for you?

omhu builds a personalized college list — reach, match, and safety schools — tailored to your profile, grades, and goals. Get financial aid estimates, scholarship guidance, and deep dives on every school.

Personalized reach / match / safety list
Financial aid & net cost estimates
Deep dives on any school
Scholarship search