Overview
Enrollment
| Location | Grinnell, Iowa |
| Online | grinnell.edu |
| School Type | Private 4 Year |
| Setting | Remote Town |
| Size | Small |
| Status | Non-profit |
| On Campus Housing | Yes |
| Level of Study | Undergrad |
Grinnell College is a private liberal arts college located in the small town of Grinnell, Iowa, approximately an hour east of Des Moines. Founded in 1846, it is noted for its rigorous academic programs and a strong tradition in the social sciences and humanities. Grinnell's open curriculum encourages students to chart their own educational path, and it particularly stands out for its programs in Political Science, Economics, and Biology. The campus is characterized by its extensive library system and the distinctive architecture of the Charles Benson Bear '39 Recreation and Athletic Center, with residential life underscored by a commitment to providing on-campus housing for all four years. Grinnell maintains a highly selective admissions process. Despite its small-town setting, Grinnell College is known for fostering a global perspective, with numerous students studying abroad during their tenure.
In the most recent statistical year 9,997 prospective students applied, and 1,076 were granted admission. Of those admitted 437 enrolled in the school. 1,706 students are enrolled on a full time basis, and 53 attend part time. In-state tuition for 2022/2023, excluding room and board, is $60,988 plus fees of $492. Grinnell is ranked 55 nationally in the CollegeSimply.com 2024 U.S. Colleges Ranking.
Ratings
Overall
Academics
Resources
Outcomes
Value
Grinnell is rated within the top 13% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 9 out of 10. Learn how ratings are calculated
Rankings
Rankings for Grinnell College within the 2024 CollegeSimply Best Colleges Lists.
#55 in Best Colleges in the U.S.
#54 in Best Private Colleges in the U.S.
#1 in Best Colleges in Iowa
#1 in Best Private Colleges in Iowa
#67 in Best Value Colleges in the U.S.
#1 in Best Value Colleges in Iowa
View the CollegeSimply ranking methodology.
Getting In
Admission Standards
| SAT | 1380/1530 |
| ACT | 31/34 |
| Estimated GPA | 3.89 |
Applications Accepted
| Applications Due | Jan 15, 2024 |
| Applicant Competition | Very High |
| Application Fee | $0 |
Annual Cost to Attend
Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $900 |
| Other Fees | $492 |
| Room and Board | $15,048 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $2,200 |
| Total One Year Cost | $79,628 |
Outcomes
Average Salary After 10 Years
Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate
Popular Areas of Study
| Subject | Percent of Class |
|---|---|
| Social Sciences | 27% |
| Foreign Languages | 12% |
| Biology | 11% |
| History | 8% |
| Physical Sciences | 8% |
Other Colleges to Consider
Students considering Grinnell are frequently interested in these similar colleges.
Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=153384 IPEDS survey data for Grinnell College.
Current students may use the Grinnell College GPA calculator to determine their current college GPA.