Grinnell vs. Trinity

Comparable Facts

Compare Grinnell College in Grinnell, IA with Trinity University in San Antonio, TX on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Trinity University is larger than Grinnell based on total student enrollment (2,687 students vs. 1,788 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Grinnell College is located in Grinnell, IA (Remote Town setting); Trinity University is in San Antonio, TX (Large City setting).
• Grinnell College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Trinity University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Grinnell College 9:1; Trinity University 8:1.

Grinnell vs. Trinity Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Grinnell or Trinity? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Trinity University than Grinnell ($32,224 vs. $34,363).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Trinity University are 12.4% lower than at Grinnell College ($14,750 vs. $16,842).
• Grinnell College is 26.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Trinity (about $14,430 more per year; $68,106.00 vs. $53,676.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 26.9% higher at Grinnell than at Trinity University (about $14,430 more per year; $68,106.00 vs. $53,676.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Trinity University than at Grinnell College (100% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Grinnell College students is 36.4% larger than aid received by Trinity University students ($49,077 vs. $35,990).

Grinnell vs. Trinity Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Grinnell or Trinity? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Trinity and Grinnell.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Grinnell College (1480) is 60 points higher than at Trinity (1420).
• Incoming Grinnell students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 32) as students at Trinity (32).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Grinnell College 1410/1540; Trinity University 1340/1500.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Grinnell College 31/34; Trinity University 31/34.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Grinnell - Test optional; Trinity - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Grinnell Jan 15, 2027; Trinity Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Grinnell students have a 0.21 point higher average high school GPA (3.89) than students at Trinity (3.68).
• Trinity has a higher acceptance rate (25.9%) than Grinnell (14.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 30.9% at Grinnell vs. 20.1% at Trinity.

Grinnell vs. Trinity Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Grinnell and Trinity? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Grinnell College's six-year graduation rate (88%) is higher than Trinity University's (80%).
• Graduates from Trinity University earn a median of about $3,300 more per year than Grinnell graduates about ten years after starting college ($62,800 vs. $59,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Grinnell College graduates have a $12,330 lower median loan debt than Trinity graduates ($13,170 vs. $25,500).
• Among borrowers, Grinnell graduates have an estimated $127 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Trinity graduates ($136 vs. $263).
• More Trinity graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Grinnell students, three years after graduation. (88% vs. 87%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.