Grinnell College
Grinnell College has an acceptance rate of 14.5%, annual tuition of $68,106, average net price of $17,648, and a national rank of #86 (Grade A), with a 88.1% six-year graduation rate, about 1,729 undergraduates, and median earnings of $49,004 six years after enrollment. Figures come from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and EDsmart's 2026 rankings.
Grinnell College is a private nonprofit university in Grinnell, IA. Students most often pursue Computer Science and Economics.
Inside the classroom, students benefit from a 9:1 student-faculty ratio, and 92.6% first-year retention. Faculty pair challenging syllabi with intentional mentoring so learners keep momentum even as expectations rise.
EDsmart calculates return on investment at -30.6%, roughly 115.9 points below typical outcomes. Expect the strongest outcomes for motivated learners who want a competitive yet collaborative community and students looking for meaningful faculty access.
Who is Grinnell College Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
Grinnell College graduates 88.1% of students within six years and keeps 92.6% of first-year students. Affordability earns a B- compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use Grinnell College's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $68,106 |
| Books and Supplies | $800 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $16,842 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $1,850 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $83,440 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 17.9% of Grinnell College students receive Pell Grants — below the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Net prices range from $9,970 to $37,725 depending on family income. Use Grinnell College's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $19,348/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $37,725/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $49,004
- 10-Year Median Earnings $49,004
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $14,151
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 88.6%
- Employment Rate 84.5%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Grinnell College graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
Grinnell College vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Grinnell College's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Grinnell College's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While Grinnell College graduates earn $49,004 median, the -30.6% ROI suggests the investment may take longer to pay off. Consider your major choice and career goals when evaluating value.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading 700-750
- SAT Math 710-790
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite 31-34
- SAT & ACT Required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 1,729
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate 92.6%
- Graduation Rate 88.1%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 9:1
How to Get Into Grinnell College
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Grinnell College requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 14.5%, Grinnell College is highly selective. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
EDsmart Insight: Grinnell College's 14.5% acceptance rate makes it highly selective. Strong test scores, GPA, and a well-rounded application are essential. Early application can improve your chances. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1410 and 1540 on the SAT.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Grinnell College undergraduates. Computer Science, Political Science and Government, and Economics draw the most students.
- Computer Science 12.0%
- Political Science and Government 9.5%
- Economics 9.1%
- Biology, General 7.9%
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology 7.4%
- Mathematics 6.6%
See more majors
- English Language and Literature, General 5.6%
- Research and Experimental Psychology 4.7%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Computer Science $122,922
- 2. Economics $78,815
- 3. Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology $78,143
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. History $66,562
- 5. Biology, General $64,851
- 6. Political Science and Government $60,366
- 7. Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics $58,680
- 8. Sociology $57,657
- 9. Psychology, General $49,810
- 10. Anthropology $43,162
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Computer Science grads earn $122,922—185% more than Anthropology ($43,162). Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for Grinnell College. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Computer Science (Bachelor's Degree, 62 graduates)
- Political Science and Government (Bachelor's Degree, 49 graduates)
- Economics (Bachelor's Degree, 47 graduates)
- Biology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 41 graduates)
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology (Bachelor's Degree, 38 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (28 programs)▼
- Computer Science
- Political Science and Government
- Economics
- Biology, General
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Mathematics
- English Language and Literature, General
- Research and Experimental Psychology
- Sociology
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- History
- Physics
- Philosophy
- Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
- Chemistry
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Music
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Anthropology
- Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
- Germanic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- East Asian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Slavic, Baltic and Albanian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Religion/Religious Studies
- Psychology, Other
- Mathematics and Statistics, Other
- Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Other
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 1,729
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 45.6%
- Female Students 54.4%
- Caucasian 48.4%
- Asian 9.7%
- Hispanic 8.7%
- Black 4.7%
- Pell Grant Recipients 17.9%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Grinnell College's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Grinnell College's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Grinnell College support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a similar rate as higher-income students, indicating adequate institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Grinnell College, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: Grinnell College has a diverse student body, with 48.4% identifying as White. About 17.9% receive Pell Grants, below the national average of 38%, suggesting a wealthier student body or generous institutional aid.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Grinnell College support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a similar rate as higher-income students, indicating adequate institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Grinnell College, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Ranking #86 nationally, Grinnell College combines competitive admissions with -30.6% ROI, positioning itself among America's stronger universities. The institution balances academic rigor with $49,004 in median post-graduation earnings.
Students complete degrees at 88.1% six-year rates, with 92.6% retention reflecting solid satisfaction. The $17,648 annual net price falls in the moderate range, though 532 institutions deliver comparable outcomes at lower costs.
Competitive Selective University: Grinnell College's Market Position
A grade | #86 of 6101 | 95.6/100 on EDsmart's national index (0–100 vs. all ranked schools; not a raw point total)
Competitive Positioning: Grinnell College occupies the competitive selective tier—not elite enough for automatic career advantages, but strong enough to provide quality education and reasonable outcomes. The -30.6% ROI reflects this middle ground: better than most, but not top-tier.
Value for Money: $17,648 annually produces $49,004 median earnings—a reasonable but not exceptional return. Students choosing Grinnell College should evaluate whether the institution's specific programs, location, or campus culture justify costs versus higher-ROI alternatives.
Who Succeeds Here: Self-directed students who maximize campus resources (research, internships, networking) achieve outcomes rivaling higher-ranked schools. Students seeking specific programs or geographic locations find strong value. Those needing extensive hand-holding may struggle in larger university environments.
Final Assessment: Grinnell College's #86 ranking and A grade reflect solid performance across metrics. With 532 schools offering better ROI, value-focused students should compare carefully. However, for students who fit the institution's culture and programs, outcomes justify investment.
Key Takeaways
- 88.1% six-year graduation rate sits 25.6 points above the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 92.6% first-year retention is 15.8 points above the national norm of 76.8%.
- -30.6% return on investment is 115.9 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $49,004 run about 12% higher than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $17,648 is roughly $251 higher than the national median of $17,397.
Helpfulness for Students
- 9:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 92.6% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 84.5% employment rate within three years sits 16.3 points above national outcomes.
- Average net price of $17,648 is about $251 higher than comparable schools, so scholarship planning is key.
- Pell participation at 17.9% trails the national share by 21.2 points, so equity work remains important.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
Grinnell College is a private nonprofit university based in Grinnell, IA and earns a A overall grade. It appears at #86 in EDsmart's national list Category results include Completion (A), Support (A), Career Outcomes (B), and Affordability (B-).
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
92.6% of learners come back after year one while 88.1% complete the degree within six years. EDsmart calculates the ROI at -30.6%, offering a quick value checkpoint.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $17,648 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $83,440.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $65,792 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $14,151 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 17.9% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Six years in, alumni earn roughly $49,004 at the median. Compared with the national median, that's 12% higher.
Roughly 84.5% of graduates are employed three years out.
The ROI comes in near -30.6%, which you can cross-check against your financial plan.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
14.5% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the Grinnell College admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Grinnell College's acceptance rate?
Grinnell College's acceptance rate is 14.5%, based on U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard admissions data.
How much does Grinnell College cost?
At Grinnell College, listed tuition and fees are $68,106 per year, and the average net price after aid is $17,648. Use the net price calculator on this page for a personalized estimate.
What is Grinnell College's ranking?
Grinnell College ranks #86 nationally in EDsmart's 2026 college rankings with an overall grade of A, based on completion, affordability, support, and career outcomes.
What is Grinnell College's graduation rate?
At Grinnell College, the six-year graduation rate is 88.1%, and first-year retention is 92.6%.
What are Grinnell College's job outcomes?
Graduates of Grinnell College report median earnings of $49,004 six years after enrollment, according to College Scorecard federal outcome data. Outcomes vary by major.
What is Grinnell College's student population?
Grinnell College enrolls about 1,729 undergraduate students, per College Scorecard enrollment data.
Contact Information
- Address Grinnell, IA 50112-1690
- Website www.grinnell.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationHigher Learning Commission (NCACHE)
- Endowment$2.51B