Grinnell College is a private nonprofit institution with an acceptance rate of 14.4% and undergraduate enrollment of 1,729. The college has a 9:1 student-to-faculty ratio and a 6-year graduation rate of 87.8%. The cost of attendance is $87,598, with median earnings of $49,004 six years after enrollment and $62,830 ten years after enrollment.
Grinnell College is highly selective with a 14.4% acceptance rate and an undergraduate enrollment of 1,729 students. The college maintains a strong 9:1 student-to-faculty ratio and an 87.8% six-year graduation rate.
| Applied | Admitted | Rate | Enrolled | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Men | 4,822 | 533 | 11.1% | 210 |
| Women | 4,840 | 676 | 14% | 228 |
Grinnell College admits 14.5% of applicants — a typical similar college admits 74%.
Each bar is the median of that group, with the number of schools in brackets. “Similar colleges” means the same control and the same predominant degree awarded. Groups of fewer than 15 schools are not shown.
Grinnell College has a cost of attendance of $87,598 annually. With 17.9% of students receiving Pell grants and a substantial $2.7 billion endowment, the college supports economically diverse learners.
* One or more income brackets show an unusually low net price, reflecting need-based aid that can reduce cost to near zero for families in that range.
Graduates who borrowed carry a median monthly repayment of about $186.
After aid, Grinnell College costs $17,648 a year — about 22% less than a typical similar college.
Each bar is the median of that group, with the number of schools in brackets. “Similar colleges” means the same control and the same predominant degree awarded. Groups of fewer than 15 schools are not shown.
Grinnell College has a 6-year graduation rate of 87.8%. Graduates earn a median of $49,004 six years after enrollment and $62,830 ten years after enrollment.
| Major | Graduates |
|---|---|
| Computer Science | 53 |
| Econometrics and Quantitative Economics | 38 |
| Political Science and Government, General | 35 |
| Research and Experimental Psychology, Other | 35 |
| Biology/Biological Sciences, General | 33 |
| Biochemistry | 27 |
| Physics, General | 24 |
| English Language and Literature, General | 16 |
| Sociology, General | 15 |
| History, General | 14 |
Median earnings eight years after entering Grinnell College are $58,562, and 65% of former students earn more than $25,000 six years after entry.
Six years after entry, former Grinnell College students earn $49,004 — 8% more than at a typical similar college.
Each bar is the median of that group, with the number of schools in brackets. “Similar colleges” means the same control and the same predominant degree awarded. Groups of fewer than 15 schools are not shown.
Grinnell College is a private nonprofit institution with 1,729 undergraduates and a 9:1 student-to-faculty ratio. The college competes in NCAA Division III athletics, including football.
Average head coach salary by program gender.
406 of 1,702 undergraduates, counting each athlete once regardless of how many sports they play.
0 of 1,775 undergraduates study entirely at a distance.
Grinnell College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Grinnell College spends $16,167 per student on research — about 3× a typical similar college.
Each bar is the median of that group, with the number of schools in brackets. “Similar colleges” means the same control and the same predominant degree awarded. Groups of fewer than 15 schools are not shown.
Grinnell College is in Grinnell, IA, in what IPEDS classifies as a town, remote setting. The campus sits about 0.9 miles from the center of Grinnell.
Poweshiek County scores 5.9 out of 20 on the EPA National Walkability Index — below average walkable. The index is a county-wide average of block groups, so it describes the surrounding area rather than the campus itself.
Undergraduates make up about 17.3% of Grinnell's residents.
Every college that receives federal financial aid must publish its crime statistics each year under the Clery Act. These are the figures Grinnell College reported for 2024.
Read these numbers carefully. A Clery figure counts reports, not incidents. A university with active reporting channels, a large campus police force and a teaching hospital will record more offenses than one where the same events go unreported — so a higher count is not evidence of a more dangerous campus, and a low count is not evidence of a safe one. In 2024, 833 campuses with more than 1,000 students reported no offenses at all. Use these figures to ask a college questions, not to rank one against another.
Separately, Grinnell College reported 36 disciplinary referrals for weapons, drug and liquor law violations on campus. Referrals for alcohol violations are usually the largest category at residential colleges and reflect how a school handles student conduct internally.
Common questions about Grinnell College admissions, costs, and outcomes.
Grinnell College has an acceptance rate of 14.4%, making it a highly selective institution. This competitive rate reflects the college's rigorous admissions standards and the strength of its applicant pool.
The total cost of attendance at Grinnell College is $87,598 per year, including tuition, fees, room, and board. However, most students receive financial aid that significantly reduces their actual out-of-pocket expenses.
Yes, 17.9% of Grinnell students receive Pell grants, and the college enrolls 17.6% first-generation students. With an endowment of $2.7 billion, Grinnell is committed to making education affordable for students with demonstrated financial need.
Grinnell College has a 6-year graduation rate of 87.8%. Notably, Pell grant recipients graduate at a 90.0% rate while non-Pell students graduate at 94.0%, showing the college's strong support for all student populations.
Grinnell graduates earn a median of $49,004 six years after enrollment and $62,830 ten years after enrollment. These earnings reflect the value of a Grinnell education in the job market.
Grinnell College has an undergraduate enrollment of 1,729 students, creating an intimate liberal arts community. The student-to-faculty ratio is 9:1, ensuring close relationships between students and professors.
Grinnell's student body is 54.4% women and includes 17.6% first-generation college students. The college maintains a diverse community committed to academic excellence and social responsibility.
Yes, Grinnell competes in NCAA Division III and includes football among its athletic programs. The college invests significantly in athletics while maintaining its commitment to academics and student-athlete balance.
Grinnell stands out as a highly selective liberal arts college with a $2.7 billion endowment that enables substantial financial aid. Its 9:1 student-to-faculty ratio and commitment to first-generation and low-income students create an exceptional educational environment.
Grinnell's admissions are highly competitive, with a 14.4% acceptance rate. Prospective students should visit Grinnell's admissions website for current application requirements and deadlines.