About Grinnell College
Students pay an average of $15,608 after financial aid, despite a sticker price exceeding $80,000. Graduates earn a median of $62,830 ten years out, making the investment worthwhile for most families. Low-income students pay just $6,739 on average, while those from families earning over $110,000 pay $36,265. The typical graduate leaves with $17,500 in debt and monthly payments of $186.
The student body draws heavily from outside Iowa, with only 7.40% coming from in-state. Women make up 54.13% of students, and the campus is 51.73% white. The 9:1 student-faculty ratio means classes stay small. Athletes compete in 20 Division III sports, with 406 students participating without scholarships.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 9:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 80.0%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 87.9%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 87.5%
- Retention Rate
- 93.1%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $62,830
- Carnegie Classification
- Liberal Arts College
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $91,744 |
| Economics. | Bachelor | $52,941 |
| Mathematics. | Bachelor | $39,369 |
| Political Science and Government. | Bachelor | $34,704 |
| Sociology. | Bachelor | $33,993 |
| Biology, General. | Bachelor | $31,799 |
| History. | Bachelor | $29,685 |
| English Language and Literature, General. | Bachelor | $29,141 |
| Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology. | Bachelor | $28,598 |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $26,353 |
Campus Life
Students embrace the college's famously open curriculum, which requires no distribution requirements or core classes. Only 7.4% of students come from Iowa, creating a tight-knit community where everyone knows each other. Weekends revolve around campus events since there's not much else around. The college's massive endowment funds elaborate parties and brings major speakers to this remote location. Students pride themselves on political activism and intellectual debates that continue late into the night in residence halls. The 406 student athletes compete in Division III sports without scholarships, keeping athletics low-key. Most graduates leave Iowa after four years, but they maintain strong alumni connections forged during those intense college years.
- Setting
- Town-Remote
- Housing Capacity
- 1,450 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1846
Campus Safety (2023)
12 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dating Violence | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Rape | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Fondling | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Burglary | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 10°–28°F
- July Avg
- 61°–83°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 72.4"
- Annual Snowfall
- 54.7"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 45.9%
- Women
- 54.1%
- White
- 51.7%
- Black
- 5.0%
- Hispanic
- 8.3%
- Asian
- 8.4%
- In-State Students
- 7.4%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 16.9%
Location
- Address
- Grinnell, Iowa 50112-1690
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $62,830
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $58,675
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $36,700
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 88.6%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $186/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $17,500
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Grinnell College?
Grinnell College accepts only 10.76% of applicants, making it highly selective. Students typically need SAT scores around 1455 and strong academic records to gain admission. The college's rigorous admissions process reflects its reputation as a top liberal arts institution.
How much does Grinnell College cost after financial aid?
Despite a sticker price of $81,540, Grinnell's average net price is just $15,608 thanks to generous financial aid. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay only $6,739 on average. The college's massive endowment allows it to offer substantial institutional grants averaging $42,231.
What makes Grinnell College's academics unique?
Grinnell operates with an open curriculum that lets students design their own academic path without distribution requirements. The 9:1 student-faculty ratio ensures intimate classroom discussions and close mentorship. This liberal arts approach has produced notable graduates including Intel co-founder Robert Noyce and jazz legend Herbie Hancock.
What do Grinnell College graduates earn after graduation?
Grinnell graduates earn a median of $62,830 ten years after graduation, reflecting strong career outcomes. The college maintains an impressive 87.5% six-year graduation rate and 94.5% employment rate. Most graduates leave with manageable debt of $17,500 median, leading to monthly loan payments of just $186.
Where is Grinnell College located and what is campus life like?
Grinnell sits in a small Iowa town with 1,705 students creating a tight-knit community atmosphere. The campus houses 1,450 students in residence halls, fostering close relationships among the 54% female and 46% male student body. Twenty varsity sports teams compete in NCAA Division III, with 406 total student-athletes.
How diverse is Grinnell College's student population?
Grinnell draws students nationally with only 7.4% coming from Iowa, creating geographic diversity rare among liberal arts colleges. The student body is 52% white with growing representation from Hispanic (8.3%), Asian (8.4%), and Black (5%) communities. About 17% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating the college's commitment to socioeconomic diversity.
