Emory vs. Grinnell

Comparable Facts

Compare Emory University in Atlanta, GA with Grinnell College in Grinnell, IA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Emory University is larger than Grinnell based on total student enrollment (15,175 students vs. 1,788 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Emory University is located in Atlanta, GA (Large Suburban setting); Grinnell College is in Grinnell, IA (Remote Town setting).
• Emory University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Grinnell College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Emory University 10:1; Grinnell College 9:1.

Emory vs. Grinnell Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Emory or Grinnell? 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 Emory University than Grinnell ($27,303 vs. $34,363).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Grinnell College are 16.7% lower than at Emory University ($16,842 vs. $20,220).
• Grinnell College is 6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Emory (about $3,826 more per year; $68,106.00 vs. $64,280.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 6% higher at Grinnell than at Emory University (about $3,826 more per year; $68,106.00 vs. $64,280.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Grinnell College than at Emory University (94% vs. 47%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Emory University students is 14.8% larger than aid received by Grinnell College students ($56,319 vs. $49,077).

Emory vs. Grinnell Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Emory or Grinnell? 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 Grinnell and Emory.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Emory University (1510) is 30 points higher than at Grinnell (1480).
• Incoming Emory students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (33 vs. 32 at Grinnell).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Emory University 1470/1550; Grinnell College 1410/1540.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Emory University 32/35; Grinnell College 31/34.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Emory - Test optional; Grinnell - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Emory Jan 1, 2027; Grinnell Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Grinnell students have a 0.09 point higher average high school GPA (3.89) than students at Emory (3.8).
• Grinnell has a higher acceptance rate (14.5%) than Emory (10.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 40.4% at Emory vs. 30.9% at Grinnell.

Emory vs. Grinnell Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Emory and Grinnell? 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).

• Emory University's six-year graduation rate (90%) is higher than Grinnell College's (88%).
• Graduates from Emory University earn a median of about $22,000 more per year than Grinnell graduates about ten years after starting college ($81,500 vs. $59,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Grinnell College graduates have a $4,063 lower median loan debt than Emory graduates ($13,170 vs. $17,233).
• Among borrowers, Grinnell graduates have an estimated $42 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Emory graduates ($136 vs. $178).
• More Grinnell graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Emory students, three years after graduation. (87% vs. 80%)

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.