Grinnell vs. Augustana University

Comparable Facts

Compare Grinnell College in Grinnell, IA with Augustana University in Sioux Falls, SD on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Augustana University is larger than Grinnell based on total student enrollment (2,390 students vs. 1,788 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Grinnell College is located in Grinnell, IA (Remote Town setting); Augustana University is in Sioux Falls, SD (Midsize City setting).
• Grinnell College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Augustana University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Grinnell College 9:1; Augustana University 12:1.

Grinnell vs. Augustana University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Grinnell or Augustana University? 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 Augustana University than Grinnell ($24,977 vs. $34,363).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Augustana University are 38.7% lower than at Grinnell College ($10,326 vs. $16,842).
• Grinnell College is 69.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Augustana University (about $27,946 more per year; $68,106.00 vs. $40,160.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 69.6% higher at Grinnell than at Augustana University (about $27,946 more per year; $68,106.00 vs. $40,160.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Augustana University than at Grinnell College (100% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Grinnell College students is 61.2% larger than aid received by Augustana University students ($49,077 vs. $30,445).

Grinnell vs. Augustana University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Grinnell College (1480) is 220 points higher than at Augustana University (1260).
• Incoming Grinnell students have a 8 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (32 vs. 24 at Augustana University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Grinnell College 1410/1540; Augustana University 1150/1370.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Grinnell College 31/34; Augustana University 21/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Grinnell - Test optional; Augustana University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Grinnell Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Grinnell students have a 0.13 point higher average high school GPA (3.89) than students at Augustana University (3.76).
• Augustana University has a higher acceptance rate (67.7%) than Grinnell (14.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 30.9% at Grinnell vs. 26.1% at Augustana University.

Grinnell vs. Augustana University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Grinnell and Augustana University? 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 Augustana University's (65%).
• Graduates from Grinnell College earn a median of about $12,700 more per year than Augustana University graduates about ten years after starting college ($59,500 vs. $46,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Grinnell College graduates have a $13,830 lower median loan debt than Augustana University graduates ($13,170 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Grinnell graduates have an estimated $143 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Augustana University graduates ($136 vs. $279).
• More Grinnell graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Augustana University students, three years after graduation. (87% vs. 83%)

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.