Grinnell vs. Bowdoin College

Comparable Facts

Compare Grinnell College in Grinnell, IA with Bowdoin College in Brunswick, ME on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Bowdoin College is larger than Grinnell based on total student enrollment (1,881 students vs. 1,788 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Grinnell College is located in Grinnell, IA (Remote Town setting); Bowdoin College is in Brunswick, ME (Distant Town setting).
• Grinnell College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Bowdoin College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Grinnell College 9:1; Bowdoin College 9:1.

Grinnell vs. Bowdoin College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Grinnell or Bowdoin College? 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 Bowdoin College than Grinnell ($22,228 vs. $34,363).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Grinnell College are 8.9% lower than at Bowdoin College ($16,842 vs. $18,488).
• Grinnell College is 0.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Bowdoin College (about $274 more per year; $68,106.00 vs. $67,832.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 0.4% higher at Grinnell than at Bowdoin College (about $274 more per year; $68,106.00 vs. $67,832.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Grinnell College than at Bowdoin College (94% vs. 55%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bowdoin College students is 28.1% larger than aid received by Grinnell College students ($62,872 vs. $49,077).

Grinnell vs. Bowdoin College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Bowdoin College (1510) is 30 points higher than at Grinnell (1480).
• Incoming Bowdoin College students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (34 vs. 32 at Grinnell).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Grinnell College 1410/1540; Bowdoin College 1470/1550.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Grinnell College 31/34; Bowdoin College 33/35.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Grinnell - Test optional; Bowdoin College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Grinnell Jan 15, 2027; Bowdoin College Jan 5, 2027.
• Grinnell has a higher acceptance rate (14.5%) than Bowdoin College (7.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 30.9% at Grinnell vs. 53.6% at Bowdoin College.

Grinnell vs. Bowdoin College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Grinnell and Bowdoin College? 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).

• Bowdoin College's six-year graduation rate (92%) is higher than Grinnell College's (88%).
• Graduates from Bowdoin College earn a median of about $15,500 more per year than Grinnell graduates about ten years after starting college ($75,000 vs. $59,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Grinnell College graduates have a $5,663 lower median loan debt than Bowdoin College graduates ($13,170 vs. $18,833).
• Among borrowers, Grinnell graduates have an estimated $58 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Bowdoin College graduates ($136 vs. $194).
• More Grinnell graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Bowdoin College students, three years after graduation. (87% vs. 87%)

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.