Grinnell vs. Colby College

Comparable Facts

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

Colby College is larger than Grinnell based on total student enrollment (2,412 students vs. 1,788 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Grinnell vs. Colby College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Grinnell or Colby 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 Colby College than Grinnell ($16,219 vs. $34,363).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Grinnell College are 5.9% lower than at Colby College ($16,842 vs. $17,890).
• Colby College is 2.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Grinnell (about $1,494 more per year; $69,600.00 vs. $68,106.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 2.2% higher at Colby College than at Grinnell College (about $1,494 more per year; $69,600.00 vs. $68,106.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Grinnell College than at Colby College (94% vs. 45%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Colby College students is 41% larger than aid received by Grinnell College students ($69,201 vs. $49,077).

Grinnell vs. Colby College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Colby College (1510) is 30 points higher than at Grinnell (1480).
• Incoming Colby College 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: Grinnell College 1410/1540; Colby College 1460/1550.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Grinnell College 31/34; Colby College 32/34.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Grinnell - Test optional; Colby College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Grinnell Jan 15, 2027; Colby College Jan 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Grinnell students have a 0.03 point higher average high school GPA (3.89) than students at Colby College (3.86).
• Grinnell has a higher acceptance rate (14.5%) than Colby College (7.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 30.9% at Grinnell vs. 46.2% at Colby College.

Grinnell vs. Colby College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Grinnell and Colby 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).

• Colby College's six-year graduation rate (91%) is higher than Grinnell College's (88%).
• Graduates from Colby College earn a median of about $13,900 more per year than Grinnell graduates about ten years after starting college ($73,400 vs. $59,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Grinnell College graduates have a $6,175 lower median loan debt than Colby College graduates ($13,170 vs. $19,345).
• Among borrowers, Grinnell graduates have an estimated $64 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Colby College graduates ($136 vs. $200).
• More Colby College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Grinnell students, three years after graduation. (88% 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.