Grinnell vs. Fisk University

Comparable Facts

Compare Grinnell College in Grinnell, IA with Fisk University in Nashville, TN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Grinnell College is larger than Fisk University based on total student enrollment (1,788 students vs. 1,059 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Grinnell College is located in Grinnell, IA (Remote Town setting); Fisk University is in Nashville, TN (Large City setting).
• Grinnell College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Fisk University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Grinnell College 9:1; Fisk University 12:1.

Grinnell vs. Fisk University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Grinnell or Fisk 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 Fisk University than Grinnell ($18,595 vs. $34,363).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Fisk University are 13.7% lower than at Grinnell College ($14,540 vs. $16,842).
• Grinnell College is 163.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Fisk University (about $42,248 more per year; $68,106.00 vs. $25,858.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 163.4% higher at Grinnell than at Fisk University (about $42,248 more per year; $68,106.00 vs. $25,858.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Grinnell College than at Fisk University (94% vs. 87%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Grinnell College students is 115.1% larger than aid received by Fisk University students ($49,077 vs. $22,811).

Grinnell vs. Fisk University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Grinnell College (1480) is 150 points higher than at Fisk University (1330).
• Incoming Grinnell students have a 11 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (32 vs. 21 at Fisk University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Grinnell College 1410/1540; Fisk University 1140/1510.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Grinnell College 31/34; Fisk University 19/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Grinnell - Test optional; Fisk University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Grinnell Jan 15, 2027; Fisk University Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Grinnell students have a 0.79 point higher average high school GPA (3.89) than students at Fisk University (3.1).
• Fisk University has a higher acceptance rate (37.4%) than Grinnell (14.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 30.9% at Grinnell vs. 8.8% at Fisk University.

Grinnell vs. Fisk University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Grinnell and Fisk 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 Fisk University's (45%).
• Graduates from Grinnell College earn a median of about $23,600 more per year than Fisk University graduates about ten years after starting college ($59,500 vs. $35,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Grinnell College graduates have a $12,830 lower median loan debt than Fisk University graduates ($13,170 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, Grinnell graduates have an estimated $132 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Fisk University graduates ($136 vs. $268).
• More Grinnell graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Fisk University students, three years after graduation. (87% vs. 38%)

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.