Grinnell vs. Hamilton College

Comparable Facts

Compare Grinnell College in Grinnell, IA with Hamilton College in Clinton, NY on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Hamilton College is larger than Grinnell based on total student enrollment (2,031 students vs. 1,788 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Grinnell College is located in Grinnell, IA (Remote Town setting); Hamilton College is in Clinton, NY (Rural Fringe setting).
• Grinnell College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Hamilton College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Grinnell College 9:1; Hamilton College 9:1.

Grinnell vs. Hamilton College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Grinnell or Hamilton 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 Hamilton College than Grinnell ($28,719 vs. $34,363).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Grinnell College are 3.8% lower than at Hamilton College ($16,842 vs. $17,510).
• Hamilton College is 1.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Grinnell (about $854 more per year; $68,960.00 vs. $68,106.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 1.3% higher at Hamilton College than at Grinnell College (about $854 more per year; $68,960.00 vs. $68,106.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Grinnell College than at Hamilton College (94% vs. 56%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Hamilton College students is 13.1% larger than aid received by Grinnell College students ($55,511 vs. $49,077).

Grinnell vs. Hamilton College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Hamilton College (1500) is 20 points higher than at Grinnell (1480).
• Incoming Hamilton 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; Hamilton College 1450/1550.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Grinnell College 31/34; Hamilton College 33/35.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Grinnell - Test optional; Hamilton College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Grinnell Jan 15, 2027; Hamilton College Jan 5, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Grinnell students have a 0.02 point higher average high school GPA (3.89) than students at Hamilton College (3.87).
• Grinnell has a higher acceptance rate (14.5%) than Hamilton College (13.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 30.9% at Grinnell vs. 39% at Hamilton College.

Grinnell vs. Hamilton College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Grinnell and Hamilton 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).

• Hamilton College's six-year graduation rate (89%) is higher than Grinnell College's (88%).
• Graduates from Hamilton College earn a median of about $19,500 more per year than Grinnell graduates about ten years after starting college ($79,000 vs. $59,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Grinnell College graduates have a $2,590 lower median loan debt than Hamilton College graduates ($13,170 vs. $15,760).
• Among borrowers, Grinnell graduates have an estimated $26 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Hamilton College graduates ($136 vs. $162).
• More Hamilton College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Grinnell students, three years after graduation. (90% 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.