Grinnell vs. Rhodes College

Comparable Facts

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

Rhodes College is larger than Grinnell based on total student enrollment (1,861 students vs. 1,788 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Grinnell vs. Rhodes College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Grinnell or Rhodes 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 Rhodes College than Grinnell ($31,037 vs. $34,363).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Rhodes College are 19.1% lower than at Grinnell College ($13,620 vs. $16,842).
• Grinnell College is 19.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Rhodes College (about $10,996 more per year; $68,106.00 vs. $57,110.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 19.3% higher at Grinnell than at Rhodes College (about $10,996 more per year; $68,106.00 vs. $57,110.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Rhodes College than at Grinnell College (100% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Grinnell College students is 22.1% larger than aid received by Rhodes College students ($49,077 vs. $40,180).

Grinnell vs. Rhodes College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Grinnell College (1480) is 90 points higher than at Rhodes College (1390).
• Incoming Grinnell students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (32 vs. 29 at Rhodes College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Grinnell College 1410/1540; Rhodes College 1300/1486.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Grinnell College 31/34; Rhodes College 26/32.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Grinnell - Test optional; Rhodes College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Grinnell Jan 15, 2027; Rhodes College Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Rhodes College students have a 0.1 point higher average high school GPA (3.99) than students at Grinnell (3.89).
• Rhodes College has a higher acceptance rate (50.4%) than Grinnell (14.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 30.9% at Grinnell vs. 12.1% at Rhodes College.

Grinnell vs. Rhodes College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Grinnell and Rhodes 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).

• Grinnell College's six-year graduation rate (88%) is higher than Rhodes College's (75%).
• Graduates from Grinnell College earn a median of about $100 more per year than Rhodes College graduates about ten years after starting college ($59,500 vs. $59,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Grinnell College graduates have a $13,047 lower median loan debt than Rhodes College graduates ($13,170 vs. $26,217).
• Among borrowers, Grinnell graduates have an estimated $135 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Rhodes College graduates ($136 vs. $271).
• More Grinnell graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Rhodes College students, three years after graduation. (87% vs. 79%)

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.