Grinnell vs. Saint Louis University

Comparable Facts

Compare Grinnell College in Grinnell, IA with Saint Louis University in Saint Louis, MO on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Saint Louis University is larger than Grinnell based on total student enrollment (17,059 students vs. 1,788 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Grinnell vs. Saint Louis University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Grinnell or Saint Louis 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 Saint Louis University than Grinnell ($27,749 vs. $34,363).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Saint Louis University are 9.3% lower than at Grinnell College ($15,280 vs. $16,842).
• Grinnell College is 22.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Saint Louis University (about $12,346 more per year; $68,106.00 vs. $55,760.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 22.1% higher at Grinnell than at Saint Louis University (about $12,346 more per year; $68,106.00 vs. $55,760.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Saint Louis University than at Grinnell College (100% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Grinnell College students is 9.9% larger than aid received by Saint Louis University students ($49,077 vs. $44,657).

Grinnell vs. Saint Louis University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Grinnell College (1480) is 170 points higher than at Saint Louis University (1310).
• Incoming Grinnell students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (32 vs. 28 at Saint Louis University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Grinnell College 1410/1540; Saint Louis University 1200/1410.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Grinnell College 31/34; Saint Louis University 25/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Grinnell - Test optional; Saint Louis University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Grinnell Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Saint Louis University students have a 0.06 point higher average high school GPA (3.95) than students at Grinnell (3.89).
• Saint Louis University has a higher acceptance rate (75%) than Grinnell (14.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 30.9% at Grinnell vs. 13.9% at Saint Louis University.

Grinnell vs. Saint Louis University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Grinnell and Saint Louis 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 Saint Louis University's (61%).
• Graduates from Saint Louis University earn a median of about $2,300 more per year than Grinnell graduates about ten years after starting college ($61,800 vs. $59,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Grinnell College graduates have a $12,830 lower median loan debt than Saint Louis University graduates ($13,170 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, Grinnell graduates have an estimated $132 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Saint Louis University graduates ($136 vs. $268).
• More Grinnell graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Saint Louis University students, three years after graduation. (87% vs. 74%)

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.