Grinnell vs. Union College

Comparable Facts

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

Union College is larger than Grinnell based on total student enrollment (2,065 students vs. 1,788 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Grinnell College is located in Grinnell, IA (Remote Town setting); Union College is in Schenectady, NY (Small City setting).
• Grinnell College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Union College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Grinnell College 9:1; Union College 9:1.

Grinnell vs. Union College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Grinnell or Union 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 Grinnell College than Union College ($34,363 vs. $42,137).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Grinnell College are 1% lower than at Union College ($16,842 vs. $17,010).
• Union College is 1.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Grinnell (about $933 more per year; $69,039.00 vs. $68,106.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 1.4% higher at Union College than at Grinnell College (about $933 more per year; $69,039.00 vs. $68,106.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Union College than at Grinnell College (96% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Grinnell College students is 15.4% larger than aid received by Union College students ($49,077 vs. $42,534).

Grinnell vs. Union College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Grinnell College (1480) is 80 points higher than at Union College (1400).
• Incoming Grinnell students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (32 vs. 31 at Union College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Grinnell College 1410/1540; Union College 1310/1480.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Grinnell College 31/34; Union College 29/33.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Grinnell - Test optional; Union College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Grinnell Jan 15, 2027; Union College Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Grinnell students have a 0.39 point higher average high school GPA (3.89) than students at Union College (3.5).
• Union College has a higher acceptance rate (43.9%) than Grinnell (14.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 30.9% at Grinnell vs. 13.9% at Union College.

Grinnell vs. Union College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Grinnell and Union 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 Union College's (86%).
• Graduates from Union College earn a median of about $14,700 more per year than Grinnell graduates about ten years after starting college ($74,200 vs. $59,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Grinnell College graduates have a $13,830 lower median loan debt than Union College graduates ($13,170 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Grinnell graduates have an estimated $143 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Union College graduates ($136 vs. $279).
• More Grinnell graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Union College students, three years after graduation. (87% vs. 86%)

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.