Grinnell vs. Vanderbilt

Comparable Facts

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

Vanderbilt University is larger than Grinnell based on total student enrollment (13,575 students vs. 1,788 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Grinnell College is located in Grinnell, IA (Remote Town setting); Vanderbilt University is in Nashville, TN (Large City setting).
• Grinnell College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Vanderbilt University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Grinnell College 9:1; Vanderbilt University 8:1.

Grinnell vs. Vanderbilt Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Grinnell or Vanderbilt? 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 Vanderbilt University than Grinnell ($25,186 vs. $34,363).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Grinnell College are 23.6% lower than at Vanderbilt University ($16,842 vs. $22,054).
• Grinnell College is 0.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Vanderbilt (about $608 more per year; $68,106.00 vs. $67,498.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 0.9% higher at Grinnell than at Vanderbilt University (about $608 more per year; $68,106.00 vs. $67,498.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Grinnell College than at Vanderbilt University (94% vs. 67%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Vanderbilt University students is 31.2% larger than aid received by Grinnell College students ($64,404 vs. $49,077).

Grinnell vs. Vanderbilt Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Grinnell or Vanderbilt? 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 Vanderbilt and Grinnell.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Vanderbilt University (1540) is 60 points higher than at Grinnell (1480).
• Incoming Vanderbilt 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; Vanderbilt University 1500/1570.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Grinnell College 31/34; Vanderbilt University 34/35.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Grinnell - Test optional; Vanderbilt - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Grinnell Jan 15, 2027; Vanderbilt Jan 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Grinnell students have the same average high school GPA (3.89) as students at Vanderbilt (3.89).
• Grinnell has a higher acceptance rate (14.5%) than Vanderbilt (5.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 30.9% at Grinnell vs. 61.2% at Vanderbilt.

Grinnell vs. Vanderbilt Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Grinnell and Vanderbilt? 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).

• Vanderbilt University's six-year graduation rate (92%) is higher than Grinnell College's (88%).
• Graduates from Vanderbilt University earn a median of about $23,600 more per year than Grinnell graduates about ten years after starting college ($83,100 vs. $59,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Grinnell College graduates have a $830 lower median loan debt than Vanderbilt graduates ($13,170 vs. $14,000).
• Among borrowers, Grinnell graduates have an estimated $8 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Vanderbilt graduates ($136 vs. $144).
• More Grinnell graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Vanderbilt students, three years after graduation. (87% vs. 83%)

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.