Grinnell vs. Viterbo

Comparable Facts

Compare Grinnell College in Grinnell, IA with Viterbo University in La Crosse, WI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Viterbo University is larger than Grinnell based on total student enrollment (2,094 students vs. 1,788 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Grinnell College is located in Grinnell, IA (Remote Town setting); Viterbo University is in La Crosse, WI (Small City setting).
• Grinnell College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Viterbo University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Grinnell College 9:1; Viterbo University 10:1.

Grinnell vs. Viterbo Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Grinnell or Viterbo? 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 Viterbo University than Grinnell ($21,933 vs. $34,363).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Viterbo University are 32.8% lower than at Grinnell College ($11,320 vs. $16,842).
• Grinnell College is 98.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Viterbo (about $33,856 more per year; $68,106.00 vs. $34,250.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 98.8% higher at Grinnell than at Viterbo University (about $33,856 more per year; $68,106.00 vs. $34,250.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Viterbo University than at Grinnell College (100% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Grinnell College students is 108.2% larger than aid received by Viterbo University students ($49,077 vs. $23,573).

Grinnell vs. Viterbo Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Grinnell College (1480) is 270 points higher than at Viterbo (1210).
• Incoming Grinnell students have a 8 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (32 vs. 24 at Viterbo).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Grinnell College 1410/1540; Viterbo University 1040/1380.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Grinnell College 31/34; Viterbo University 22/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Grinnell - Test optional; Viterbo - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Grinnell Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Grinnell students have a 0.39 point higher average high school GPA (3.89) than students at Viterbo (3.5).
• Viterbo has a higher acceptance rate (72.4%) than Grinnell (14.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 30.9% at Grinnell vs. 15.9% at Viterbo.

Grinnell vs. Viterbo Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Grinnell and Viterbo? 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 Viterbo University's (49%).
• Graduates from Grinnell College earn a median of about $15,200 more per year than Viterbo graduates about ten years after starting college ($59,500 vs. $44,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Grinnell College graduates have a $13,830 lower median loan debt than Viterbo graduates ($13,170 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Grinnell graduates have an estimated $143 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Viterbo graduates ($136 vs. $279).
• More Grinnell graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Viterbo students, three years after graduation. (87% vs. 68%)

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.