Grinnell vs. Washington and Lee

Comparable Facts

Compare Grinnell College in Grinnell, IA with Washington and Lee University in Lexington, VA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Washington and Lee University is larger than Grinnell based on total student enrollment (2,241 students vs. 1,788 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Grinnell College is located in Grinnell, IA (Remote Town setting); Washington and Lee University is in Lexington, VA (Distant Town setting).
• Grinnell College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Washington and Lee University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Grinnell College 9:1; Washington and Lee University 7:1.

Grinnell vs. Washington and Lee Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Grinnell or Washington and Lee? 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 Washington and Lee University than Grinnell ($23,055 vs. $34,363).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Grinnell College are 9.9% lower than at Washington and Lee University ($16,842 vs. $18,685).
• Grinnell College is 0.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Washington and Lee (about $61 more per year; $68,106.00 vs. $68,045.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 0.1% higher at Grinnell than at Washington and Lee University (about $61 more per year; $68,106.00 vs. $68,045.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Grinnell College than at Washington and Lee University (94% vs. 64%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Washington and Lee University students is 30.3% larger than aid received by Grinnell College students ($63,945 vs. $49,077).

Grinnell vs. Washington and Lee Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Washington and Lee University (1490) is 10 points higher than at Grinnell (1480).
• Incoming Washington and Lee students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (33 vs. 32 at Grinnell).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Grinnell College 1410/1540; Washington and Lee University 1430/1540.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Grinnell College 31/34; Washington and Lee University 33/34.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Grinnell - Test optional; Washington and Lee - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Grinnell Jan 15, 2027; Washington and Lee Jan 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Grinnell students have a 0.02 point higher average high school GPA (3.89) than students at Washington and Lee (3.87).
• Grinnell has a higher acceptance rate (14.5%) than Washington and Lee (14%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 30.9% at Grinnell vs. 41.2% at Washington and Lee.

Grinnell vs. Washington and Lee Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Grinnell and Washington and Lee? 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).

• Washington and Lee University's six-year graduation rate (91%) is higher than Grinnell College's (88%).
• Graduates from Washington and Lee University earn a median of about $29,500 more per year than Grinnell graduates about ten years after starting college ($89,000 vs. $59,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Grinnell College graduates have a $8,330 lower median loan debt than Washington and Lee graduates ($13,170 vs. $21,500).
• Among borrowers, Grinnell graduates have an estimated $86 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Washington and Lee graduates ($136 vs. $222).
• More Washington and Lee graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Grinnell students, three years after graduation. (88% vs. 87%)

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.