UChicago vs. Grinnell

Comparable Facts

Compare University of Chicago in Chicago, IL with Grinnell College in Grinnell, IA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of Chicago is larger than Grinnell based on total student enrollment (18,566 students vs. 1,788 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Chicago is located in Chicago, IL (Large City setting); Grinnell College is in Grinnell, IA (Remote Town setting).
• University of Chicago is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Grinnell College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Chicago 5:1; Grinnell College 9:1.

UChicago vs. Grinnell Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, UChicago or Grinnell? 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 University of Chicago than Grinnell ($28,060 vs. $34,363).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Grinnell College are 16.2% lower than at University of Chicago ($16,842 vs. $20,109).
• University of Chicago is 3.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Grinnell (about $2,556 more per year; $70,662.00 vs. $68,106.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 3.8% higher at UChicago than at Grinnell College (about $2,556 more per year; $70,662.00 vs. $68,106.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Grinnell College than at University of Chicago (94% vs. 47%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Chicago students is 26.9% larger than aid received by Grinnell College students ($62,300 vs. $49,077).

UChicago vs. Grinnell Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Chicago (1550) is 70 points higher than at Grinnell (1480).
• Incoming UChicago 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: University of Chicago 1510/1580; Grinnell College 1410/1540.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Chicago 34/35; Grinnell College 31/34.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: UChicago - Test optional; Grinnell - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Grinnell Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman UChicago students have a 0.06 point higher average high school GPA (3.95) than students at Grinnell (3.89).
• Grinnell has a higher acceptance rate (14.5%) than UChicago (4.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 88.3% at UChicago vs. 30.9% at Grinnell.

UChicago vs. Grinnell Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for UChicago and Grinnell? 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).

• University of Chicago's six-year graduation rate (92%) is higher than Grinnell College's (88%).
• Graduates from University of Chicago earn a median of about $39,000 more per year than Grinnell graduates about ten years after starting college ($98,500 vs. $59,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Grinnell College graduates have a $1,330 lower median loan debt than UChicago graduates ($13,170 vs. $14,500).
• Among borrowers, Grinnell graduates have an estimated $13 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than UChicago graduates ($136 vs. $149).
• More Grinnell graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former UChicago 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.