Overview
Enrollment
| Location | Grinnell, Iowa |
| Online | grinnell.edu |
| School Type | Private 4 Year |
| Setting | Remote Town |
| Size | Small |
| Status | Non-profit |
| On Campus Housing | Yes |
| Level of Study | Undergrad |
Grinnell College is located in the small town of Grinnell, Iowa, approximately 55 miles east of Des Moines. Founded in 1846, this private liberal arts institution occupies a 120-acre main campus featuring a mix of historic red-brick buildings and modern architectural structures, including the distinctive Noyce Science Center and the Bucksbaum Center for the Arts. The college maintains a highly selective admission process and is known for its open curriculum, which allows students to design their academic paths with minimal core requirements. Grinnell's strongest academic programs include biological sciences, social sciences, and computer science, with the college being particularly recognized for its data science initiatives. Students are required to live on campus for the first three years, choosing from traditional residence halls or themed housing communities that support the college's emphasis on collaborative living and learning.
Ratings
Overall
Academics
Resources
Outcomes
Value
Grinnell is rated within the top 13% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 9 out of 10. Learn how ratings are calculated
Rankings
Rankings for Grinnell College within the 2024 CollegeSimply Best Colleges Lists.
#55 in Best Colleges in the U.S.
#54 in Best Private Colleges in the U.S.
#1 in Best Colleges in Iowa
#1 in Best Private Colleges in Iowa
#67 in Best Value Colleges in the U.S.
#1 in Best Value Colleges in Iowa
View the CollegeSimply ranking methodology.
Getting In
Admission Standards
| SAT | 1380/1530 |
| ACT | 31/34 |
| Estimated GPA | 3.89 |
Applications Accepted
| Applications Due | Jan 15, 2025 |
| Applicant Competition | Very High |
| Application Fee | $0 |
Annual Cost to Attend
Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $900 |
| Other Fees | $492 |
| Room and Board | $15,048 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $2,200 |
| Total One Year Cost | $79,628 |
Outcomes
Average Salary After 10 Years
Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate
Popular Areas of Study
| Subject | Percent of Class |
|---|---|
| Social Sciences | 27% |
| Foreign Languages | 12% |
| Biology | 11% |
| History | 8% |
| Physical Sciences | 8% |
Other Colleges to Consider
Students considering Grinnell are frequently interested in these similar colleges.
Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=153384 IPEDS survey data for Grinnell College.
Current students may use the Grinnell College GPA calculator to determine their current college GPA.
Last updated February 24, 2024