Campus Vibe
Highly selective — known for biology
Grinnell College is a private institution in Grinnell with particular strength in biology and computer science. With an average SAT of 1486, the school attracts a competitive applicant pool.
A small campus of 1.7K undergraduates with a 9:1 student-faculty ratio. The town location creates a classic college-town feel.
87% of students graduate within four years, and graduates earn a median of $62,830 a decade after enrollment. Net price after aid averages $15,608.
Plan Your Visit
News & Alerts
Grinnell College Launches New Data Science Minor
Starting Fall 2026, students can pursue an interdisciplinary data science minor combining CS, statistics, and domain courses.
Tuition Increase Announced for 2026-27
The board of trustees approved a 3.2% tuition increase for the upcoming academic year, in line with peer institutions.
Admissions
SAT Score Ranges
Average: 1486
ACT Score Range
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard / IPEDS.
Cost & Financial Aid
Sticker Price
Net Price by Family Income
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Net price reflects most recent cohort of federally-aided undergraduates.
Debt & Aid Detail
Net Price Trend
Tuition Trend
Graduate w/ Zero Debt
88.4%
Avg Tuition Increase
3.2%/yr
Median Debt at Grad
$14,151
Campus Safety
Total Incidents (2024)
10
Peer Average
13
3-Year Trend
Emergency System
Campus security, emergency notification system
Incident Breakdown (2024)
Burglary
Aggravated Assault
Robbery
Motor Vehicle Theft
Sex Offenses
Arson
Drug Arrests
Liquor Arrests
Source: U.S. Department of Education Campus Safety & Security data (Clery Act, 2024 reporting year).
Programs (31)
Student Life
Student Satisfaction
Retention Rate
93%
- •93% first-year retention rate
- •Active student organizations
- •Engaged campus community
Mental Health Services
Counselor Ratio
1:350
24/7 Crisis Line
Yes
Free Sessions
12 per year
Avg Wait
5 days
Walk-in hours available weekdays
Disability Services
ADA-compliant campus with ongoing accessibility improvements
Dining
Rating
★★★★☆
Score
4/5
Meal Plan
$6,200/yr
Multiple dining halls with farm-to-table options
Student Body
Race & Ethnicity
Outcomes
Median Earnings After Graduation
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect federally-aided students 6 and 10 years after entry.
Rankings
More About This School
Varsity Sports — Wild Turkeys
History & Fun Facts
- •The group also sought to establish a college, which followed in 1846, when they collectively established Iowa College in Davenport.
- •The first 25 years of Grinnell's history saw a change in name and location.
- •The name of the corporation, "The Trustees of Iowa College", remained, but in 1909 the name "Grinnell" was adopted by the trustees for the institution.
- •After the June 17, 1882 tornado In 1882, Grinnell College was struck by a tornado—then called a cyclone, after which the college yearbook was named.
- •Other firsts pointed to the lighter side of college life: the first intercollegiate football and baseball games west of the Mississippi were played in Grinnell, and the home teams won.
Source: Wikipedia
Location & Lifestyle
Cost of Living
Housing and food costs are higher than national average
Climate (School Year)
Nearest Cities
Transit Scores
Local Economy
Getting There
Nearest Airports
Distance to Cities
Visit Planning
Suggested Itinerary
Nearby Hotels
Airport Transit
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