Grinnell College
Grinnell
Grinnell, Iowa 50112-1690
Data last updated: May 29, 2026
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
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
88.0%
Avg Tuition Increase
5.1%/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%
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
Estimated from IA state average
Climate (School Year)
Nearest Cities
Getting There
Nearest Airports
Distance to Cities
Visit Planning
Nearby Hotels
Schools Like This
Des Moines University-Osteopathic Medical Center
West Des Moines, IA · Rural · Private
Briar Cliff University
Sioux City, IA · Urban · Private
A T Still University of Health Sciences
Kirksville, MO · Town · Private
Academy for Jewish Religion
Yonkers, NY · Suburban · Private