Grinnell College
Grinnell
Grinnell, Iowa 50112-1690
Data last updated: August 29, 2026
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.
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
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Admissions
SAT Score Ranges
Average: 1486
ACT Score Range
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard / IPEDS.
Deadline Calendar
Typical Application Requirements
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
Programs (31)
Outcomes
Median Earnings After Graduation
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect federally-aided students 6 and 10 years after entry.
Student Life
Student Satisfaction
Retention Rate
93%
Student Body
Race & Ethnicity
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).
Location & Lifestyle
Cost of Living
Estimated from IA state average