Grinnell College Admissions

SAT Scores, Acceptance Rate, Financial Aid & More

Grinnell College
Grinnell College. Barry Solow / Flickr
Updated April 23, 2017

Grinnell College Admissions Overview:

Grinnell College is highly selective, admitting around a quarter of those who apply each year. Students will need high grades and test scores in order to be considered for admission to the school. To apply, interested students should submit an application (through the Common Application), high school transcripts, and SAT or ACT scores. A personal interview is not required, but it is strongly encouraged.

If you have any questions, feel free to get in touch with the admissions office. Be sure to check the school's website for updated requirements and deadlines.

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Admissions Data (2015):

Grinnell College Description:

Don’t be fooled by Grinnell’s rural location in Iowa. The school has a talented and diverse faculty and student body, and a rich history of social progressiveness. With an endowment over $1.5 billion and an 9:1 student/faculty ratio, Grinnell holds its own against the most elite schools in the Northeast, and it often ranks among the top liberal arts colleges.

For its strengths in the liberal arts and sciences, Grinnell was awarded a chapter of the prestigious Phi Beta Kappa honor society. Students can choose from 26 majors, and the college relies on individualized planning and advising instead of core requirements. In athletics, the Grinnell Pioneers compete in the NCAA Division III Midwest Conference.

Popular sports include football, soccer, basketball, and cross country. Grinnell ranks among the top liberal arts colleges in the country.

Enrollment (2015):

  • Total Enrollment: 1,705
  • Gender Breakdown: 45% Male / 55% Female
  • 98% Full-time

Costs (2016 - 17):

  • Tuition and Fees: $48,758
  • Books: $900
  • Room and Board: $11,980
  • Other Expenses: $2,200
  • Total Cost: $63,838

Grinnell Financial Aid (2014 - 15):

  • Percentage of New Students Receiving Aid: 92%
  • Percentage of New Students Receiving Types of Aid
    • Grants: 91%
    • Loans: 55%
  • Average Amount of Aid
    • Grants: $30,448
    • Loans: $4,538

Academic Programs:

Graduation and Retention Rates:

  • First Year Student Retention (full-time students): 94%
  • 4-Year Graduation Rate: 79%
  • 6-Year Graduation Rate: 86%

Intercollegiate Athletic Programs:

  • Men's Sports: Football, Swimming and Diving, Tennis, Basketball, Track and Field, Baseball, Cross Country, Golf, Soccer
  • Women's Sports: Golf, Basketball, Volleyball, Tennis, Softball, Track and Field, Swimming and Diving, Cross Country

Data Source:

National Center for Educational Statistics

Grinnell and the Common Application

Grinnell College uses the Common Application. These articles can help guide you:

Admissions Information for Other Top Liberal Arts Colleges:

Amherst | Bowdoin | Carleton | Claremont McKenna | Davidson | Grinnell | Haverford | Middlebury | Pomona | Reed | Swarthmore | Vassar | Washington and Lee | Wellesley | Wesleyan | Williams