Grinnell College Admissions

SAT Scores, Acceptance Rate, Financial Aid & More

Grinnell College
Grinnell College. Barry Solow / Flickr
by Allen Grove
Dr. Allen Grove is an Alfred University English professor and a college admissions expert with 20 years of experience helping students transition to college.
Updated September 30, 2017

Grinnell College Admissions Overview:

Grinnell College has highly selective admissions, and in 2016 the prestigious liberal arts college had an acceptance rate of just 20 percent. Students will need high grades and standardized test scores in order to be considered for admission. To apply, interested students should submit an application (through the Common Application), high school transcripts, an essay, and SAT or ACT scores. A personal interview is not required, but it is strongly encouraged. Be sure to check the Grinnell admissions website for current requirements and deadlines.

Will You Get In?

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Admissions Data (2016):

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 27 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. 

Enrollment (2016):

  • Total Enrollment: 1,699
  • Gender Breakdown: 45 percent male / 55 percent 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 (2015 - 16):

  • Percentage of New Students Receiving Aid: 92 percent
  • Percentage of New Students Receiving Types of Aid
    • Grants: 91 percent
    • Loans: 52 percent
  • Average Amount of Aid
    • Grants: $31,088
    • Loans: $4,594

Academic Programs:

Graduation and Retention Rates:

  • First Year Student Retention (full-time students): 94 percent
  • 4-Year Graduation Rate: 81 percent
  • 6-Year Graduation Rate: 86 percent

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: