Overview
Founded in 1846 by a group of Congregationalist ministers, Grinnell College has evolved from a small frontier institution into one of the nation's most academically respected liberal arts colleges. Known for its progressive social values, tradition of self-governance, and history of activism, Grinnell counts among its early distinctions being one of the first colleges in the country to admit women and one of the first in Iowa to enroll Black students. The college is particularly celebrated for its open curriculum, which requires only one first-year tutorial course, granting students exceptional freedom to design their own academic paths under close faculty mentorship.
At a Glance
| Type | Liberal Arts |
| Location | Grinnell, Iowa |
| Founded | 1846 |
| Total students | 1,700 |
| Student–faculty ratio | 9:1 |
| Acceptance rate | 9% |
| Graduation rate | 89% |
| Average starting salary | $52,000 |
Tuition & Costs (estimates)
| In-state tuition | $62,000 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $62,000 |
| Room & board | $14,500 |
| Average financial aid | $52,000 |
| Students receiving aid | 88% |
Admissions
| SAT range | 1400-1540 |
| ACT range | 31-34 |
| Average GPA | 3.85 |
| Regular deadline | January 15 |
Top Programs
- Economics
- Biology
- Political Science
- Chemistry
- English
Figures are estimates for exploration — verify current costs, deadlines, and requirements on the university's official website.