Grinnell College
Grinnell, Iowa · Private
Grinnell College admitted 15% of 9,758 applicants (Common Data Set 2024-2025). First-year students who sent the SAT scored 1430–1520 in the middle half. Test scores are optional. 87% of students graduate within six years.
Your chances at Grinnell College
Enter a score to see whether Grinnell College is a reach, target or likely school for you.
It admits 15% of applicants, so it’s a reach for everyone, even with perfect scores.
A rough read from the admit rate and test scores only. Grades, courses, essays and activities matter as much or more.
Early decision and early action
Early decision applicants were admitted at 34% (283 of 828), compared with 15% for all applicants.
Early applicants often include recruited athletes and students with stronger applications, so the gap overstates how much applying early helps one student.
2,021 students were offered a spot on the waitlist, 1,180 took it, and 36 were admitted from it.
What admissions weighs
How Grinnell College rates each part of an application, from its Common Data Set.
Very important
- Course rigor
- Class rank
- Recommendations
Important
- GPA
- Test scores
- Essay
- Activities
- Talent or ability
Considered
- Interview
- Character
- First generation
- Legacy
- Where you live
- State residency
- Volunteering
- Work experience
- Showing interest
Not considered
- Religion
What it costs
Full price with housing is $83,490 a year. After grants, students paid $33,446 on average.
Average price after grants, by family income:
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