Grinnell College : Overview, Courses, Scholarships & Rankings
About Grinnell College
Set on the prairie, Grinnell College is known for big ideas with close mentoring. Classes favor discussion, research, and cross-field problem solving across the sciences, social sciences, arts, and humanities. Students use well-equipped labs and studios, active libraries and performance spaces, a modern athletic center, and practical services like advising, wellness care, and writing and career support.
The vibe is collaborative and socially aware, with a long tradition of student self-governance. Clubs, music, theater, outdoor trips, and intramurals keep weeks full, while a walkable downtown adds coffee, galleries, and community partnerships. And career prep comes through internships, faculty research, and an engaged alumni network. Distinctive spirit aside, notable alumni include Robert Noyce and Kumail Nanjiani.
Key Institutional Details
Contact & Profile
Academic & Institutional
Academic Programs & Fields of Study
Grinnell College offers 31 degree programs across 13 major academic fields, graduating approximately 511 students annually. The most popular fields by graduate volume are Social Sciences (4 programs, 131 graduates), Biological Sciences (3 programs, 72 graduates), Computer & IT (1 programs, 64 graduates), Languages (6 programs, 43 graduates) and Psychology (2 programs, 43 graduates). Explore program details, award levels, and graduate demographics below.
Social Sciences (4 programs, 131 graduates)
Sociology, Anthropology and Political Science Studies
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Econometrics and Quantitative Economics | 47 |
|
Bachelor's
|
45.0603 |
| Political Science and Government | 42 |
|
Bachelor's
|
45.1001 |
| Sociology | 24 |
|
Bachelor's
|
45.1101 |
| Anthropology | 18 |
|
Bachelor's
|
45.0201 |
Biological Sciences (3 programs, 72 graduates)
Life Sciences, Biotechnology and Biomedical Research
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biology and Biological Sciences | 38 |
|
Bachelor's
|
26.0101 |
| Biochemistry | 29 |
|
Bachelor's
|
26.0202 |
| Biological and Biomedical Sciences | 5 |
|
Bachelor's
|
26.9999 |
Computer & IT (1 programs, 64 graduates)
Computer Science, Information Technology and Cybersecurity
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Science | 64 |
|
Bachelor's
|
11.0701 |
Languages (6 programs, 43 graduates)
Foreign Languages, Literature and Linguistic Studies
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spanish Language and Literature | 16 |
|
Bachelor's
|
16.0905 |
| French Language and Literature | 9 |
|
Bachelor's
|
16.0901 |
| Classics and Classical Languages | 8 |
|
Bachelor's
|
16.1200 |
| Russian Language and Literature | 5 |
|
Bachelor's
|
16.0402 |
| German Language and Literature | 3 |
|
Bachelor's
|
16.0501 |
| Chinese Language and Literature | 2 |
|
Bachelor's
|
16.0301 |
Psychology (2 programs, 43 graduates)
Psychological Sciences, Mental Health and Behavioral Studies
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Experimental Psychology | 41 |
|
Bachelor's
|
42.2799 |
| Psychology | 2 |
|
Bachelor's
|
42.9999 |
Physical Sciences (3 programs, 38 graduates)
Chemistry, Physics and Earth Sciences Research
Mathematics (2 programs, 27 graduates)
Mathematical Sciences, Statistics and Computational Analysis
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | 26 |
|
Bachelor's
|
27.0101 |
| Mathematics and Statistics | 1 |
|
Bachelor's
|
27.9999 |
English (1 programs, 22 graduates)
English Literature, Creative Writing and Literary Analysis
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| English Language and Literature | 22 |
|
Bachelor's
|
23.0101 |
Arts (4 programs, 21 graduates)
Fine Arts, Design Studies and Creative Performance
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio Arts, General | 8 |
|
Bachelor's
|
50.0702 |
| Theatre and Dance | 5 |
|
Bachelor's
|
50.0512 |
| Music | 5 |
|
Bachelor's
|
50.0901 |
| Art History and Conservation | 3 |
|
Bachelor's
|
50.0703 |
Cultural Studies (1 programs, 18 graduates)
Cultural Anthropology, Ethnic Studies and Social Group Research
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Women's Studies | 18 |
|
Bachelor's
|
05.0207 |
Admission Requirements & Test Scores
Comprehensive overview of admission criteria, standardized test score ranges, and application requirements for prospective students at Grinnell College.
Application Requirements
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Test score ranges represent the middle 50% of admitted students (25th-75th percentile). Requirements may vary by program.
Tuition, Fees & Estimated Costs
Overview of tuition rates, housing, and other annual education expenses for undergraduate and graduate students
Financial Aid & Student Support
Summary of scholarships, grants, student loans, and financial aid statistics for undergraduate students
Student Success Metrics
Graduation rates and post-graduation earnings to help assess student outcomes and long-term value of education.
Loan Burden & Repayment Outcomes
Breakdown of loan repayment rates and student debt levels by income and dependency status.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Grinnell College
How much does it cost to attend Grinnell College?
The annual tuition at Grinnell College is $64,862 for in-state students. When including room and board, books, and other expenses, the total estimated cost is approximately $83,490 for in-state students. Additional costs include room and board $15,878 (on-campus) and books and supplies $800.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2022-2023 academic year. Tuition and cost estimates are approximate and may not include all fees, personal expenses, or transportation costs.
What academic programs and degree levels does Grinnell College offer?
Grinnell College offers 31 academic programs across 13 major fields of study, with available degree levels: Bachelor's.
Most popular program areas include:
- Sociology, Anthropology and Political Science Studies (4 programs)
- Life Sciences, Biotechnology and Biomedical Research (3 programs)
- Computer Science, Information Technology and Cybersecurity (1 programs)
- Foreign Languages, Literature and Linguistic Studies (6 programs)
- Psychological Sciences, Mental Health and Behavioral Studies (2 programs)
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated, not all offered programs.
What is the acceptance rate for Grinnell College?
Grinnell College has an 12.7% acceptance rate and a 36.1% yield rate, making it highly selective.
Admission statistics breakdown:
- Total applicants: 9,988
- Students admitted: 1,266
- Students enrolled: 457
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Admission statistics may vary by program and application cycle.
What financial aid and scholarships are available at Grinnell College?
Grinnell College provides financial aid to 25% of first-time, full-time students, with average grants of $45,782 and average loans of $7,432.
Average financial aid amounts by type:
- Pell grants: $5,583
- State/Local grants: $7,500
- Institutional grants: $44,274
- Federal loans: $4,949
The university supports 400 students with grants and 53 students with loans annually.
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Financial aid amounts and percentages may vary by program, enrollment status, and individual circumstances.
What is the average salary for Grinnell College graduates?
Grinnell College graduates earn a median salary of $49,004 after 6 years and $62,830 after 10 years.
The salary range 10 years after graduation spans from $38,836 (25th percentile) to $90,289 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $96,600 (90th percentile).
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Salary data reflects graduates who received federal financial aid (approximately 60% of all graduates). Actual earnings may vary significantly based on program, location, and individual circumstances.
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