Chances of Getting Into Grinnell College
Grinnell, Iowa • Private University • #11 National • Founded 1846
Grinnell Admissions Statistics 2025–2026
Grinnell SAT & ACT Scores
SAT Scores (Middle 50%)
ACT Scores (Middle 50%)
About Grinnell College
Grinnell College is a fiercely independent liberal arts college in central Iowa known for its open curriculum, self-governance tradition, and one of the largest endowments per student in the country. Grinnell produces more PhDs per capita than almost any school in America.
Top Programs
What Makes Grinnell Unique
- Open curriculum — only one required course (First-Year Tutorial)
- Self-governance tradition — students run their own residence life
- $2.8B endowment for 1,700 students — among the highest per capita
- Produces PhDs at an extraordinary rate
- Social justice heritage dating to its founding as an abolitionist institution
Grinnell Cost & Financial Aid
Cost of Attendance
Financial Aid
Grinnell Application Deadlines
How to Get Into Grinnell: Admission Tips
Grinnell values intellectual independence — show self-directed learning
The open curriculum means you should articulate YOUR academic vision
Social justice, activism, and community service resonate strongly
ED acceptance rate is ~40% vs ~10% RD — huge advantage
Grinnell is need-blind for domestic and meets 100% of need
The Brutal Truth About Grinnell Admissions
The numbers are brutal. With a 10% acceptance rate, Grinnell rejected over 12,150 applicants in the most recent cycle. Many of those rejected students had perfect GPAs and 1550+ SATs.
Stats are table stakes, not differentiators. At Grinnell, having a 3.86 GPA and 1445 SAT puts you at average — not above average. What separates admitted students from rejected ones is everything else: essays, activities, recommendations, and authentic passion.
The biggest mistake applicants make: Treating their application like a résumé. Grinnell doesn't want a list of accomplishments — they want to understand who you are as a person and what you'll contribute to their community.
Bottom line: Apply if Grinnell genuinely excites you — but build a balanced college list. Don't put all your eggs in one 10%-acceptance-rate basket.
Grinnell Admissions FAQ
What is the acceptance rate at Grinnell College?
Grinnell College has an acceptance rate of 10% as of the most recent admissions cycle. Out of 13,500+ applicants, approximately 430 students were admitted to the incoming class.
What GPA do I need to get into Grinnell?
The average GPA of admitted students at Grinnell College is 3.86. Most successful applicants have GPAs above 3.71, with many in the top 5-10% of their high school class.
What SAT score do I need for Grinnell?
The middle 50% SAT range for admitted Grinnell students is 1370-1520. The average SAT score is 1445. For ACT, the range is 32-34 with an average of 33.
Is Grinnell hard to get into?
Yes, Grinnell College is very selective with an acceptance rate of just 10%. Even students with perfect GPAs and test scores are not guaranteed admission. Holistic review means essays, extracurriculars, and recommendations all play critical roles.
How much does Grinnell cost?
Tuition at Grinnell College is $62,296 per year, with total cost of attendance at $78,800. However, 62% of students receive financial aid, with the average aid package exceeding $50,000+.
What are my chances of getting into Grinnell?
Your chances of getting into Grinnell College depend on your GPA, test scores, extracurricular activities, essays, and more. With a 10% overall acceptance rate, admissions are highly competitive. Use AdmitOdds to get a personalized assessment of your chances based on your actual profile.
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