The dean for academic support and advising and the vice-president for student affairs coordinate Grinnell's academic and nonacademic advising system. That system is based on an awareness of the needs of students as young adults involved in the examination and development of all aspects of their lives.

Each student has a faculty adviser for guidance in planning academic work and for related counseling. For all first-year students, the advisers are their tutorial professors; later, students choose advisers in their major fields.

Personal advising is available from the deans in student affairs, the director of academic advising, the College chaplain and rabbi, the director of international student services, and the residence life coordinators. Student advisers work closely with students on an informal, day-to-day basis in the residence halls. In addition, psychological services are provided through the Poweshiek County Mental Health Center and its clinical, psychological, psychiatric, and social worker staff. Under the terms of an arrangement with the mental health center, there is no charge for the first eight sessions any student has each academic year. Students may call the center directly for an appointment, or referrals for counseling may be arranged through the Grinnell College Health Center, the Division of Student Affairs, the College chaplains, or residence life coordinators.

The Career Development Office helps students make informed matches between their interests, skills, and career options. Programming is based on student needs. A comprehensive plan for self-assessment, occupational assessment, decision-making, and job or graduate school placement is offered. Individual counseling, career-related workshops, and career assessment inventories are available for all students. An online database of alumni living throughout the United States and the world is available to assist students with career advice and leads for internships and jobs. Preprofessional advisers also assist students who anticipate graduate or professional study or careers in particular vocational fields (see Liberal Education and Careers).