Need-Blind Admission

Our highest priority as a top-tier educational institution is to admit you, a bright and promising student--regardless of your financial background. That's why Grinnell College practices need-blind admission. We offer admission to applicants who are qualified intellectually rather than economically. Admitted students with demonstrated financial need receive generous aid packages usually including grant assistance, long-term low-interest loans, and campus employment. Currently, about 85 percent of Grinnell students receive financial aid.

Costs

The 2013-14 comprehensive fee is $53,654 (tuition & fees, $43,656; room and board, $9,998). When determining eligibility for assistance, annual allowances are made for the following expenses: Books & Supplies ($900); Personal Expenses ($1,100); Travel Expenses (up to $1,100, depending upon home state/country).

Applying for Financial Aid

Grinnell College offers both merit-based and need-based financial aid, including grants, scholarships, and loans. We also offer many on-campus employment opportunities, as well as federal work-study. For merit aid consideration, a complete Admission application is all that is required.

  • Submit the the Application For Financial Aid to apply for need-based aid.
    • by November 15 for Early Decision I
    • by January 1 for Early Decision II
    • by February 1 for Regular Decision
    • by November 1 for Spring Transfer
    • by April 1 for Fall Transfer
  • Submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by February 1 (all applicants). **To avoid delays, be sure to list Grinnell College on the FAFSA. **Our Title IV school code is 001868.
  • If you are eligible for need-based aid, a preliminary award will be mailed with your admission decision. To receive the final award, need-based recipients will be required to use the FAFSA IRS Data Retrieval process and submit copies of W-2 forms and Schedules C & SE (if self-employed) when they pay their deposit. If your family is unable to use the FAFSA IRS Data Retrieval process, you will be required to submit official student and parent tax transcripts from the IRS.
  • For more information on financial aid, please visit the Office of Student Financial Aid.

 Net Price Calculator

Grinnell now provides a Net Price Calculator to provide families with an approximation of what a new first-year, undergraduate student can expect to pay to attend Grinnell College.