Student walking in front of ARH in spring

Rankings

We think that our story speaks for itself. But it’s also nice to hear what others have said about us.

Grinnell is among the very best liberal arts colleges in the nation. Because, well, we’ve got a lot to offer. However, there’s a lot more to the story. And like the cover of a book, you can’t completely judge a college based on one number. So be sure to check out multiple rankings and sources. Look for a school that gets high marks in the categories that matter to you. Then, narrow your field from there.

Best Liberal Arts College

#11
Nation's Best Liberal Arts Colleges, U.S. News & World Report
#26
Best Liberal Arts Colleges, Washington Monthly
A
Niche Overall Grade

Best Academics

"Grinnell frequently ranks well among similar US liberal arts colleges and this is partly thanks to its innovative academic structure. Students are required to take control of their own courses of study; they are allowed to choose all their own classes with guidance from faculty members. The college has a focus on active learning and one-on-one teaching between staff and students." - Times Higher Education, World University Rankings

#6
Best Undergraduate Teaching, U.S. News & World Report
#7
Research, Washington Monthly
#10
Best Classroom Experience, Princeton Review

Best Value

"Grinnell is a college with the resources of a school 10 times its size . . . As a result, the school is committed to meeting 100% of demonstrated need." -CNBC

#7
Best Value, U.S. News & World Report
#8
Best Colleges for Financial Aid, CNBC
#7
Best Schools for Financial Aid, Princeton Review

Best Students

"Grinnell is known as the Jewel of the Prairie, as it is loaded with some of Iowa’s best independent restaurants and unique shops. It has been named as one of the Top Ten Coolest Small Towns in America by travel journalists." - Providence Journal

#8
Most International, U.S. News & World Report
A+
Diversity, Niche
#7
Most Politically Active Students, Princeton Review

Keep in mind where those numbers come from.

It’s your college experience and your perspective. So know that what you’re looking for may vary greatly from what your peers are seeking. Sometimes, the ratings can give a skewed picture. For example, a school that emphasizes public service could be ranked relatively low in alumni giving. Or a school with many adult students who come and go might be penalized for low graduation rates. However, rankings can be very helpful. You can see how Grinnell nets out with some of the most-used rankings.

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