Apply to Grinnell

If we’re your first choice, you should consider applying Early Decision. Not only is the acceptance rate higher than with Regular Decision, but you’ll receive your admission decision months earlier. That’s true whether you apply Early Decision I or Early Decision II.

Admission

Grinnell welcomes applications from all students, regardless of citizenship or visa status. If you are an undocumented student (including DACA status), you should submit the same first-year or transfer application as any other student. Similar to all other applicants, Grinnell will review your application holistically, taking into account all pieces of your application file.

Financial Aid

We meet 100% of demonstrated financial need for all students — including undocumented students — without loans. To apply for need-based aid as an undocumented student, you will need to submit the CSS Profile and submit a signed copy of your parent federal tax form (if required to file) and W-2s, as applicable. If you cannot work and do not have DACA status, you may receive an optional Grinnell College Loan in place of the student employment, which is $2,500.

We’re proud to partner with QuestBridge, a national nonprofit organization that connects high-achieving, underserved high school students with educational opportunities at some of the best colleges and universities in the United States. Every year, QuestBridge provides these opportunities to low-income high school students across the country through its College Prep Scholarship and National College Match programs. We're also honored to participate in Questbridge's national college admissions conferences every year.

What do others have to say about your work ethic and leadership qualities? We'll find out in the letters of recommendation that are required with your application. Additionally, auditions and portfolio reviews are not requirements for admission, but students interested in the arts are welcome to submit their work for us to review.