Grinnell by the Numbers
Learn more about Grinnell College, by the numbers.
Grinnell by the Numbers
Who We Are: A Global College in a Rural Setting
1625 students call Grinnell home.
81%
of students hail from 50 states, the District of Columbia, and several U.S. Territories
19%
of students are international, with students coming from 42 different countries with over 60 languages spoken on campus.
42
countries and 105 programs host Grinnellians for off-campus study.
A Small College with a Big Impact
Grinnell is ranked among some of the most prestigious and impactful colleges and universities in the United States. You can visit our Peer Schools page to learn more about the peer institutions that compare with Grinnell based on academics, admissions, size, financial metrics, cross-applications, and many other factors.
Grinnellians are Everywhere
With more than 25,000 alumni from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, several U.S. territories and 96 countries around the world, Grinnellians make a positive difference, wherever they go.
Exceptional Access
As the only need-blind small liberal arts college in the Midwest, U.S. students are admitted to Grinnell without regard for their ability to pay.
Exceptional Financial Aid With No Required Loans
Grinnell College meets 100% of each student's demonstrated financial need.
93.8% of students at Grinnell receive financial aid. The College provides $85.5 million in institutional grant aid.
Sources of Financial Aid Funds
620/35.7%
Grinnell Students Receiving Full Tuition Scholarships
84/5.1%
Grinnell Students Receiving Full Tuition PLUS Room and Board Scholarships
723/43.5%
Grinnell Students in High/Very High Need Category
Comprehensive Fee and Institutional Aid
Since 2018, the comprehensive fee has increased by 51%, while institutional financial aid has increased by 57%, and the endowment market value has increased by 56%.
Academic Impact and Excellent Outcomes
Grinnell College has 42 areas of study, more than 500 classes, an individually advised curriculum, and an infinite number of combinations to choose from.
92%
of recent graduates are working at a job or post-graduate service or pursuing further education six months after graduation
96%
of recent graduates are in positions related to their career goals
80%
of students who apply are accepted to their top choice of graduate school and program
Hands-On Experiences
Students participate in high-impact work, research, and service experiences that link their academic studies to real-world impact.
Faculty and Staff Excellence
More than $12.7 million in grants awarded to Grinnell faculty and staff in the past 5 years.
11 national teaching or mentoring awards.
More than 26 nationally competitive fellowships and awards such as NEA, NEH, and NSF Career Grants, as well as Mellon, Guggenheim, and Fulbright fellowships.
We Are an Economic and Community Partner in Iowa
Grinnell creates jobs and attracts visitors, contributing meaningfully to the economy of Central Iowa.
Community Partnerships
- EPIIC (Enabling Partnerships to Increase Innovation Capacity) grant from the National Science Foundation to support contribution to the innovation economy.
- Build-a-Better Grinnell USDA Rural Placemaking Innovation Challenge Grant.
- Participant in the Grinnell Food Coalition.
- Grinnell Education Partnership with local nonprofits, employers, the Grinnell-Newburg School District, and volunteers.
- Annual Community Grants program, supporting health care, emergency services, recreation, and other local needs.
- Welcome community members to campus, including preschool, fitness facilities, golf course, athletics competitions, observatory, libraries, performances, and special events.
Finances of the College
For more than 180 years, Grinnell has continued to lead due not only to sound financial stewardship, but also the support of our alumni, families, and friends. However, there is more that can and must be done to ensure the values we all hold dear remain strong and resilient. These values are grounded in the belief that every student who desires to attend Grinnell and take advantage of all the College offers can do so regardless of the ability to pay.
How Grinnell's Budget is Funded
How Grinnell's Budget is Spent
Overall, distributions from the Grinnell College endowment currently fund 62% of the College’s annual operating budget, the highest proportion among Grinnell’s 17 peer institutions. More dollars flow out of the endowment every year than are added through philanthropy. Learn more about the Grinnell College Endowment.
