Welcome the Class of 2030

The Class of 2030 brings to Grinnell a remarkable range of experiences, perspectives, and ambitions that reflect both the strength of the College's mission and its growing national and global reach.

Selected from a record-setting pool of 11,396 applicants, the Class of 2030 was admitted at a rate of just 14%, making it one of the most selective classes in Grinnell College history. The incoming class also represents one of the College's most diverse cohorts, with international students and domestic students of color comprising nearly 60% of the class. Students will arrive from 42 states and 30 countries, speaking 42 languages and bringing experiences shaped by communities across the globe.

Among the incoming students are Grinnell's highest enrolling number and percentage of domestic students of color in College history, marking the fifth consecutive year the College has welcomed a multicultural majority first-year class. Approximately 19% of the class is international, more than 20% are first-generation college students, and roughly one-third of domestic students are Pell Grant eligible. Together with transfer students, the incoming cohort is expected to total approximately 470 new students.

The Class of 2030 also reflects renewed interest close to home. About 11% of the incoming class comes from Iowa—the highest percentage in many years—underscoring Grinnell's continued commitment to serving students both locally and around the world.

"The Class of 2030 represents the very best of what makes Grinnell special," said Joe Bagnoli, vice president for enrollment and dean of admission and financial aid. "These students have challenged themselves academically, served their communities, explored their passions, and come to us from an extraordinary range of backgrounds and experiences. They are curious, compassionate, and eager to make an impact, and we can't wait to see how they shape our campus and learn from one another."

Beyond the classroom, the incoming class has already demonstrated a strong commitment to leadership, service, and engagement. Nearly three-quarters participated in community service, more than two-thirds competed in varsity or club athletics, and 61% held jobs, internships, or other career-related experiences. Sixty-five percent participated in the arts through music, theater, dance, or speech, while others were active in student government, social justice initiatives, environmental organizations, and religious communities.

Approximately one-quarter of the class are recruited varsity student-athletes, and 74% graduated from public or charter schools.

As students begin arriving for New Student Orientation, faculty, staff, current students, alumni, and community members will help welcome them to campus and to Grinnell. From move-in day through Orientation, new students will begin building friendships, exploring campus traditions, and discovering the close-knit community that defines the Grinnell experience.

The Class of 2030 joins Grinnell at an exciting time for the College. Their arrival reflects continued momentum in enrollment, growing interest from students around the world, and a shared commitment to academic excellence, belonging, and opportunity.

"We're excited to welcome these students and their families to campus," Bagnoli said. "From the moment they arrive, we want them to know they belong here. The relationships they build, the ideas they'll explore, and the experiences they'll have over the next four years will shape not only their own futures, but the future of Grinnell College."

By the Numbers: The Class of 2030