Mar 18, 2024
At Grinnell, Spencer Clark ’23 found a group of incredible people waiting for him. With them, he swam competitively, studied abroad in London, and explored his passions.
Admission News
Oct 4, 2023
Grinnell’s 3-2 partnerships grant students their B.A., B.S., and an engineering education unlike any other.
Aug 29, 2023
The familiar hum of eager conversations and the laughter of old friends reuniting blended harmoniously with the cadence of fresh voices, painting a vivid picture of a community where journeys converge, united by the pursuit of knowledge and a world of perspectives.
Jul 31, 2023
In Grinnell, excitement fills the air as the campus prepares to welcome the incoming class of 2027.
Jul 12, 2023
Smith, a proud Iowan, stood out among a pool of over 13,000 students from around the world.
Jun 29, 2023
The U.S. Supreme Court has released its findings and opinions in the cases of Students for Fair Admissions, Inc. (SFFA) v. President & Fellows of Harvard College and SFFA v. University of North Carolina et al. These decisions reverse more than fifty years of work toward racial equity in education and will change how applications for admission are evaluated at colleges and universities across the nation.
Jun 11, 2023
When Sophie Jackson ’22 visited Grinnell, she was enamored by the diversity, authenticity, and openness of the students she interacted with. Those interactions continued throughout her four years and developed into friendships and relationships that she will continue to value after graduation. She similarly valued her experiences with service, research, advocacy, the Rosenfield Program, internships, externships, study abroad, and getting to know Grinnell.
Sep 6, 2022
The mission of The Opportunity Network is to ignite the drive, curiosity, and agency of underrepresented students on their paths to and through college and into thriving careers, powered by its commitment to access and community.
Aug 17, 2022
Grinnell College will welcome one of its most diverse, highly-qualified classes in history. This fall, the incoming first-year class of 441 new students will join an already outstanding student body attracted by the College’s outstanding academic reputation, individually advised curriculum, and opportunities to gain knowledge and experience both in and outside of the classroom.
Jun 5, 2020
For the 2020-21 admission cycle Grinnell College will adopt a test optional admission policy.
Admission Stories
Essi’s achievement reflects a work ethic unmatched by any current or former student.
Teacher Reference for Essi Adokou, 2021 Laurel Scholar
College is a moment of self-discovery, and as you make sense of who you are becoming through this new experience, our team works to co-create opportunities for you to reflect, connect, explore, engage, and strategize.
Vrinda Varia, Associate Chief Diversity Officer for Intercultural Student Life
The CRSSJ is for you whether you identify as religious or not; we hope this is a place for you to connect, explore big questions, and drink hot chocolate with friends.
Rabbi Sarah Brammer-Shlay, Dean of Religious Life and Chaplain/Rabbi
Each year, the entering class is a highly qualified group of students that includes people with physical, psychological, and learning disabilities. We want you to know that Grinnell is committed to providing equal access and reasonable accommodations for our students with disabilities. We are happy to begin working with you on your access needs anytime.
Autumn Wilke, Associate Chief Diversity Officer for Disability Resources
As you make your way as a young adult, there are many discoveries and choices that you'll make. My crew is eager to join you on your journey and can help you every step of the way.
Mark Peltz, Dean of the Center for Careers
Our organization represents student voices to College faculty and administration, encourages student dialogue, and advocates for any other needs of the students.
Most services at SHAW are free for all students, and health insurance is not billed. If you have any questions or want to ask about specifics related to your health, feel free to reach out.
Alexis Steele, Manager of SHAW Operations
Be prepared to engage actively in planning your educational journey. Your adviser is your guide – YOU get to choose the direction of your studies.
Joyce Stern, Dean of Student Success and Academic Advising
She is a truth seeker and has an endless amount of energy to ensure her reporting is accurate, insightful, compassionate, and, if possible, connected to relatable historic events.
Teacher Reference for Finley Williams, 2021 Laurel Scholar
Whether I was devouring brisket or Egusi, I obtained knowledge through debates with my sisters, my moral compass through lessons from my parents, and wisdom by listening to elders who spoke at the table.
Curtis Walker, 2021 Laurel Scholar
I want to meet people from other places who can help me reach my goals and who I can help to reach theirs.
Marquis "Quis" Sullivan, 2021 Laurel Scholar
He is one of the greatest leaders our school has ever seen.
Teacher Reference for Julien Sims, 2021 Laurel Scholar
Kyla is among the most capable and intellectually curious students I have ever had the opportunity to teach.
Teacher Reference for Kyla Pereles, 2021 Laurel Scholar
Tolu interacts with peers kindly, praising classmates for their presentations or arguments in class, and is someone who supports fellow students.
Teacher Reference for Tolu Johnson, 2021 Laurel Scholar
Since my freshman year, I’ve made it my priority to be in the front row of every class.
Terrance Dantzler, 2021 Laurel Scholar
She is one of the most perseverant students I have taught in my 15-year career. She’s an incredibly selfless human . . . who impresses and inspires me beyond belief.
Teacher Reference for Bem Asfaw, 2021 Laurel Scholar
I am taking every opportunity that I have been granted. I am on the football team and on my way toward a double major and a concentration. I have completed a MAP [Mentored Advanced Project] and look forward to future internships made possible by Grinnell. I would otherwise not be able to afford this education. I am so grateful for my time and experience thus far.
Aziza sees injustice and she fights it with action and filmmaking. I admire her work.
Channel Turbides, Former Grinnell College Multicultural Program Specialist
Your campus and classroom experience is going to challenge you to grow and expand your understanding of the world. But there is much that can be learned off campus, too.
The greater Grinnell community looks forward to the excitement and energy that students bring to our town each year. Grinnell is a town of many treasures, so we hope you’ll do some exploring and come to love the town of Grinnell as much as we do.
Many students come from very different backgrounds than my own, and it has been fascinating to hear about their lives and share about mine with them. Despite our differences, I’m always able to find wonderful similarities.
Many students say that taking a break from campus life to spend time with their mentee has been a highlight of their time in our community.
The work toward achieving inclusion is never done; there is always progress to be made toward equity. We want you to be a contributing member of that progress and hope you’ll join this distinct community.
The College is a religiously and spiritually diverse community, rich in personalities and filled with students, faculty, and staff who are eager to share their experiences and hear about yours.
Students experience random acts of kindness around the town here, and there are myriad opportunities to participate and find a seat at the table as active and engaged citizens.
Delphina Baumann, founder of S.H.E. Counts
Many of your fellow students become personally involved in a community, social, or educational endeavor off campus, which strengthens their college experience. I hope you will be part of this movement.
Dan Agnew, Mayor of Grinnell
I had no idea what four years in Iowa was going to be like, and that turned out to be perfect for me.
Willa Collins ’16, Law student
That sense of social responsibility and really using your platform for good, which I very much learned at Grinnell, is something that [is] really important to me.
Vrishali Sinha ’19, Etsy Strategic Project Associate
I got confidence, really, in my own skills, in my own ability to learn and to lead.
GENAssist chief executive officer, HIVE Medical chief executive officer
I love that Grinnell allows me to pursue both my passions—physics and art. I appreciate the wealth of resources Grinnell provides its students, whether this has been in the form of cost-free art supplies or scientific conference funding. I hope to pursue a research career studying the formation history of our galaxy. My dream is to become one of the only 23 Black women to hold a Ph.D. in astronomy.
I am an active member in the Grinnell community. I have found my passion for social justice and being an advocate for people in need. During my four years, I have felt so much support and love, which have helped me blossom into the person I am today.