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Grinnell College

1227 Park Street 1st Floor, Grinnell, IA 50112, USA

Grinnell College award
Grinnell College award
US ranking
position: 1259
Tuition & fees per year: $72,346
Acceptance rate: 13.00%
Median alumni salary: $33,404
Avg. SAT and ACT: 1450 SAT, 32 ACT
Entrance difficulty: Very hard

What does Grinnell College offer in terms of athletics?

Grinnell College provides a diverse athletics program that accommodates a wide range of interests and skill levels. The college competes in NCAA Division III, emphasizing a balance between academics and athletics without athletic scholarships. Students can participate in multiple varsity sports, intramural leagues, and club teams, fostering both competitive and recreational opportunities.

Athletic facilities at Grinnell include a field house, fitness centers, tennis courts, and playing fields, supporting a variety of sports such as basketball, soccer, track and field, and swimming. Intramural sports are popular and offer students the chance to engage in activities like volleyball, ultimate frisbee, and flag football in a less formal environment.

The college encourages student-athletes to pursue excellence while maintaining strong academic performance, promoting leadership and teamwork through its sports programs. Coaching staff focus on skill development and sportsmanship to enhance the overall experience for participants.

What student groups and Associations are available at Grinnell College?

Information regarding specific student groups and associations at Grinnell College is not available from the provided data. However, the total student population includes 789 men and 940 women, which may reflect a diverse campus community. Further details on particular organizations or the percentage of students involved in social organizations were not provided.

Who studies at Grinnell College?

Grinnell College hosts a modestly sized student body with a total enrollment of 464 students, reflecting an average population size compared to other institutions. Incoming freshmen number 457, indicating that transfer students are a small fraction of the student community. The age distribution among undergraduates is largely concentrated in the traditional college age range, with the majority between 18 and 21 years old, though a small number of younger students below 18 and a handful in their mid-twenties are also enrolled.

The demographic makeup of the student body is diverse across several dimensions. The largest segment of students is white, comprising 837 individuals, with Hispanic and Asian students also represented by 151 and 168 people respectively. African American students number 81, while Native American and Pacific Islander groups are each represented by a single student. Those identifying as multiracial total 111, and a small portion of the population falls under unknown categories.

Geographically, the college draws a very small percentage of in-state students, only 8%, which ranks in the bottom 5% nationally, meaning most students come from outside Iowa. Conversely, out-of-state students constitute a high 69% of the student body, placing Grinnell College in the top 5% of institutions in terms of attracting non-resident applicants. Additionally, international diversity is notably strong, with students from 20 foreign countries making up a considerable share-again in the top 5% nationwide for this characteristic.

Domestic student representation from the United States stands at 77%, classified as average, while there is a smaller portion of students categorized as unknown residencies, making up 4% of the population and ranking in the top 25%. Overall, the student profile at Grinnell College is characterized by a blend of predominantly out-of-state and international students, contributing to a diverse collegiate environment.

How does student life look like at Grinnell College?

Student life at Grinnell College offers a variety of cultural and extracurricular opportunities that contribute to a vibrant campus environment. The college maintains an active campus newspaper, drama productions, a radio station, and a chorus, providing multiple channels for creative expression and engagement. However, there are no campus band or television programs available.

The campus spans 120 acres, allowing ample space for student activities and events. Health and well-being are supported through on-campus health clinic services and psychological counseling, although other specific support centers such as a veterans' affairs office or women's center are not present.

What libraries are available to students at Grinnell College?

Grinnell College offers students access to three libraries, including its primary facility, Burling Library. This number of libraries is considered high and places the college in the top 30% nationally. Beyond Burling Library, there are two additional libraries available, ranking in the top 35% for the number of other libraries.

Students benefit from a collection of approximately 487,555 books, an average volume that positions the college within the top 50% of institutions. The digital resources are notably extensive, featuring over 2.6 million eBooks, a figure that ranks very high and puts Grinnell College among the top 5% for ebook availability.

While the college maintains around 4,800 subscriptions to various publications-an average level that falls within the lower 45%-its digital subscriptions total nearly 145,000, placing it solidly in the top 50%. The number of available databases, at 296, is average but below the median level for similar institutions.

Physical and digital access to these resources is ensured, supported by trained staff and established hours of operation totaling about 110 weekly service hours. Study rooms are available to students, although the libraries do not provide all-day access. Access to shared collections further enhances the range of research materials accessible to students.

Grinnell College Student Life for 2026

Total enrollment

1788

Full Time Degree Seeking Freshmen

438

Member of Athletic Associations

Data not available

Total staff

186 full time, 32 part time

Veterans affair office

No

Grinnell College Library Services and Resources

Main library name

Burling Library

Number of libraries on campus

3

Reservable study rooms in library

Yes

24h access

No

Physical facilities

Yes

Access to digital/electronic resources

Yes

Staff trained to provide and interpret library materials

Yes

Established library hours

Yes

Access to library collections that are shared with other institutions

Yes

Grinnell College Computer Labs Access

  • 24h access
  • Help desk

Grinnell College Student Life Enrollment Statistics

Freshly enrolled students' state of residence

US
International

Freshmen vs. transfer students

Freshman
Transfer

Freshly enrolled students' age

Under 25 years
Over 25 years

Grinnell College Location & Map