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


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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Total enrollment
1788Full Time Degree Seeking Freshmen
438Member of Athletic Associations
Data not availableTotal staff
186 full time, 32 part timeVeterans affair office
NoMain library name
Burling LibraryNumber of libraries on campus
3Reservable study rooms in library
Yes24h access
NoPhysical facilities
YesAccess to digital/electronic resources
YesStaff trained to provide and interpret library materials
YesEstablished library hours
YesAccess to library collections that are shared with other institutions
Yes