What is Grinnell College's acceptance rate?

Grinnell College's acceptance rate is 14.5%, which makes it highly selective — a reach for nearly every applicant.

What SAT or ACT score do you need for Grinnell College?

Admitted students typically score about 1430–1520 on the SAT (middle 50%) and about 31–34 on the ACT. Scores at or above this range strengthen your application, but they are one factor among many.

Is Grinnell College test-optional?

Grinnell College's current testing policy is: Test-optional. Always confirm on the school's admissions site, as policies change by cycle.

Grinnell College Acceptance Rate & How to Get In (14.5%)

14.5%

Acceptance rate

1430–1520

SAT (mid 50%)

31–34

ACT (mid 50%)

Test-optional

Testing

How hard is it to get into Grinnell College?

With a 14.5% acceptance rate, Grinnell College is highly selective — a reach for nearly every applicant. It enrolls roughly 1,788 undergraduates (small town setting) in Grinnell, IA. At this level, strong grades and scores are the baseline, not the differentiator — your essays and what makes you distinctive carry real weight.

What it takes to get in

SAT: admitted students land around 1430–1520 (middle 50%). Aim for the upper end to be competitive.
ACT: the middle 50% is about 31–34.
Testing policy: Test-optional. Confirm on the school's site, since policies shift each cycle.
Essays: at Grinnell College's selectivity, the application essays are often what separates similar applicants. Make them specific and authentically yours.

Cost

Published tuition is about $68,196 per year before aid. Many students pay less after financial aid — check the school's net price calculator.

Notable programs

Economics · Political Science · Biology · Computer Science

See the Common App personal-statement guide

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Grinnell College admissions FAQ

What is Grinnell College's acceptance rate?: Grinnell College's acceptance rate is 14.5%, which makes it highly selective — a reach for nearly every applicant.
What SAT or ACT score do you need for Grinnell College?: Admitted students typically score about 1430–1520 on the SAT (middle 50%) and about 31–34 on the ACT. Scores at or above this range strengthen your application, but they are one factor among many.
Is Grinnell College test-optional?: Grinnell College's current testing policy is: Test-optional. Always confirm on the school's admissions site, as policies change by cycle.

Sources & official links

Grinnell College official website
Grinnell College on College Scorecard (U.S. Department of Education)
Admissions figures compiled from the Common Data Set and IPEDS.

Figures are the most recent available from Common Data Set, IPEDS, and public reports, and are approximate. Always confirm details on Grinnell College’s official admissions site.