Grinnell College

    Grinnell, IA · Private non-profit · Liberal arts / baccalaureate college

    SAT middle 50% (admitted students)
    1410–1540
    Median ~1480
    Acceptance rate
    15%
    Enrollment
    1,729
    ACT middle 50%
    31–34

    How Grinnell compares

    • The ~1480 SAT midpoint ranks #15 of 197 US colleges with published SAT ranges in this snapshot and #1 of 1 in IA.
    • Its 15% acceptance rate is more selective than 91% of the 197 colleges in the same ranked pool.
    • Reported section midpoints skew 30 points toward Math (740 Math vs 710 Reading and Writing).
    • Median earnings 10 years after entry ($62,830) are $236 below the $63,066 median across that pool.
    National SAT rank
    #15 of 197
    SAT rank in IA
    #1 of 1
    More selective than
    91% of ranked colleges
    Earnings vs national median
    −$236

    What the numbers say about Grinnell

    • The reported middle 50% spans 130 points, from 1410 to 1540. A planning score near or above 1580 gives you a target above that historical range, not an admission guarantee.
    • The reported section midpoints are 710 Reading and Writing and 740 Math. Use the lower section as the first place to look for recoverable points in your own score split.
    • The Scorecard snapshot reports a 15% acceptance rate. That rate describes a past applicant pool and should not be read as your personal admission probability.
    • Reported outcomes include a 88% completion rate and $62,830 in median earnings 10 years after entry. Compare those figures with cost and program fit, not in isolation.
    Understand a 1480 SAT scorePlan for a 1600Verify current admissions policy

    Tuition and outcomes

    Tuition (in-state)
    $68,106
    Tuition (out-of-state)
    $68,106
    Median earnings 10 years after entry
    $62,830
    4-year completion rate (150% time)
    88%

    Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard. Documentation version September 2025; repository snapshot imported April 25, 2026. Scorecard fields can come from different reporting years, and this snapshot does not encode one universal data year. SAT totals are rounded to the nearest valid 10 points. Tuition excludes room, board, fees, and books. Read the methodology.

    How your SAT score lines up

    The Scorecard snapshot places the middle 50% of reported scores between 1410 and 1540. This is descriptive data, not an admission threshold or probability estimate.

    • 1580 SAT planning target: Above the reported middle-50% range.
    • 1540 SAT (reported 75th percentile): At the upper end of the reported middle-50% range.
    • 1480 SAT (median): Within the upper half of the reported range.
    • 1410 SAT (reported 25th percentile): Within the lower half of the reported range.
    At or above 1540

    Strong relative score

    At the upper end of the reported range. Consider submitting if the current policy accepts scores.

    1410–1530

    Within the reported range

    Compare your exact position, section split, and the rest of your academic record.

    Below 1410

    Below the reported range

    Check the current testing policy before deciding whether to withhold the score or retake.

    Compare to other colleges →

    Colleges with similar SAT scores

    Ranked by proximity to Grinnell's reported SAT midpoint. Similar scores do not imply similar programs, cost, or admission odds.

    Scroll horizontally to view all columns →

    CollegeLocationSAT middle 50%Acceptance rate
    Boston UniversityBoston, MA1420–153011%
    University of Virginia-Main CampusCharlottesville, VA1410–154017%
    Rhode Island School of DesignProvidence, RI1400–153019%
    Davidson CollegeDavidson, NC1400–153013%
    William & MaryWilliamsburg, VA1400–153034%
    Washington and Lee UniversityLexington, VA1430–154014%

    FAQs

    What SAT score do I need for Grinnell?

    Grinnell College's Scorecard snapshot shows a middle-50% SAT range of 1410–1540, rounded to valid 10-point totals. 1580 is a planning target above the reported range, not an admission cutoff.

    What is Grinnell's acceptance rate?

    Grinnell College's most recently reported acceptance rate is approximately 15%.

    How much does it cost to attend Grinnell?

    Published tuition is approximately $68,106 per year (excludes room, board, fees).

    Is Grinnell test-optional?

    Many US universities adjusted test policies after 2020. Check Grinnell College's admissions page for current test-optional, test-required, or test-flexible policy.

    Official site: www.grinnell.edu