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Grinnell College SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements

SAT Range1430 to 1520

ACT Range31 to 34

Average GPAN/A

Acceptance Rate14.5%

Even though Grinnell is test-optional, 29% of enrolled students submitted SAT scores, and their middle 50% range was 1430 to 1520. If you submit scores, aim toward 1520, or roughly a 34 ACT, to maximize your opportunity.

Data on this page is sourced from our college data partners and was last updated on July 9, 2026.

Grinnell College facts and stats

Quick Facts

Grinnell College enrolls 1,788 undergraduates in a rural campus setting. Grinnell has a 93% freshman retention rate, well above the national average of roughly 70%, and an 88% six-year graduation rate. The student-to-faculty ratio is 9:1.

Location

Grinnell, IA

Undergrad Enrollment1,788

Freshman Retention93%

SettingRural

Student to Faculty Ratio9:1

Graduation Rate88%

Test PolicyTest-optional

How do your scores compare at Grinnell?

SAT score card showing a 1520 score with an unlocked lock

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Key Grinnell College application dates

Key dates

Application deadlines

Regular Decision

January 15

Early Action

Not offered

Early Decision

November 5

Priority Deadline

—

Financial aid deadlines

Financial Aid Priority

January 15

Test dates

SAT test dates

August 22, 2026

Registration deadline: August 7, 2026

September 12, 2026

Registration deadline: August 28, 2026

October 3, 2026

Registration deadline: September 18, 2026

ACT test dates

September 19, 2026

Registration deadline: August 14, 2026

October 17, 2026

Registration deadline: September 11, 2026

December 12, 2026

Registration deadline: November 6, 2026

Take tests early for the best outcomes

If you choose to submit scores to test-optional Grinnell, take your first SAT or ACT by the spring of junior year and use the summer before senior year and fall of senior year for superscore-focused retakes. For the November 5 Early Decision deadline, the October SAT or ACT is typically the last retake whose scores can arrive in time.

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What you'll actually pay

Grinnell’s tuition and fees are $68,106. The average merit award is $26,154, and 68% of students receive aid. Submit the FAFSA by the January 15 priority deadline to be considered for financial aid.

Tuition and Fees$68,106

Room and Board$16,842

Average Merit Award$26,154

Application FeeN/A

Students on Aid68%

Average Aid Package$67,476

Average Debt at Grad$15,946

Grinnell’s listed cost of attendance is about $84,948, including tuition, fees, room, and board. About 68% of students receive aid, with an average aid package of $67,476, which can substantially reduce the billed price for many families. Merit awards average $26,154 for students who receive them. Graduates leave with an average debt of $15,946.