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Coe College vs Grinnell College

Coe College is a private college in Cedar Rapids, IA, and Grinnell College is a private college in Grinnell, IA. Grinnell College is the more selective of the two, admitting about 15% of applicants against 64% at Coe College. Grinnell College is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $17,648 a year against $18,745 at Coe College. About 88% of students graduate at Grinnell College, compared with 62% at Coe College. Ten years after enrolling, Grinnell College alumni earn a median of about $62,830, against $57,125 for Coe College.

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Coe College

Cedar Rapids, IA · Private

Grinnell College

Grinnell, IA · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Cedar Rapids, IA
Grinnell, IA
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
1,164
1,729
Acceptance rate
64%
15%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.45–3.95
3.49–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1070–1290
1410–1540
ACT (middle 50%)
23–29
31–34
Test policy
Considered
Considered
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$18,745
$17,648
Full cost / yr
$67,372
$83,440
In-state tuition
$54,666
$68,106
Out-of-state tuition
$54,666
$68,106
Application fee
$30
$0
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$11,479
$9,970
$30k - $48k
$11,523
$7,789
$48k - $75k
$14,475
$9,669
$75k - $110k
$20,223
$19,348
Over $110k
$27,167
$37,725
Outcomes
Graduation rate
62%
88%
Freshman retention
73%
93%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$47,136
$49,004
Median earnings (10 yr)
$57,125
$62,830
Median debt at graduation
$27,000
$17,500
Student body
Pell grant recipients
36%
18%
First-generation students
24%
18%
International students
4%
21%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 15
Nov 15
Early action
Dec 10
Not reported
Regular decision
Mar 1
Jan 15

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is Coe College or Grinnell College harder to get into?
Grinnell College is harder to get into. It admits about 15% of applicants, compared with 64% at Coe College. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Coe College or Grinnell College?
Grinnell College is cheaper on average. Students pay about $17,648 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $18,745 at Coe College. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at Coe College and Grinnell College?
Before aid, Coe College costs about $67,372 a year and Grinnell College about $83,440. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Coe College or Grinnell College?
Grinnell College. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $9,970 there, against about $11,479 at Coe College. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Coe College or Grinnell College?
Grinnell College is the larger of the two, with about 1,729 undergraduates against 1,164 at Coe College.
Does Coe College or Grinnell College have a better graduation rate?
Grinnell College has the higher graduation rate, at about 88% against 62% at Coe College.
Do graduates of Coe College or Grinnell College earn more?
Grinnell College alumni earn more on average: a median of about $62,830 ten years after enrolling, against about $57,125 for Coe College. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Coe College and Grinnell College require SAT or ACT scores?
Coe College considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them. Grinnell College considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them.
What SAT scores do Coe College and Grinnell College look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1070–1290 at Coe College and 1410–1540 at Grinnell College. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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1 Discovery quiz: find your major2 Matchmaker: your odds + net price at every school