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Cornell College vs Grinnell College

Cornell College is a private college in Mount Vernon, 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 80% at Cornell College. Grinnell College is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $17,648 a year against $23,634 at Cornell College. About 88% of students graduate at Grinnell College, compared with 67% at Cornell College. Ten years after enrolling, Grinnell College alumni earn a median of about $62,830, against $53,460 for Cornell College.

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Cornell College

Mount Vernon, IA · Private

Grinnell College

Grinnell, IA · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Mount Vernon, IA
Grinnell, IA
Setting
Suburban
Suburban
Undergraduates
1,086
1,729
Acceptance rate
80%
15%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.44–3.94
3.49–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1120–1285
1410–1540
ACT (middle 50%)
23–30
31–34
Test policy
Test optional
Considered
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$23,634
$17,648
Full cost / yr
$66,249
$83,440
In-state tuition
$52,660
$68,106
Out-of-state tuition
$52,660
$68,106
Application fee
$0
$0
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$16,409
$9,970
$30k - $48k
$18,513
$7,789
$48k - $75k
$20,177
$9,669
$75k - $110k
$22,944
$19,348
Over $110k
$29,298
$37,725
Outcomes
Graduation rate
67%
88%
Freshman retention
80%
93%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$39,299
$49,004
Median earnings (10 yr)
$53,460
$62,830
Median debt at graduation
$27,000
$17,500
Student body
Pell grant recipients
32%
18%
First-generation students
20%
18%
International students
3%
21%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Nov 15
Early action
Not reported
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 Cornell College or Grinnell College harder to get into?
Grinnell College is harder to get into. It admits about 15% of applicants, compared with 80% at Cornell 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, Cornell College or Grinnell College?
Grinnell College is cheaper on average. Students pay about $17,648 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $23,634 at Cornell 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 Cornell College and Grinnell College?
Before aid, Cornell College costs about $66,249 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, Cornell College or Grinnell College?
Grinnell College. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $9,970 there, against about $16,409 at Cornell College. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Cornell College or Grinnell College?
Grinnell College is the larger of the two, with about 1,729 undergraduates against 1,086 at Cornell College.
Does Cornell College or Grinnell College have a better graduation rate?
Grinnell College has the higher graduation rate, at about 88% against 67% at Cornell College.
Do graduates of Cornell 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 $53,460 for Cornell College. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Cornell College and Grinnell College require SAT or ACT scores?
Cornell College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Grinnell College considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them.
What SAT scores do Cornell College and Grinnell College look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1120–1285 at Cornell 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?

These lists are a great start, but the one list that actually matters is yours. Blueprint builds it in two free steps.

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