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Grinnell College vs Luther College

Grinnell College is a private college in Grinnell, IA, and Luther College is a private college in Decorah, IA. Grinnell College is the more selective of the two, admitting about 15% of applicants against 72% at Luther College. Grinnell College is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $17,648 a year against $23,097 at Luther College. About 88% of students graduate at Grinnell College, compared with 73% at Luther College. Ten years after enrolling, Grinnell College alumni earn a median of about $62,830, against $59,850 for Luther College.

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Grinnell College

Grinnell, IA · Private

Luther College

Decorah, IA · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Grinnell, IA
Decorah, IA
Setting
Suburban
Suburban
Undergraduates
1,729
1,379
Acceptance rate
15%
72%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.49–4
3.47–3.97
SAT (middle 50%)
1410–1540
1078–1406
ACT (middle 50%)
31–34
22–29
Test policy
Considered
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$17,648
$23,097
Full cost / yr
$83,440
$65,461
In-state tuition
$68,106
$52,120
Out-of-state tuition
$68,106
$52,120
Application fee
$0
$0
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$9,970
$12,517
$30k - $48k
$7,789
$12,835
$48k - $75k
$9,669
$19,351
$75k - $110k
$19,348
$22,204
Over $110k
$37,725
$29,376
Outcomes
Graduation rate
88%
73%
Freshman retention
93%
77%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$49,004
$49,541
Median earnings (10 yr)
$62,830
$59,850
Median debt at graduation
$17,500
$27,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
18%
20%
First-generation students
18%
13%
International students
21%
15%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 15
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Jan 1
Regular decision
Jan 15
Rolling

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 Grinnell College or Luther College harder to get into?
Grinnell College is harder to get into. It admits about 15% of applicants, compared with 72% at Luther 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, Grinnell College or Luther College?
Grinnell College is cheaper on average. Students pay about $17,648 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $23,097 at Luther 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 Grinnell College and Luther College?
Before aid, Luther College costs about $65,461 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, Grinnell College or Luther College?
Grinnell College. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $9,970 there, against about $12,517 at Luther College. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Grinnell College or Luther College?
Grinnell College is the larger of the two, with about 1,729 undergraduates against 1,379 at Luther College.
Does Grinnell College or Luther College have a better graduation rate?
Grinnell College has the higher graduation rate, at about 88% against 73% at Luther College.
Do graduates of Grinnell College or Luther College earn more?
Grinnell College alumni earn more on average: a median of about $62,830 ten years after enrolling, against about $59,850 for Luther College. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Grinnell College and Luther College require SAT or ACT scores?
Grinnell College considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them. Luther College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Grinnell College and Luther College look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1410–1540 at Grinnell College and 1078–1406 at Luther 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