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Grinnell College vs Mount Mercy University

Grinnell College is a private college in Grinnell, IA. Mount Mercy University is a private university in Cedar Rapids, IA. Grinnell College admits about 15% of applicants and Mount Mercy University about 83%, making Grinnell College the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $17,648 a year at Grinnell College after aid, and about $20,168 at Mount Mercy University. About 88% of students graduate at Grinnell College, compared with 57% at Mount Mercy University. Ten years after enrolling, Grinnell College alumni earn a median of about $62,830, against $60,787 for Mount Mercy University.

Grinnell College

Grinnell, IA · Private

Mount Mercy University

Cedar Rapids, IA · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Grinnell, IA
Cedar Rapids, IA
Setting
Suburban
Urban
Undergraduates
1,729
1,107
Acceptance rate
15%
83%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.49–4
3.38–3.88
SAT (middle 50%)
1410–1540
1010–1210
ACT (middle 50%)
31–34
19–25
Test policy
Considered
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$17,648
$20,168
Full cost / yr
$83,440
$55,054
In-state tuition
$68,106
$40,878
Out-of-state tuition
$68,106
$40,878
Application fee
$0
Not reported
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$9,970
$17,070
$30k - $48k
$7,789
$15,294
$48k - $75k
$9,669
$16,883
$75k - $110k
$19,348
$20,311
Over $110k
$37,725
$25,244
Outcomes
Graduation rate
88%
57%
Freshman retention
93%
73%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$49,004
$52,871
Median earnings (10 yr)
$62,830
$60,787
Median debt at graduation
$17,500
$23,699
Student body
Pell grant recipients
18%
27%
First-generation students
18%
29%
International students
21%
12%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 15
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
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 Mount Mercy University harder to get into?
Grinnell College is harder to get into. It admits about 15% of applicants, compared with 83% at Mount Mercy University. 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 Mount Mercy University?
Grinnell College is cheaper on average. Students pay about $17,648 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $20,168 at Mount Mercy University. 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 Mount Mercy University?
Before aid, Mount Mercy University costs about $55,054 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 Mount Mercy University?
Grinnell College. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $9,970 there, against about $17,070 at Mount Mercy University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Grinnell College or Mount Mercy University?
Grinnell College is the larger of the two, with about 1,729 undergraduates against 1,107 at Mount Mercy University.
Does Grinnell College or Mount Mercy University have a better graduation rate?
Grinnell College has the higher graduation rate, at about 88% against 57% at Mount Mercy University.
Do graduates of Grinnell College or Mount Mercy University earn more?
Grinnell College alumni earn more on average: a median of about $62,830 ten years after enrolling, against about $60,787 for Mount Mercy University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Grinnell College and Mount Mercy University require SAT or ACT scores?
Grinnell College considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them. Mount Mercy University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Grinnell College and Mount Mercy University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1410–1540 at Grinnell College and 1010–1210 at Mount Mercy University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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