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Grinnell College vs Simpson College

Grinnell College is a private college in Grinnell, IA, and Simpson College is a private college in Indianola, IA. Grinnell College is the more selective of the two, admitting about 15% of applicants against 86% at Simpson College. Grinnell College is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $17,648 a year against $21,936 at Simpson College. About 88% of students graduate at Grinnell College, compared with 64% at Simpson College. Ten years after enrolling, Grinnell College alumni earn a median of about $62,830, against $59,274 for Simpson College.

Grinnell College

Grinnell, IA · Private

Simpson College

Indianola, IA · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Grinnell, IA
Indianola, IA
Setting
Suburban
Suburban
Undergraduates
1,729
1,227
Acceptance rate
15%
86%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.49–4
3.29–3.79
SAT (middle 50%)
1410–1540
890–1280
ACT (middle 50%)
31–34
31–33
Test policy
Considered
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$17,648
$21,936
Full cost / yr
$83,440
$61,227
In-state tuition
$68,106
$47,656
Out-of-state tuition
$68,106
$47,656
Application fee
$0
$0
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$9,970
$17,941
$30k - $48k
$7,789
$15,764
$48k - $75k
$9,669
$19,176
$75k - $110k
$19,348
$22,468
Over $110k
$37,725
$26,586
Outcomes
Graduation rate
88%
64%
Freshman retention
93%
81%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$49,004
$49,946
Median earnings (10 yr)
$62,830
$59,274
Median debt at graduation
$17,500
$26,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
18%
35%
First-generation students
18%
23%
International students
21%
3%
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 Simpson College harder to get into?
Grinnell College is harder to get into. It admits about 15% of applicants, compared with 86% at Simpson 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 Simpson College?
Grinnell College is cheaper on average. Students pay about $17,648 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $21,936 at Simpson 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 Simpson College?
Before aid, Simpson College costs about $61,227 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 Simpson College?
Grinnell College. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $9,970 there, against about $17,941 at Simpson College. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Grinnell College or Simpson College?
Grinnell College is the larger of the two, with about 1,729 undergraduates against 1,227 at Simpson College.
Does Grinnell College or Simpson College have a better graduation rate?
Grinnell College has the higher graduation rate, at about 88% against 64% at Simpson College.
Do graduates of Grinnell College or Simpson College earn more?
Grinnell College alumni earn more on average: a median of about $62,830 ten years after enrolling, against about $59,274 for Simpson College. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Grinnell College and Simpson College require SAT or ACT scores?
Grinnell College considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them. Simpson College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Grinnell College and Simpson College look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1410–1540 at Grinnell College and 890–1280 at Simpson 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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