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Grinnell College vs Upper Iowa University

Grinnell College is a private college in Grinnell, IA. Upper Iowa University is a private university in Fayette, IA. Grinnell College admits about 15% of applicants and Upper Iowa University about 96%, 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 $20,942 at Upper Iowa University. About 88% of students graduate at Grinnell College, compared with 38% at Upper Iowa University. Ten years after enrolling, Grinnell College alumni earn a median of about $62,830, against $52,766 for Upper Iowa University.

Grinnell College

Grinnell, IA · Private

Upper Iowa University

Fayette, IA · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Grinnell, IA
Fayette, IA
Setting
Suburban
Rural
Undergraduates
1,729
1,994
Acceptance rate
15%
96%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.49–4
3.13–3.63
SAT (middle 50%)
1410–1540
970–1160
ACT (middle 50%)
31–34
17–23
Test policy
Considered
Considered
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$17,648
$20,942
Full cost / yr
$83,440
$34,022
In-state tuition
$68,106
$19,475
Out-of-state tuition
$68,106
$19,475
Application fee
$0
$0
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$9,970
$17,715
$30k - $48k
$7,789
$22,774
$48k - $75k
$9,669
$18,720
$75k - $110k
$19,348
$20,041
Over $110k
$37,725
$23,805
Outcomes
Graduation rate
88%
38%
Freshman retention
93%
68%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$49,004
$48,776
Median earnings (10 yr)
$62,830
$52,766
Median debt at graduation
$17,500
$25,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
18%
32%
First-generation students
18%
45%
International students
21%
4%
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 Upper Iowa University harder to get into?
Grinnell College is harder to get into. It admits about 15% of applicants, compared with 96% at Upper Iowa 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 Upper Iowa University?
Grinnell College is cheaper on average. Students pay about $17,648 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $20,942 at Upper Iowa 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 Upper Iowa University?
Before aid, Upper Iowa University costs about $34,022 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 Upper Iowa University?
Grinnell College. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $9,970 there, against about $17,715 at Upper Iowa University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Grinnell College or Upper Iowa University?
Upper Iowa University is the larger of the two, with about 1,994 undergraduates against 1,729 at Grinnell College.
Does Grinnell College or Upper Iowa University have a better graduation rate?
Grinnell College has the higher graduation rate, at about 88% against 38% at Upper Iowa University.
Do graduates of Grinnell College or Upper Iowa University earn more?
Grinnell College alumni earn more on average: a median of about $62,830 ten years after enrolling, against about $52,766 for Upper Iowa University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Grinnell College and Upper Iowa University require SAT or ACT scores?
Grinnell College considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them. Upper Iowa University considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them.
What SAT scores do Grinnell College and Upper Iowa University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1410–1540 at Grinnell College and 970–1160 at Upper Iowa University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

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