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Grinnell College vs Waldorf University

Grinnell College is a private college in Grinnell, IA, and Waldorf University is a private for-profit university in Forest City, IA. Grinnell College is the more selective of the two, admitting about 15% of applicants against 77% at Waldorf University. Grinnell College is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $17,648 a year against $19,693 at Waldorf University. About 88% of students graduate at Grinnell College, compared with 24% at Waldorf University. Ten years after enrolling, Grinnell College alumni earn a median of about $62,830, against $51,165 for Waldorf University.

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Grinnell College

Grinnell, IA · Private

Waldorf University

Forest City, IA · Private (for-profit)
At a glance
Type
Private
Private (for-profit)
Location
Grinnell, IA
Forest City, IA
Setting
Suburban
Rural
Undergraduates
1,729
1,827
Acceptance rate
15%
77%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.49–4
3.34–3.84
SAT (middle 50%)
1410–1540
920–1110
ACT (middle 50%)
31–34
17–21
Test policy
Considered
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$17,648
$19,693
Full cost / yr
$83,440
$39,675
In-state tuition
$68,106
$25,978
Out-of-state tuition
$68,106
$25,978
Application fee
$0
Not reported
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$9,970
$16,448
$30k - $48k
$7,789
$18,378
$48k - $75k
$9,669
$23,045
$75k - $110k
$19,348
$21,244
Over $110k
$37,725
$23,667
Outcomes
Graduation rate
88%
24%
Freshman retention
93%
44%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$49,004
$50,515
Median earnings (10 yr)
$62,830
$51,165
Median debt at graduation
$17,500
$18,752
Student body
Pell grant recipients
18%
36%
First-generation students
18%
46%
International students
21%
0%
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 Waldorf University harder to get into?
Grinnell College is harder to get into. It admits about 15% of applicants, compared with 77% at Waldorf 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 Waldorf University?
Grinnell College is cheaper on average. Students pay about $17,648 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $19,693 at Waldorf 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 Waldorf University?
Before aid, Waldorf University costs about $39,675 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 Waldorf University?
Grinnell College. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $9,970 there, against about $16,448 at Waldorf University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Grinnell College or Waldorf University?
Waldorf University is the larger of the two, with about 1,827 undergraduates against 1,729 at Grinnell College.
Does Grinnell College or Waldorf University have a better graduation rate?
Grinnell College has the higher graduation rate, at about 88% against 24% at Waldorf University.
Do graduates of Grinnell College or Waldorf University earn more?
Grinnell College alumni earn more on average: a median of about $62,830 ten years after enrolling, against about $51,165 for Waldorf University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Grinnell College and Waldorf University require SAT or ACT scores?
Grinnell College considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them. Waldorf University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Grinnell College and Waldorf University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1410–1540 at Grinnell College and 920–1110 at Waldorf 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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