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Grinnell College vs Wartburg College

Grinnell College is a private college in Grinnell, IA. Wartburg College is a private college in Waverly, IA. Grinnell College admits about 15% of applicants and Wartburg College about 76%, 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 $32,908 at Wartburg College. About 88% of students graduate at Grinnell College, compared with 66% at Wartburg College. Ten years after enrolling, Grinnell College alumni earn a median of about $62,830, against $56,201 for Wartburg College.

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Grinnell College

Grinnell, IA · Private

Wartburg College

Waverly, IA · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Grinnell, IA
Waverly, IA
Setting
Suburban
Suburban
Undergraduates
1,729
1,452
Acceptance rate
15%
76%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.49–4
3.35–3.85
SAT (middle 50%)
1410–1540
930–1200
ACT (middle 50%)
31–34
21–27
Test policy
Considered
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$17,648
$32,908
Full cost / yr
$83,440
$64,359
In-state tuition
$68,106
$26,250
Out-of-state tuition
$68,106
$26,250
Application fee
$0
$0
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$9,970
$21,688
$30k - $48k
$7,789
$20,751
$48k - $75k
$9,669
$27,056
$75k - $110k
$19,348
$28,873
Over $110k
$37,725
$38,864
Outcomes
Graduation rate
88%
66%
Freshman retention
93%
76%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$49,004
$48,795
Median earnings (10 yr)
$62,830
$56,201
Median debt at graduation
$17,500
$27,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
18%
22%
First-generation students
18%
17%
International students
21%
5%
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 Wartburg College harder to get into?
Grinnell College is harder to get into. It admits about 15% of applicants, compared with 76% at Wartburg 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 Wartburg College?
Grinnell College is cheaper on average. Students pay about $17,648 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $32,908 at Wartburg 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 Wartburg College?
Before aid, Wartburg College costs about $64,359 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 Wartburg College?
Grinnell College. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $9,970 there, against about $21,688 at Wartburg College. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Grinnell College or Wartburg College?
Grinnell College is the larger of the two, with about 1,729 undergraduates against 1,452 at Wartburg College.
Does Grinnell College or Wartburg College have a better graduation rate?
Grinnell College has the higher graduation rate, at about 88% against 66% at Wartburg College.
Do graduates of Grinnell College or Wartburg College earn more?
Grinnell College alumni earn more on average: a median of about $62,830 ten years after enrolling, against about $56,201 for Wartburg College. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Grinnell College and Wartburg College require SAT or ACT scores?
Grinnell College considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them. Wartburg College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Grinnell College and Wartburg College look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1410–1540 at Grinnell College and 930–1200 at Wartburg 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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