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Grinnell College vs William Penn University

Grinnell College is a private college in Grinnell, IA, and William Penn University is a private university in Oskaloosa, IA. Grinnell College is the more selective of the two, admitting about 15% of applicants against 52% at William Penn University. Grinnell College is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $17,648 a year against $22,601 at William Penn University. About 88% of students graduate at Grinnell College, compared with 31% at William Penn University. Ten years after enrolling, Grinnell College alumni earn a median of about $62,830, against $48,936 for William Penn University.

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Grinnell College

Grinnell, IA · Private

William Penn University

Oskaloosa, IA · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Grinnell, IA
Oskaloosa, IA
Setting
Suburban
Suburban
Undergraduates
1,729
1,301
Acceptance rate
15%
52%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.49–4
3.34–3.84
SAT (middle 50%)
1410–1540
880–1110
ACT (middle 50%)
31–34
16–22
Test policy
Considered
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$17,648
$22,601
Full cost / yr
$83,440
$42,874
In-state tuition
$68,106
$29,750
Out-of-state tuition
$68,106
$29,750
Application fee
$0
Not reported
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$9,970
$20,608
$30k - $48k
$7,789
$19,378
$48k - $75k
$9,669
$20,560
$75k - $110k
$19,348
$24,245
Over $110k
$37,725
$25,916
Outcomes
Graduation rate
88%
31%
Freshman retention
93%
58%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$49,004
$40,189
Median earnings (10 yr)
$62,830
$48,936
Median debt at graduation
$17,500
$22,415
Student body
Pell grant recipients
18%
47%
First-generation students
18%
38%
International students
21%
6%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 15
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Jan 15
Apr 15

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 William Penn University harder to get into?
Grinnell College is harder to get into. It admits about 15% of applicants, compared with 52% at William Penn 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 William Penn University?
Grinnell College is cheaper on average. Students pay about $17,648 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $22,601 at William Penn 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 William Penn University?
Before aid, William Penn University costs about $42,874 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 William Penn University?
Grinnell College. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $9,970 there, against about $20,608 at William Penn University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Grinnell College or William Penn University?
Grinnell College is the larger of the two, with about 1,729 undergraduates against 1,301 at William Penn University.
Does Grinnell College or William Penn University have a better graduation rate?
Grinnell College has the higher graduation rate, at about 88% against 31% at William Penn University.
Do graduates of Grinnell College or William Penn University earn more?
Grinnell College alumni earn more on average: a median of about $62,830 ten years after enrolling, against about $48,936 for William Penn University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Grinnell College and William Penn University require SAT or ACT scores?
Grinnell College considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them. William Penn University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Grinnell College and William Penn University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1410–1540 at Grinnell College and 880–1110 at William Penn 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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1 Discovery quiz: find your major2 Matchmaker: your odds + net price at every school