Overview of Grinnell College
Grinnell College, located in Grinnell, Iowa, is a private liberal arts college known for its commitment to academic excellence, social responsibility, and fostering a vibrant intellectual community. Founded in 1846, the college has a rich history and has consistently ranked among the top liberal arts colleges in the United States. Grinnell College’s distinctive features include its strong commitment to a self-governance system, a rigorous curriculum, and a dedication to promoting diversity and inclusion.
Academic Excellence: Grinnell College is renowned for its rigorous academic programs and commitment to intellectual inquiry. The college follows a traditional liberal arts model, emphasizing a broad-based education that encourages critical thinking, communication skills, and interdisciplinary exploration. The academic curriculum is designed to cultivate a deep understanding of diverse subjects and to prepare students for a lifetime of learning and adaptability.
The faculty at Grinnell College are accomplished scholars dedicated to teaching, research, and mentorship. The college’s small class sizes foster close relationships between students and faculty, encouraging collaborative learning and meaningful engagement with course materials.
Self-Governance System: One of the unique aspects of Grinnell College is its self-governance system. Rooted in the college’s commitment to fostering responsible citizenship, the system places a significant degree of decision-making power in the hands of students. The Student Government Association (SGA) and other student-led committees play key roles in shaping policies, organizing events, and contributing to the overall governance of the college.
This emphasis on student involvement in decision-making promotes a sense of ownership and responsibility among the student body. It also provides students with valuable leadership experiences that extend beyond the classroom.
Commitment to Social Responsibility: Grinnell College has a long-standing commitment to social responsibility and civic engagement. The college encourages students to explore ways in which their education can contribute to positive social change. Initiatives such as the Center for Careers, Life, and Service (CLS) support students in connecting their academic experiences to potential careers, service opportunities, and community engagement.
The college’s commitment to social justice is also evident in various student-led organizations and initiatives focused on advocacy, community service, and awareness-building. Grinnell students are actively involved in addressing local and global challenges, reflecting the college’s dedication to fostering socially responsible citizens.
Diversity and Inclusion: Grinnell College places a strong emphasis on creating a diverse and inclusive community. The college actively seeks to enroll students from a wide range of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. This commitment is reflected in the composition of the student body, faculty, and staff.
The Institute for Global Engagement (IGE) at Grinnell supports initiatives that promote diversity and inclusion, both on campus and in the broader community. This includes educational programs, workshops, and events that encourage dialogue and understanding among individuals with diverse identities and backgrounds.
Global Perspectives: Grinnell College emphasizes global perspectives and encourages students to engage with the world beyond campus borders. The college offers study abroad programs that enable students to immerse themselves in different cultures, gain international experiences, and broaden their perspectives. These programs contribute to the development of global citizens who are equipped to navigate an interconnected world.
The Global Learning Program (GLP) at Grinnell provides additional opportunities for students to engage in off-campus study, internships, and service projects that have a global impact. The college’s commitment to global education aligns with its broader mission to prepare students for active and responsible participation in a global society.
Research Opportunities: Grinnell College is dedicated to providing students with opportunities for hands-on research and experiential learning. The college’s commitment to research is evident in its strong support for independent study projects, collaborative research with faculty, and participation in national conferences.
The Rosenfield Program in Public Affairs, International Relations, and Human Rights offers funding and resources to students pursuing research projects and internships related to these areas. This emphasis on research and experiential learning contributes to the holistic development of students and prepares them for success in various fields.
Athletics and Campus Life: Grinnell College offers a vibrant campus life with numerous student organizations, clubs, and recreational activities. The college’s athletics program, known as the Pioneers, competes in NCAA Division III. Grinnell is particularly famous for its unique style of basketball, characterized by a fast-paced, high-scoring approach.
In addition to athletics, students at Grinnell can engage in a wide range of extracurricular activities, including cultural organizations, arts and performance groups, and community service initiatives. The college’s commitment to providing a well-rounded and enriching campus experience is reflected in its diverse array of student activities.
Admissions and Selectivity: Grinnell College is a highly selective institution known for its rigorous admissions process. The college seeks students who not only demonstrate academic excellence but also exhibit qualities such as intellectual curiosity, leadership potential, and a commitment to social responsibility.
The college’s admission process takes a holistic approach, considering factors such as academic achievements, standardized test scores, extracurricular involvement, and personal essays. Grinnell College is committed to enrolling a diverse student body, and its admissions policies reflect this commitment.
Grinnell College stands as a distinguished liberal arts institution with a rich history, a commitment to academic excellence, and a focus on social responsibility. The college’s emphasis on self-governance, diversity, and global perspectives contributes to a dynamic and intellectually stimulating campus environment. Through its rigorous academic programs, research opportunities, and commitment to fostering well-rounded individuals, Grinnell College prepares students for a lifetime of learning and meaningful contributions to society.
Grinnell, IA 50112-1690
Phone: (800) 247-0113
Email: askgrin@grinnell.edu
Web site: http://www.grinnell.edu
Rankings: Grinnell College
Located in Grinnell, IA, Grinnell College is one of the best universities in the state of Iowa. On this page, you will find in-depth rankings for Grinnell College in the following areas: graduation rates, teaching resources, financing opportunities, and alumni donations. Latest acceptance rate is also given to show how competitive is Grinnell College.
| Rankings, Ratings, and Admissions Statistics | |
| Overall Ranking: | 14 |
| Score: | 83 |
| Peer college rating (out of 5) | 4.3 |
| Graduation and retention ranking: | 24 |
| Average freshman retention rate: | 93.0% |
| 6-year graduation rate: | 86.0% |
| Predicted graduation rate: | 88% |
| Overperformance(+)/Underperformance(-): | -2 |
| Faculty resources ranking: | 26 |
| Classes with under 20 students (2020): | 65.6% |
| Classes with 50 or more students (2020): | 0.0% |
| Student faculty ratio (2020): | 9:1 |
| Percent of faculty who are full-time (2020) | 90.6% |
| Student selectivity ranking: | 24 |
| SAT/ACT 25th-75th percentile (2020) | 1235-1450 |
| 2020 Freshmen in top 10 percent of high school class: | 64% |
| Freshmen in top 25 percent of high school class (2020): | 90% |
| Fall 2020 Acceptance rate: | 43.0% |
| Financial resources rank: | 22 |
| Alumni giving rank: | 24 |
| Average alumni giving rate (2020): | 42.9% |
Essential Facts: Grinnell College
- Grinnell College provides on-campus housing. Dormitory capacity at this college accommodates approximately 1,400 students, which offers a good on-campus housing option.
- This college is ranked at #743 in male to female diversity nationwide. The undergraduate population is comprised of 788 males and 928 females.
- The students and staff are supporting and understanding, and the motto of ‘self gov’ gives you an assurance that everyone in campus wants to improve their community.
Rules and regulations Sports Activities
| General Information | |
| Percent of undergraduate students who live in college-owned, operated, or affiliated housing: | 87% |
| Percent of undergraduates who are members of a fraternity: | 0% |
| Percent of student body who are members of a sorority: | 0% |
| Average percentage of students on campus during weekends: | 100% |
| Are all students permitted to have cars on campus? | Yes |
| Percent of students who have cars on campus: | 17% |
| Is alcohol permitted on campus for students of legal age? | Yes |
| Additional policies and regulations: | class attendance policies set by individual instructors |
| Collegiate athletic association: | NCAA III |
| Men’s scholarship sports: | N/A |
| Women’s scholarship sports: | N/A |
| Student activities: | campus ministries, choral groups, concert band, dance, drama/theater, international student organization, jazz band, literary magazine, model UN, music ensembles, musical theater, pep band, radio station, student government, student newspaper, student film society, symphony orchestra, yearbook |