Founded in 1846, Grinnell College is a private, coed, residential liberal arts and sciences college located in Grinnell, Iowa. Our community embraces intellectual journeys of all kinds and provides the individualized guidance to dive deeper and define new directions. We are committed to contributing to the common good, and we are consistently ranked among the nation's best liberal arts colleges.

Academic Programs

  • Liberal Arts

Student experience

  • Athletics
  • Co-op/Internship Opportunities
  • Disability Services
  • Intramural/Club Sports
  • LGBTQIA Services
  • On-Campus Housing
  • Study Abroad
  • Undergraduate Research

Application information

Find out about requirements, fees, and deadlines

First-year

Admission to Grinnell is highly selective, and our students come from many different backgrounds. While no single factor guarantees admission, there are some undeniably Grinnellian characteristics that will help you stand out from the rest. For example, showing that you’ve taken a challenging and balanced high school curriculum, that you’re ready to explore the world and contribute to the greater good, and that you’re eager to find your place in a supportive, inspiring community.

Transfer

Visit us at grinnell.edu/admission/apply/transfer to learn more about the transfer student application process.

Additional Information

With your vision, drive, social commitment, and academic abilities, we know you could go anywhere. By choosing Grinnell, you’ll be joining an intellectually engaged community of people seeking to change the world for the better. You’ll develop your own curriculum with guidance from faculty, choosing from more than 45 areas of study and 500+ class offerings every year. You’ll be part of small classes (most with fewer than 20 students) and you’ll get to know your professors well. You might even conduct research with one of them! Your Grinnell education will prepare you for an ever-changing world and whatever it sends your way.

We are committed to college access, equity, and success from day one. Grinnell is one of only a few colleges offering test-optional and need-blind admission while meeting 100% of financial need with no loans. In addition, all first-year applicants to Grinnell College are considered for merit scholarships.

We’re eager to help you navigate the admission process, whether you’d like to visit campus, learn how to apply, understand our generous financial aid policies, or just get more information about Grinnell.

Visit us

Going to college is more than just classes and studying. You’ll try new things and delve deeper into your current interests. You’ll meet people who will become your friends and mentors for life. You’ll walk on the prairie, bike the country roads, grab a coffee downtown, hang out with your friends, and dream about your future. For four years, you’ll live here. And although the story is different for every Grinnellian, there’s only one way to find out how your story unfolds — by coming to campus.

I’ve never been anywhere else where I’ve felt so instantly welcomed and included — nowhere else where I made friends so fast.

William Veenstra, Student from Canterbury, New Hampshire, 2025
School seal

Admissions office

Visit us

School location
Address

1227 Park Street
Grinnell, IA 50112, United States of America

Phone number

641-269-3600

Region

Midwest

Midwest