Academic Comparison between ISU and Grinnell College

Iowa State University and Grinnell College are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. ISU is a four-year, public school located in Ames, IA and Grinnell College is a four-year, private (not-for-profit) school located in Grinnell, IA.

Comparison at a Glance

The following list compares two colleges briefly in important perspectives. You can compare them with comprehensive information on full comparison page.

  • ISU is a public and Grinnell College is a private (not-for-profit) school and both are four-year schools.
  • Grinnell College has more expensive tuition & fees ($64,862) than ISU ($27,683).
  • It is harder to admit to Grinnell College than ISU.
  • Grinnell College has a higher submitted SAT score (1,240) than ISU (1,240).
  • Grinnell College has higher submitted ACT score (24) than ISU (24).
  • ISU has more students with 29,969 students while Grinnell College has 1,759 students.
  • Grinnell College has a lower number of students per faculty with 9 to 1 while ISU's ratio is 18 to 1.
  • ISU has more full-time faculties with 1,519 faculties while Grinnell College has 202 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Iowa State Universityvs.Grinnell College
Ames, IowaLocationGrinnell, Iowa
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Private (not-for-profit)
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedBachelor's degree
Research University (very high research activity)Carnegie ClassificationBaccalaureate College - Arts & Sciences
In-State$10,497
Out-Of-State$27,683
2024 Tuition & Fees$64,862
79%% Receiving Financial Aid89%
$9,461Average Amount of Financial Aid$43,476
89.00 %Acceptance Rates13.00 %
29.00 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)35.98 %
1,240SAT Score1,490
24ACT Score33
74 %Graduation Rate88 %
18 %Transfer-out Rate-
86 %Retention Rate93 %
29,969Student Population1,759
1,519Number of Faculties202
18 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio9 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesStudy Abroad, Teacher Certification
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycareOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services