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Grinnell College

Grinnell, IA

Get to know Grinnell College

School Profile

College Town campus setting

1,775 undergraduate students

457 first-year students

18.5% first-generation students

Students hail from 50 U.S. states and 60+ countries

Academics

28 majors, 17 concentrations, and the opportunity to be an "independent" major

Student-to-faculty ratio 9:1

Average class size is 17

Introduction to Grinnell College

Grinnell College is a liberal arts college located in Grinnell, Iowa, just about an hour drive from both Des Moines and Iowa City. Known for its rigorous academics, strong commitment to social responsibility, and no loan financial aid policy, Grinnell is also distinguished by its individually advised curriculum. This curriculum has no general education requirements and allows students to design their own unique four-year program under the guidance of a faculty advisor. 

Career mentoring begins first-semester of first-year with an exploratory career advisor assigned to each First-Year Tutorial, where students receive mentoring from their tutorial professor until they declare a major field of study and pick a new advisor from the chosen major field.  Pre-professional advising is available for students in the following areas: Architecture, Business, Engineering, Medicine, Law, Librarianship, Religious vocations, Social Work, and Education. 

Every student will have the opportunity to pursue a significant research or creative project, and more than 40% of students complete a Mentored Advanced Project (MAP), where they work closely with a professor on a scholarly research or creative project. Grinnell also provides funding for research, internships, and off-campus study.  

Grinnell offers a close-knit, collaborative community and dynamic student body. Housing is guaranteed for four years and most students choose to live on campus. There are no fraternities or sororities, but there are more than 150 student organizations and more than 500 free events that take place on campus each year. Grinnell's many activities appeal to everyone from musicians to environmentalists to athletes. Grinnell is a Division III school and offers 20 varsity sports. 

QuestBridge Scholars are integral to the vibrant Grinnell College community. All take advantage of opportunities to travel, do academic research, and annually take on leadership positions in and out of the classroom. Learn more about Grinnell QuestBridge Scholars, and about applying to Grinnell through QuestBridge.

Approximately 55% of students participate in some form of off-campus study both abroad and elsewhere in the United States.

Explore Grinnell College through photos

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