Grinnell Acceptance Rate

Grinnell College, a prestigious liberal arts institution in Iowa, is known for its selective admissions process. For the most recent admission cycle (Class of 2028), Grinnell reported an overall acceptance rate of approximately 10.8%, reflecting its highly competitive nature. This selectivity is influenced by a growing applicant pool, with thousands of students vying for a limited number of spots each year, as well as the college’s emphasis on academic excellence and individualized attention. Fortunately, Grinnell publishes transparent admission statistics through resources like the Common Data Set and its official admissions website, providing prospective students with clear insights into their chances of acceptance.

• Overall Acceptance Rate: 10.8% for the Class of 2028, with around 11,000 applicants and approximately 1,190 admitted students, marking a slight decrease from prior years.
• Early Decision Rate: Estimated at 25.0%, as early decision applicants often demonstrate strong commitment, leading to higher acceptance rates compared to regular decision; exact figures for 2028 are unavailable.
• International Student Rate: Approximately 12.0%, reflecting Grinnell’s commitment to diversity, though specific data for the latest cycle is not fully disclosed; this is based on historical trends.

Over the past few years, Grinnell College’s acceptance rate has trended downward, signaling increasing competitiveness as more students apply for its unique academic programs and generous financial aid. The early decision process significantly boosts admission chances, a common trend among selective colleges. Additionally, international student admissions remain competitive, though Grinnell actively seeks global diversity. Compared to peer liberal arts colleges like Carleton or Swarthmore, Grinnell’s selectivity is on par, often falling within the 10-15% range. Prospective applicants are encouraged to explore detailed statistics on the official Grinnell admissions website or review the Common Data Set for historical context.