College Comparison
Grinnell College vs Harvard University
Compare acceptance rates, costs, test scores, graduation rates, and more to find your best fit.
At a Glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Grinnell, IA
Cambridge, MA
Total Enrollment
1,788
30,259
Undergrad Enrollment
1,788
8,844
Student-Faculty Ratio
9:1
7:1
Admissions
Acceptance Rate
14.5%
3.6%
Average GPA
3.89
4.00
SAT Range
1410–1540
1510–1580
ACT Range
31–34
34–36
Test Policy
Optional
Optional
Application Fee
$0
$85
Total Applicants
9,758
54,008
Cost & Value
Sticker Price
$77,830
$73,849
Avg Net Price
$15,608
$16,816
Tuition (In-State)
$60,988
$52,659
Tuition (Out-of-State)
$60,988
$52,659
Room & Board
$16,842
$21,190
% Receiving Aid
94.0%
56.0%
Avg Grant Amount
$49,077
$68,015
Outcomes
6-Year Grad Rate
89.0%
97.0%
4-Year Grad Rate
83.0%
87.0%
Retention Rate
93.0%
98.0%
Median Earnings (10yr)
$62,830
$101,817
More Comparisons
Compare Grinnell with...
View Grinnell profile →
Compare Harvard with...
View Harvard profile →
Explore by Location
Grinnell is in Grinnell, IA
Harvard is in Cambridge, MA
Frequently Asked Questions
The average net price at Grinnell College is $15,608 per year, compared to $16,816 at Harvard University. Grinnell College is $1,208 less expensive on average after financial aid.
Admitted students at Grinnell College typically score between 1410-1540 on the SAT (25th-75th percentile). At Harvard University, the typical SAT range is 1510-1580. Scoring within or above these ranges will make you a competitive applicant.
Grinnell College has a graduation rate of 89%, while Harvard University has a graduation rate of 97%. Harvard University has the higher graduation rate, indicating strong student support and retention.
Grinnell College has a student-to-faculty ratio of 9:1, while Harvard University has a ratio of 7:1. Harvard University offers smaller class sizes on average, which typically means more individual attention from professors.
At Grinnell College, 94% of students receive financial aid with an average grant of $49,077. At Harvard University, 56% of students receive aid with an average grant of $68,015.
The median earnings for Grinnell College graduates 10 years after enrollment is $62,830, compared to $101,817 for Harvard University graduates. Graduates from Harvard University tend to earn more on average, though individual outcomes vary by major and career path.
Grinnell College is located in Grinnell, IA in a town: remote setting. Harvard University is located in Cambridge, MA in a city: midsize setting.

