College Research

CollegesRankingsMajors

College Comparison

Grinnell College vs Southern Methodist University

Compare acceptance rates, costs, test scores, graduation rates, and more to find your best fit.

Grinnell College
#63
Grinnell College
Grinnell, IA
Private
Southern Methodist University
#59
Southern Methodist University
Dallas, TX
Private
At a Glance

Type

Private

Private

Location

Grinnell, IA

Dallas, TX

Total Enrollment

1,788

12,116

Undergrad Enrollment

1,788

7,285

Student-Faculty Ratio

9:1

11:1


Admissions

Acceptance Rate

14.5%

63.4%

Average GPA

3.89

3.66

SAT Range

1410–1540

1340–1490

ACT Range

31–34

30–34

Test Policy

Optional

Optional

Application Fee

$0

$60

Total Applicants

9,758

15,245


Cost & Value

Sticker Price

$77,830

$74,076

Avg Net Price

$15,608

$41,778

Tuition (In-State)

$60,988

$55,012

Tuition (Out-of-State)

$60,988

$55,012

Room & Board

$16,842

$19,064

% Receiving Aid

94.0%

67.0%

Avg Grant Amount

$49,077

$37,520


Outcomes

6-Year Grad Rate

89.0%

82.0%

4-Year Grad Rate

83.0%

75.0%

Retention Rate

93.0%

91.0%

Median Earnings (10yr)

$62,830

$78,354

More Comparisons
Explore by Location

Grinnell is in Grinnell, IA

Southern Methodist is in Dallas, TX

Want to compare different schools?
Frequently Asked Questions

Grinnell College has an acceptance rate of 15%, while Southern Methodist University has an acceptance rate of 63%. This means Grinnell College is more selective than Southern Methodist University.

The average net price at Grinnell College is $15,608 per year, compared to $41,778 at Southern Methodist University. Grinnell College is $26,170 less expensive on average after financial aid.

Admitted students at Grinnell College typically score between 1410-1540 on the SAT (25th-75th percentile). At Southern Methodist University, the typical SAT range is 1340-1490. Scoring within or above these ranges will make you a competitive applicant.

Grinnell College has a graduation rate of 89%, while Southern Methodist University has a graduation rate of 82%. Grinnell College has the higher graduation rate, indicating strong student support and retention.

Grinnell College has a student-to-faculty ratio of 9:1, while Southern Methodist University has a ratio of 11:1. Grinnell College 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 Southern Methodist University, 67% of students receive aid with an average grant of $37,520.

The median earnings for Grinnell College graduates 10 years after enrollment is $62,830, compared to $78,354 for Southern Methodist University graduates. Graduates from Southern Methodist 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. Southern Methodist University is located in Dallas, TX in a suburb: large setting.