Head-to-Head Analysis
This analysis was generated using Azimuth's proprietary framework. Our data model transforms federal education data into actionable insights. Learn about founder Daniel Rogers, explore our research methodology, or see how we think about this data.
Updated January 2026 • Grinnell, IA & Los Angeles, CA
When students choose between Mount Saint Mary's University and Grinnell College, they're comparing institutions with fundamentally different missions. Mount Saint Mary's, based in Los Angeles, serves 55% Pell grant recipients and nearly 50% first-generation students.
Grinnell College, situated in rural Iowa, serves 17% Pell recipients in a highly selective environment with 13% admission rates. Both deliver strong outcomes, but for very different student populations.
Median Student Debt at Graduation
$17,500
federal loans
$25,949
federal loans
Median Parent PLUS Loans
$36,324
borrowed by parents
$23,250
borrowed by parents
Mount Saint Mary's is predominantly health-focused, with nursing leading at 204 graduates annually, followed by business administration and clinical psychology. The program mix emphasizes professional preparation: 14% Business, 10% Social Sciences.
Grinnell takes a liberal arts approach with 25% Social Sciences, balanced across economics, political science, computer science, and biology. Grinnell's top programs include Computer Science (62 graduates) and Political Science (49), reflecting its academic rather than professional focus.
For students from low-income, first-generation backgrounds seeking professional preparation, Mount Saint Mary's delivers remarkable outcomes despite serving a challenging population. The higher earnings offset the cost disadvantage, and the focus on health careers provides clear pathways to employment.
Grinnell excels for academically exceptional students seeking a liberal arts education with outstanding financial aid. The data shows both schools succeed at their respective missions — Mount Saint Mary's as an access-oriented professional school, Grinnell as a selective academic institution.
Choose based on your background, academic preparation, and career goals rather than perceived prestige.
Key Takeaway
The numbers are close, but the best school depends on your goals, values, and career aspirations.
This comparison was generated using Azimuth's proprietary ROI framework, developed by founder Daniel Rogers. Our methodology transforms federal education data into actionable insights for families.
This comparison uses Azimuth's proprietary ROI model based on U.S. Dept. of Education data. View Full Methodology.
This content is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, investment, or professional advice. Consult a qualified advisor before making any financial decisions.
College Azimuth is a private research initiative and is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Education or Federal Student Aid.
