Solid graduate outcomes with earnings above the peer average.
What graduates earn 10 years after enrollment.
Annual salary at 10 years
Lower quartile earnings
Upper quartile earnings
How graduate earnings grow in the decade after enrollment.
Grinnell graduates experience steady earnings growth throughout the early career period. Median earnings increase from $49,004 six years after enrollment to $58,562 at eight years, reaching $62,830 at the ten-year mark.
How outcomes compare to similar institutions.
Graduate earnings exceed the peer average, indicating above-typical outcomes for this institution type.
Financial justification for the investment.
Excellent affordability. Median debt of $17,500 is well under annual earnings, enabling comfortable repayment.
Student borrowing at Grinnell remains well-controlled compared to peer institutions. Median debt reaches $17,500, with debt ranging from $7,753 at the 25th percentile to $19,500 at the 75th percentile.
Grinnell demonstrates well above average return performance, ranking at the 79.5th percentile nationally despite earnings that fall below expectations. The return calculation reflects controlled student debt of $17,500 compared to peer median debt of $25,000, creating a $7,500 borrowing advantage that supports long-term financial sustainability.
Approximately 21.8% of Grinnell graduates continue to graduate or professional school based on program mix analysis. This medium-confidence estimate ...
Program mix explains much of the earnings story.
Computer Science drives the strongest earnings outcomes at $106,113, representing nearly double the median earnings of other major programs. Applied Economics follows at $67,691, while most other programs cluster between $39,000-$57,000, reflecting typical liberal arts career outcomes.
The substantial gap between Computer Science and traditional liberal arts fields highlights the importance of program selection for students prioritizing post-graduation earnings. Biochemistry demonstrates exceptional value with strong national rankings despite moderate earnings, reflecting graduate school preparation rather than immediate workforce outcomes.
See which programs drive the strongest earnings and career trajectories
Earnings distribution shows meaningful variation in career outcomes, with the 25th percentile earning $38,836 and the 75th percentile reaching $90,289. This 2.3:1 ratio reflects differences in program selection and career paths rather than institutional effectiveness.
