Explore alternatives based on outcomes, location, cost, and admission difficulty
Given Grinnell's 12.7% acceptance rate and exceptional test score requirements, most applicants face significant admission uncertainty. The alternatives below provide comparable academic environments with more accessible admission.
These schools offer higher acceptance rates while delivering comparable career outcomes.
For similar liberal arts experiences with better admission prospects, consider Iowa State University (89.1% acceptance) just 51 miles away, offering $63,386 median earnings virtually identical to Grinnell's outcomes. University of Iowa admits 84.7% of applicants while producing $64,762 median earnings, representing slightly better outcomes than Grinnell with far more accessible admission located 61 miles away.
Strong options in the same region with comparable academic profiles.
Students preferring to remain in Iowa have several options. Mount Mercy University (78.8% acceptance) sits 58 miles away with $60,787 median earnings, offering comparable outcomes in a similar private setting. Simpson College provides another Iowa private option with 88.9% acceptance and $59,274 earnings, located 51 miles from Grinnell.
Elite universities with similar prestige and academic caliber
Similar quality tier in Midwest (#10929 ranked)
