Grinnell admitted 15% of applicants for fall 2024 (1,416 of 9,758, federal IPEDS data). Grinnell admitted 34% of early decision applicants (283 of 828, Common Data Set 2024-25). Of the 1,180 students who took a spot on the wait list, 36 were admitted (3.1%, Common Data Set 2024-25). Grinnell is test-optional for fall 2027.
The numbers
Applied
9,758
fall 2024
ACT, middle 50%
31–34
enrolled first-years
Accept their offer
31%
of admitted students enroll
Application fee
$0
waivers exist
See your odds and what families like yours paid. It stays on your device.Add my SAT and income
Can I get into Grinnell?
15% of applicants get in
Grades and essays carry this one; most strong applicants still hear no. The middle half of enrolled first-years who sent scores had 1410–1540 on the SAT.
Likely: even the low end of our estimate is 60% or more, and the college admits at least 25% of applicants. Target: our estimate is 30% or more. Reach: our estimate is under 30%, or the college admits under 15%. Long shot: our estimate is under 12%, or the college admits under 12%. Estimates use the college's admit rate and score range plus your grades and scores. They are not a promise.
9,758 applied, 1,416 admitted, fall 2024 (IPEDS).
Does Grinnell need the SAT or ACT?Optional
No.
Test-optional for fall 2027. 29% of enrolled first-years sent the SAT. Send your SAT if it's 1480 or higher, the middle of what enrolled first-years scored.
For fall 2024, 283 of 828 early decision applicants got in (34%), against 15% overall. Early decision is binding: if you get in, you go.
6days
Early decisionBinding
Due Sunday, Nov 15, 2026
57days
Early decision IIBinding
Due Tuesday, Jan 5, 2027
67days
Regular decision
Due Friday, Jan 15, 2027
Early-round numbers: Common Data Set, fall 2024.
The wait list
2,021 students were offered a wait-list spot and 1,180 took one. 36 of them got in (3.1%).
Common Data Set, fall 2024.
Questions people ask
What is Grinnell College's acceptance rate?
Grinnell admitted 15% of applicants for fall 2024 (1,416 of 9,758, federal IPEDS data).
What SAT score do you need for Grinnell College?
The middle half of enrolled first-years who sent SAT scores had 1410–1540. A quarter of them scored higher and a quarter lower, so it's a typical range, not a cutoff (IPEDS, fall 2024).
Is it easier to get into Grinnell College early decision?
For fall 2024, 283 of 828 early decision applicants got in (34%), against 15% overall. Early decision is binding: if you get in, you go. Early applicants often include recruited athletes and legacies, so the gap overstates the advantage for most students.
Does Grinnell College take students off the wait list?
2,021 students were offered a wait-list spot and 1,180 took one. 36 of them got in (3.1%).
Where these numbers come from
Admit rate and applicants: IPEDS, fall 2024 (checked Oct 31, 2026)
GPA, early rounds and wait list: Common Data Set, fall 2024 (checked Oct 31, 2026)
Cost, pay and debt: College Scorecard, 2024-25 (checked Oct 31, 2026)
Deadlines: grinnell.edu, 2026-27 (checked Nov 5, 2026)
Test rule: grinnell.edu, fall 2027 (checked Nov 2, 2026)
