Grinnell College

Grinnell, IA

private nonprofitbachelors

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Quick Facts

“Veritas et Humanitas”(Truth and Humanity)

1846

Founded

Private liberal arts college

Type

1,705

Total Students

$2.7B

Endowment

(2024)

$65K

Tuition (In-State)

$65K

Tuition (Out-State)

$16K

Avg Net Price

13%

Acceptance Rate

87%

Graduation Rate

6-year

93%

Retention Rate

Baccalaureate Colleges

Classification

President: Anne F. Harris

Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education

About Grinnell College

A pioneering liberal arts college where intellectual rigor meets profound social impact.

Grinnell College, a private liberal arts institution founded in 1846, stands as a beacon of intellectual curiosity and social consciousness in the heartland. Guided by its motto, 'Veritas et Humanitas' (Truth and Humanity), Grinnell cultivates a vibrant academic community where students are challenged to think critically, engage deeply, and act purposefully. With a robust endowment of $2.7 billion supporting its mission, Grinnell offers a unique environment for those seeking a transformative education.

The college's history is a testament to resilience and innovation. Originally established as Iowa College in 1846, it soon moved to the abolitionist-minded town of Grinnell, adopting its namesake. Despite early setbacks, including the Civil War claiming most of its students and a devastating tornado in 1882, Grinnell consistently rebuilt and expanded. It proudly awarded the first Bachelor of Arts degrees west of the Mississippi in 1854 and pioneered academic fields like political science, becoming a national center for the Social Gospel reform movement. This pioneering spirit extended to student life, hosting the first intercollegiate football and baseball games west of the Mississippi.

Grinnell's legacy of social engagement continued into the 20th century, producing influential New Deal administrators and establishing innovative programs like its '5th year travel-service program,' a precursor to the Peace Corps. Today, Grinnell remains at the forefront of educational innovation, offering first-year tutorials and programs addressing the societal impacts of technology. Its commitment to social justice is underscored by the annual $100,000 Grinnell College Innovator for Social Justice Prize. Furthermore, Grinnell made history in 2022 by becoming the first fully unionized undergraduate school in the U.S., a move supported by its president, reflecting its deep-seated values of equity and student empowerment. For prospective students, Grinnell offers an unparalleled opportunity to join a community dedicated to academic excellence, ethical leadership, and making a tangible difference in the world.

Key Highlights

✦A private liberal arts college founded in 1846 with a $2.7 billion endowment and 1,759 students.
✦Awarded the first Bachelor of Arts degrees west of the Mississippi River in 1854.
✦Pioneered one of the first Political Science departments in the United States and was a center for the Social Gospel reform movement.
✦Educated influential New Deal administrators, including Harry Hopkins '12.
✦Awards the annual $100,000 Grinnell College Innovator for Social Justice Prize.
✦Became the first fully unionized undergraduate school in the U.S. in 2022, with presidential support.

Timeline

1843

Eleven Congregational ministers set out to establish a college on the frontier.

1846

Iowa College established in Davenport.

1854

Awarded the first Bachelor of Arts degrees west of the Mississippi River.

1882

Campus devastated by a tornado.

1909

The name "Grinnell" officially adopted by the trustees for the institution.

1975

Grinnell College, through Grinnell Communications, purchased NBC affiliate WLWD.

2022

Became the first fully unionized undergraduate school in the U.S.

🏛️

180 Years

of Excellence

Leadership

Anne F. Harris

President

Data from Wikipedia – CC BY-SA 4.0

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