Drake University vs Grinnell College
Grinnell College is highly selective with a 12.7% acceptance rate, making it harder to get into than Drake University (64.1%). Graduates of Drake University earn $9,071 more per year at the 10-year mark ($71,901 vs $62,830). For families earning $48k–$75k, Grinnell College is more affordable at $9,669 net price vs $25,171. Students at Grinnell College graduate with less debt ($17,500 vs $23,000).
Admissions & Outcomes
Grinnell College has a higher yield rate (36.1%), meaning a larger share of admitted students choose to enroll — a strong signal of student preference. Grinnell College has a higher median SAT (1490 vs 1280).
Des Moines, IA
Grinnell, IA
Net Price by Family Income
Net price is what you actually pay after grants and scholarships — often far less than the sticker price. It varies dramatically by family income. For low-income families ($0–$30k), Grinnell College is more affordable at $9,970 per year. At higher incomes ($110k+), the gap narrows — $33,126 vs $37,725.
Net price data from College Scorecard. Run each school's net price calculator for a personalized estimate based on your family's finances.
Financial Aid
Institutional grants come directly from the school's endowment and don't need to be repaid. A high institutional grant rate means the school is investing its own funds in affordability. Drake University enrolls more Pell Grant recipients (21%), indicating stronger support for students from lower-income backgrounds.
Highest-Earning Majors
Median earnings within two years of graduation. Your choice of major often has a bigger impact on lifetime earnings than the school name on your diploma.
Drake University
- 1 Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods$78,971
- 2 Mathematics$65,238
- 3 Management Information Systems and Services$64,990
- 4 Computer and Information Sciences, General$62,409
- 5 Accounting and Related Services$59,485
Grinnell College
- 1 Computer Science$91,744
- 2 Economics$52,941
- 3 Mathematics$39,369
- 4 Political Science and Government$34,704
- 5 Sociology$33,993
Most Popular Majors
The most popular majors by number of degrees awarded. This gives you a sense of each school's academic strengths and where students concentrate.
Drake University
- 1 Marketing
- 2 Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General
- 3 Psychology, General
- 4 Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
- 5 Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication
Grinnell College
- 1 Computer Science
- 2 Economics
- 3 Biology, General
- 4 Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- 5 Political Science and Government
Campus & Student Body
Enrollment size, diversity, and retention paint a picture of campus culture. A high retention rate means students are satisfied enough to return after freshman year.
For International Students
Key cost and campus considerations for students coming from outside the US.
Drake University
- International students3%
- Tuition (international)$44,188
- Est. total cost/year$55,518
- School typePublic
Grinnell College
- International students19%
- Tuition (international)$56,188
- Est. total cost/year$70,544
- School typePublic
What international students should know
- International students pay out-of-state tuition at public universities. Private universities charge the same tuition for all students.
- Most federal financial aid (FAFSA, Pell Grants) is not available to international students. Look for institutional aid and merit scholarships.
- F-1 visa holders can work on-campus during the school year and use CPT/OPT for internships and post-graduation employment.
- Schools with a higher international student percentage typically have stronger support services — dedicated international offices, visa advising, and cultural programs.
- With 19% international enrollment, Grinnell College likely has a well-established international student community.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into Drake University or Grinnell College?
Grinnell College is more selective with a 12.7% acceptance rate, compared to 64.1%. Both are competitive schools that receive tens of thousands of applications each year.
Which school has higher earnings: Drake University or Grinnell College?
Drake University graduates earn more at the 10-year mark, with median earnings of $71,901 compared to $62,830. Earnings vary significantly by major — STEM fields typically produce the highest returns at both schools.
Which is cheaper: Drake University or Grinnell College?
For middle-income families ($48k–$75k), Grinnell College has a lower net price at $9,669 per year vs $25,171. Net price varies by family income — use each school's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
What is the graduation rate at Drake University vs Grinnell College?
Grinnell College has a higher 6-year graduation rate at 87.8%, compared to 75.7%. A high graduation rate signals strong academic support, student engagement, and a campus culture where students thrive.
Which school has more international students: Drake University or Grinnell College?
Grinnell College has a larger international student population at 19% of enrollment. A higher international student percentage often means stronger support services for visa holders, including dedicated international student offices, OPT/CPT guidance, and cultural programming.
What are the highest-paying majors at Drake University and Grinnell College?
At Drake University, Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods graduates earn a median of $78,971 within two years. At Grinnell College, the top-earning major is Computer Science at $91,744. Your choice of major often has a bigger impact on earnings than which school you attend.