Grinnell College vs Bates College
Grinnell College is highly selective with a 12.7% acceptance rate, making it harder to get into than Bates College (13.0%). Graduates of Bates College earn $6,668 more per year at the 10-year mark ($69,498 vs $62,830). For families earning $48k–$75k, Grinnell College is more affordable at $6,220 net price vs $8,602. Students at Bates College graduate with less debt ($14,275 vs $17,500).
Admissions & Outcomes
Bates College has a higher yield rate (43.4%), 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 1450).
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), Bates College is more affordable at $4,263 per year. At higher incomes ($110k+), the gap narrows — $36,265 vs $49,109.
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. Grinnell College enrolls more Pell Grant recipients (17%), 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.
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
Bates College
- 1 Economics$69,338
- 2 History$51,273
- 3 Political Science and Government$38,289
- 4 Sociology$35,600
- 5 English Language and Literature, General$30,771
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.
Grinnell College
- 1 Computer Science
- 2 Economics
- 3 Biology, General
- 4 Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- 5 Political Science and Government
Bates College
- 1 Economics
- 2 Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- 3 Political Science and Government
- 4 Research and Experimental Psychology
- 5 Biology, General
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.
Grinnell College
- International students19%
- Tuition (international)$56,188
- Est. total cost/year$70,544
- School typePublic
Bates College
- International students10%
- Tuition (international)$57,353
- Est. total cost/year$73,530
- 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 Grinnell College or Bates College?
Grinnell College is more selective with a 12.7% acceptance rate, compared to 13.0%. Both are competitive schools that receive tens of thousands of applications each year.
Which school has higher earnings: Grinnell College or Bates College?
Bates College graduates earn more at the 10-year mark, with median earnings of $69,498 compared to $62,830. Earnings vary significantly by major — STEM fields typically produce the highest returns at both schools.
Which is cheaper: Grinnell College or Bates College?
For middle-income families ($48k–$75k), Grinnell College has a lower net price at $6,220 per year vs $8,602. Net price varies by family income — use each school's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
What is the graduation rate at Grinnell College vs Bates College?
Bates College has a higher 6-year graduation rate at 90.6%, compared to 87.5%. A high graduation rate signals strong academic support, student engagement, and a campus culture where students thrive.
Which school has more international students: Grinnell College or Bates 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 Grinnell College and Bates College?
At Grinnell College, Computer Science graduates earn a median of $91,744 within two years. At Bates College, the top-earning major is Economics at $69,338. Your choice of major often has a bigger impact on earnings than which school you attend.