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College comparison
Grinnell vs Smith
A side-by-side of acceptance rate, test scores, and cost — source-cited estimates, not guarantees. Want the number that actually matters for your student? Model your admit odds at each.
| Metric |  Grinnell Grinnell, IA |  Smith Northampton, MA |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rateGrinnell College is more selective | 15% | 21% |
| SAT (25–75) | 1410–1540 | 1420–1540 |
| ACT (25–75) | — | — |
| Undergrad enrollment | 1,729 | 2,544 |
| Avg net price | $17,648 | $27,579 |
| Median earnings (10 yr)Smith reports higher median earnings | $62,830 | $64,027 |
| Graduation rate | 88% | 89% |
| Median debt | $17,500 | $17,550 |
| Economic mobility | 1.5% | 1.9% |
| Test policy | — | — |
| Type | Private (nonprofit) | Private (nonprofit) |
Grinnell vs Smith: how they compare
For a data-driven family, Grinnell and Smith are both elite liberal arts colleges with strong outcomes, distinguished by their student demographics, value proposition, and campus environments.
By the numbers The core quantitative trade-off is between value and mobility. Grinnell offers superior financial value, with an average net price of $18k versus Smith's $28k, delivering 3.6× earnings per dollar of net price compared to Smith's 2.3×. Their 10-year median earnings are nearly identical ($63k vs. $64k). Grinnell is more selective (acceptance 15% vs. 21%) and produces future STEM PhD scholars at nearly double the rate (12.1 yield vs. 6.3). However, Smith excels in economic mobility, with a rate of 188% versus Grinnell's 146%. Both share strong graduation rates (88% vs. 89%) and perfect federal financial health scores (3.0/3).
Where they overlap Both institutions are highly selective, academically intense liberal arts colleges with nearly identical SAT midranges (1410–1540 and 1420–1540). They are known for fostering intellectual, self-directed student bodies and share robust financial stability.
How they differ The cultures and settings diverge sharply. Grinnell is a coeducational college in a quiet Iowa college town, described as intensely academic. Smith is a historic women's college in the vibrant, suburban college town of Northampton, Massachusetts, with access to a five-college consortium, offering a more bustling social scene with greater nearby opportunities.
Quick answers
- Is Grinnell College or Smith College harder to get into?
- Grinnell College is more selective: Grinnell College's acceptance rate is approximately 15% and Smith College's is approximately 21% (estimates from public and primary sources).
- What SAT score do you need for Grinnell College vs Smith College?
- The middle-50% SAT range is 1410–1540 at Grinnell College and 1420–1540 at Smith College. Scores outside these bands are still admitted, especially with strong applications.
Figures are estimates compiled from public datasets (College Scorecard / IPEDS) and primary sources; verify with each institution before relying on them.
These outputs are estimates from a baseline model — not guarantees of admission, cost, or outcome.