Loading…
College comparison
Grinnell vs Stanbridge University
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 |  Stanbridge University Irvine, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rateStanbridge University is more selective | 15% | 10% |
| SAT (25–75) | 1410–1540 | — |
| ACT (25–75) | — | — |
| Undergrad enrollment | 1,729 | 2,643 |
| Avg net price | $17,648 | $45,372 |
| Median earnings (10 yr)Grinnell reports higher median earnings | $62,830 | $62,144 |
| Graduation rate | 88% | 62% |
| Median debt | $17,500 | $20,000 |
| Economic mobility | 1.5% | — |
| Test policy | — | — |
| Type | Private (nonprofit) | Private (for-profit) |
Grinnell vs Stanbridge University: how they compare
Grinnell College and Stanbridge University serve fundamentally different educational purposes, making a direct comparison one of liberal arts versus career-focused professional training.
By the numbers Quantitatively, Grinnell offers different long-term value and stability. Its value multiplier is 3.6× earnings per dollar of net price versus Stanbridge's 1.4×, driven by a significantly lower avg net price ($18k vs. $45k) for nearly identical 10-yr median earnings ($63k vs. $62k). Grinnell shows greater institutional stability with an admit-rate volatility of 86% compared to Stanbridge's 532%. Both share a solid DOE financial-health score of 3.0/3. Grinnell reports higher outcomes with an 88% graduation rate (vs. 62%), a future-scholar yield of 12.1, and an economic-mobility rate of 146%. Grinnell is also selective for its sector, with a 15% acceptance rate and a reported SAT 25–75 range of 1410–1540, while Stanbridge's 10% rate reflects a different admissions pool for its specialized programs.
Where they overlap Both institutions are regionally focused, with Grinnell drawing students to Iowa and Stanbridge serving California. They share a commitment to their students' professional or postgraduate success, as reflected in their identical scores for financial health.
How they differ The core difference is mission: Grinnell is a selective liberal arts college in a small town focused on broad intellectual exploration, while Stanbridge is a specialized institution in a city setting dedicated to training nurses and other healthcare professionals. The campus environments contrast—a collegiate community versus an urban, commuter-style career school.
Who each suits Grinnell suits a student seeking a rigorous, traditional liberal arts education within a close-knit campus community, comfortable with a rural setting. Stanbridge suits a career-focused student, specifically aiming for a nursing credential in California, who prioritizes direct professional training and urban convenience over the traditional college experience.
Quick answers
- Is Grinnell College or Stanbridge University harder to get into?
- Stanbridge University is more selective: Grinnell College's acceptance rate is approximately 15% and Stanbridge University's is approximately 10% (estimates from public and primary sources).
- What SAT score do you need for Grinnell College vs Stanbridge University?
- The middle-50% SAT range is 1410–1540 at Grinnell College and — at Stanbridge University. 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.