Loading…
College comparison
Grinnell vs Wesleyan
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 |  Wesleyan Middletown, CT |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rateGrinnell College is more selective | 15% | 16% |
| SAT (25–75) | 1410–1540 | 1415–1540 |
| ACT (25–75) | — | — |
| Undergrad enrollment | 1,729 | 3,067 |
| Avg net price | $17,648 | $30,177 |
| Median earnings (10 yr)Wesleyan reports higher median earnings | $62,830 | $73,897 |
| Graduation rate | 88% | 93% |
| Median debt | $17,500 | $17,000 |
| Economic mobility | 1.5% | 2.0% |
| Test policy | — | — |
| Type | Private (nonprofit) | Private (nonprofit) |
Grinnell vs Wesleyan: how they compare
Grinnell and Wesleyan are prominent liberal arts institutions offering high intellectual engagement, with differences in financial value and economic mobility.
By the numbers The quantitative profiles reveal distinct priorities. Value and cost diverge: Grinnell’s average net price is $18k, yielding a high 3.6× earnings per dollar, while Wesleyan’s $30k price yields 2.4×. However, post-graduate outcomes show Wesleyan with 10-year median earnings of $74k versus Grinnell’s $63k, and a higher graduation rate (93% vs 88%). For selectivity, they are peers (Grinnell 15%, Wesleyan 16% acceptance; SAT ranges are nearly identical: 1410–1540 vs 1415–1540). Economic mobility shows a higher rate for Wesleyan, at 196% versus Grinnell’s 146%. Both share a DOE financial health score of 3.0/3. Academic intensity differs: Grinnell produces future science/engineering PhDs at a higher rate (12.1 yield vs 7.3).
Where they overlap Culturally, both schools attract independent, intellectually curious, and often activist-oriented student bodies. They share a reputation for non-conformist campus cultures with minimal Greek life influence, fostering social scenes built around student-led organizations and events.
How they differ The settings define much of the experience. Grinnell offers a classic, self-contained college town environment in Iowa, promoting a tight-knit community. Wesleyan, located in a Connecticut city, provides a small liberal arts community with access to the academic and cultural resources of an urban corridor. Socially, Wesleyan retains a small Greek presence, whereas Grinnell has none.
Who each suits Consider Grinnell for its financial value, a focused residential college experience in a rural setting, and a strong pipeline to doctoral studies in science. Consider Wesleyan for its early-career earnings, higher economic mobility, a New England liberal arts environment with urban access, and a higher graduation rate.
Editorial overview — a qualitative summary of culture and fit, reviewed for accuracy. Not a ranking or a guarantee.
Quick answers
- Is Grinnell College or Wesleyan University harder to get into?
- Grinnell College is more selective: Grinnell College's acceptance rate is approximately 15% and Wesleyan University's is approximately 16% (estimates from public and primary sources).
- What SAT score do you need for Grinnell College vs Wesleyan University?
- The middle-50% SAT range is 1410–1540 at Grinnell College and 1415–1540 at Wesleyan 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.