Grinnell boasts a very low student-faculty ratio of 9:1. The average class size is approximately 17 students, ensuring close interaction with professors and seminar-style learning.

Grinnell has one of the largest endowments per student among U.S. colleges. This allows for exceptional financial aid (need-blind admission for domestic students, meeting 100% of demonstrated need), extensive funding for student research (Mentored Advanced Projects - MAPs), internships, study abroad, modern facilities, and small class sizes.

No, Grinnell is need-aware for international students. While international applicants are considered for admission regardless of financial need, the availability of institutional financial aid is a factor in the final admission decision for this group.

Grinnell is test-optional for all applicants. Students decide whether their test results accurately reflect their academic potential and choose whether or not to submit them. This policy applies to both domestic and international students.

Grinnell seeks intellectually curious, engaged, and motivated students. They value strong writing (evident in essays and supplements), impactful extracurricular involvement or work experience, demonstrated interest in the college (campus visits, virtual events, interviews), teacher/counselor recommendations, and alignment with Grinnell's values of social responsibility and academic independence.

Grinnell is generally considered a very safe campus and town, typical of a small Midwestern community. The college prioritizes safety with its own Campus Safety department (24/7 patrols, emergency call boxes, safety escorts), robust lighting, and close collaboration with local police. Crime rates are low, primarily minor incidents.

Resources include 24/7 Campus Safety, free safety escort services, comprehensive health and counseling services (SHAW), a Title IX office, bystander intervention training, emergency notification systems (Pioneer Alert), well-lit pathways, and residence hall security measures (keycard access).

Grinnell uses the Pioneer Alert system to rapidly notify the campus community via text, email, and phone calls during emergencies. Campus Safety coordinates response with local authorities. Detailed emergency procedures (for weather, fire, active threats, etc.) are published and regularly reviewed.

Grinnell has an "Individually Advised Curriculum" with no traditional core curriculum. The only specific requirement is the First-Year Tutorial (a small writing-intensive seminar). Students work closely with their faculty advisor to design a coherent, rigorous plan of study across disciplines.

MAPs are a signature Grinnell program. They are intensive, faculty-mentored research, creative, or professional projects typically undertaken after the first year, often during a special term or summer. Students receive funding/stipend and academic credit. It's deep, hands-on learning.

Grinnell has exceptionally strong science programs (Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Computer Science). Facilities rival larger institutions (e.g., the state-of-the-art Robert N. Noyce '49 Science Center). Students engage in significant research early on, often through MAPs, and achieve high rates of placement into top graduate programs and careers.

Yes, Grinnell is need-blind for domestic applicants (including undocumented/DACA students). This means admission decisions are made without considering the applicant's financial need. Grinnell commits to meeting 100% of the demonstrated financial need for all admitted students who apply for aid on time.

Grinnell primarily offers need-based financial aid (grants, scholarships, work-study, loans – with Grinnell loans being interest-free until after graduation). They do not offer merit scholarships based solely on academic or athletic achievement; all aid is need-based.

Domestic students submit the FAFSA. International students and undocumented/DACA students submit the CSS Profile. Grinnell uses these forms to determine your family's financial contribution and then builds a need-based aid package to cover the difference with the cost of attendance.

Grinnell is a small, friendly town (~9,000 people) in central Iowa. It offers a safe, close-knit community with local restaurants, coffee shops, parks, and essential services. Students appreciate the focus on campus life but also enjoy exploring the town. Access to larger cities (Des Moines, Iowa City) is about an hour away.

Yes, Grinnell has a four-year residency requirement. Virtually all students live in college-owned housing (dorms, theme houses, language houses, co-ops) for all four years. This fosters a strong residential community. Limited exceptions exist (e.g., living with family locally, senior status with special permission).

Grinnell offers diverse housing options, from traditional corridor-style dorms to suite-style living, theme houses (e.g., social justice, arts, wellness), language houses, and cooperative living. Most rooms are doubles. All residences have common spaces, laundry, and internet access. Housing selection is a student-run process.

OPT (Optional Practical Training) allows F-1 students to work in the US directly related to their major field of study. Standard OPT is for 12 months. Students in qualifying STEM fields (e.g., Computer Science, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Math) can apply for a 24-month STEM OPT extension, allowing up to 3 years total work authorization.

Grinnell's International Student Affairs (ISA) office provides comprehensive support. They offer workshops on OPT eligibility and application procedures, individual advising sessions, review of application materials (Form I-765), and guidance on maintaining status during OPT. They also assist with STEM OPT extension applications.

OPT is temporary work authorization. Staying long-term typically requires transitioning to a work visa (like H-1B), which requires employer sponsorship. Grinnell's CDO and ISA can provide resources on navigating the H-1B process, but securing sponsorship depends on finding an employer willing and able to sponsor you. OPT (especially STEM OPT) provides valuable time to gain experience and seek sponsorship.