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Grinnell College Reviews

Average Rating Details

Academic Rigor

Dorm Life

Food and Dining

See Grinnell College reviews submitted by students. Find out what students have to say about various aspects of attending Grinnell College. Read about academic experiences and campus life in these free Grinnell College reviews, or contribute your own Grinnell College review if you're a current student there.

  • 9 out of 9 people found this review useful.

    Marlu from Sun Valley, CA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    Though the courses cover a large amount of material in what seems to be a short time span, the professors are happy to help outside of class.
    Am enjoying being here

    I definitely met a diverse group of people i now call friends. These were the people that helped me through my first year at Grinnell; though the academics were rigorous, it was the immense amount of support that Grinnell faculty and staff offered that make me confident that I can push my self to achieve what I want. I love a challenge and am happy to start my second year.
    Bang for the buck

    i received a large sum of money from grants from the school alone; they are very generous with their financial aid.
    Tips for prospective students

    I suggest you visit the campus before your final decision--you will either love or hate the weather and atmosphere of the school itself.
    Great for these types of students

    outdoorsy types; those that like quiet places, great academics, and athletic opportunities; those who love seasons!

  • 8 out of 9 people found this review useful.

    Amanda from Merrionette Park, IL

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    I feel like I have learned a lot at Grinnell College in my first year. The workload here is rigorous and the classes cover a large amount of material in a short amount of time. However, the professors are more than happy to make sure you understand the material in or outside of class. The professors, 95%+ of them having earned their PhD, are very passionate about their fields and this shows in their teaching. There are also many tutors and mentors who are willing to aid in your comprehension. Both the professors and fellow students cater to a great learning environment.
    Am enjoying being here

    I really am enjoying my time at Grinnell. In the first semester of my first year, I took on 18 credits and 10.5 hours a week of campus employment. Though it is a lot of work, I have gained a great sense of self-fulfillment. Grinnell pushes you into seeing what you are capable of. For that I am really thankful. The professors, staff, and students at Grinnell are friendly and helpful, creating a small, tight-knit community. The social life is also very enjoyable, for reasons I’ll talk about below.
    Bang for the buck

    The thing that worried me and my family about Grinnell was how to finance it. However, I knew that, even though other schools gave me more money, Grinnell was the school for me because it had the most to offer me. Grinnell College is a school that truly cares about the student: this is especially shown from the core concept of academic freedom, in which the only required class is a writing tutorial for the first semester (and then the required classes to fulfill your major). The academics at Grinnell are simply phenomenal. Academics aside, the social life at Grinnell is better than expected. Myself included, most think that there is nothing to do in the small town of Grinnell. However, this is not true. The campus brings bands, comedians, art shows, movies, and much more to the campus, giving its students the same opportunities others at larger schools would have. All in all, Grinnell College definitely has bang for its buck.
    Tips for prospective students

    I would highly recommend prospective students to visit Grinnell before deciding to enroll. Though I fell in love with Grinnell during a college fair, I visited the college three times - twice before applying and once after being accepted. The visit that solidified my decision was when I spent the weekend with a student. This visit helped me to experience the Grinnell life and I knew that I would be a good fit for it. However, Grinnell is not for all people: some people may not be comfortable with the small size of the college, for example. So I recommend researching the college as much as possible before enrolling: visit the college, talk with current or former students or professors, and schedule an admission interview.
    Great for these types of students

    Grinnellians are hardworking, dedicated, and balanced students. Grinnellians must be hardworking to complete and understand their subjects of study. Grinnellians must be dedicated to their work by going to their professors or peers for help if and when they need it. However, Grinnellians must also be balanced: they must know how to have a successful academic and social life. Grinnell College aims to build strong leaders: the qualities aforementioned are key to building such leadership. If you are looking for a strong education and are willing to push yourself for it, while building close, lasting friendships, Grinnell College is the college for you.

  • 9 out of 14 people found this review useful.

    Artemis from Lincoln, NE

    Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon. Reviewer has been to campus.

    Categories Rating Comments

  • 3 out of 15 people found this review useful.

    arielle from Evanston, IL

    Reviewer is Researching this school. Reviewer has not been to campus.

    Categories Rating Comments

  • 5 out of 21 people found this review useful.

    Janell from Virginia Beach, VA

    Reviewer is Researching this school. Reviewer has not been to campus.

    Categories Rating Comments

  • Marie

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    Grinnell is a great college, renound for its academics and diversity. While small, there are many opportunities to get involved both on- and off-campus. It's such a charming place. And while it may not be perfect, the Grinnell College experience is unparalleled in quality and diversity.
    Tips for prospective students

    1.) Don't attempt to cross the train tracks, even if it'll make you late to class.
    2.) Be prepared to buckle down and study hard.
    3.) Keep an open open mind, always.
    Academic Rigor

    Grinnell is oft considered the Harvard of the Midwest, and indeed, it is. One will undoubtedly get their money's worth for the education they receive.
    Dorm Life

    Many of the dorms are smaller, but this allows for more tight-knit floor communities. The rooms are also smaller but singles, doubles, triples, and even apartment-like accomodations allow room for different living arrangement preferences.
    Food and Dining

    Meh. Some people like it, others don't. Just depends on how picky you are.
    What to do for fun

    Try out the local Dairy Barn, or even its franchise-y counterpart Dairy Queen, to cool off on hot days. Take walks, go out to eat downtown, or watch movies in any one of the many lounges across campus.
    Bang for the buck

    Educationally, it doesn't get much better than Grinnell. It will prepare you for anything.
    Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

    Grinnell has an annual drag show, which is always a colorful event. Parties take place on a bi-weekly basis at the Harris Center. And, perhaps best of all, the Spencer Grill is a delicious and relaxing place to chill out with friends (or even study).
    Clubs and Activities

    Grinnell doesn't offer DI athletics (they're DIII), but nevertheless, if you're good at a sport in high school, you'll likely carry over as a star on the team in college. There's a great number of clubs to choose from as well; you're sure to find at LEAST one you enjoy.
    Campus Safety

    Assuming one isn't too trusting, locks their door, and chains their bike, they'll likely never get stolen from. In the case that they do, Campus Security (and sometimes even the Grinnell police) help out. They have a fairly good track record for relocating stolen items.

  • A

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    Grinnell College is a place that will challenge everything you think, especially in a social and political respect. It definitely has a very strong liberal attitude, but in any case, listening to people who may not have the same views as you shapes you as a person in a way that leaves an impact. Grinnell College: No Limits.
    Tips for prospective students

    Definitely visit the campus before you commit. Rural Iowa isn't for everyone and Grinnell is a small town, but it just might surprise you.
    Academic Rigor

    You'll be challenged in class and pushed to become a better writer, but the classes (hopefully) won't make you want to give up on life or anything drastic.
    Dorm Life

    Some of the dorms are old, some are new, but the community established within the dorms is just fabulous. The friends you make on your floor can make up for being placed in the worst dorm on campus.
    Food and Dining

    4 week cycle, but definitely better than other colleges. No outside food vendors on campus, but take a 5 minute walk into town and you have 12-15 more options.
    What to do for fun

    Hang out on Mac Field, party, spend time with great friends. Drinking is definitely prevalent on campus, but it's no big deal if you don't drink.
    Bang for the buck

    Grinnell offers a ridiculous amount of financial aid and it's a ridiculously good school, so it's worth the investment.
    Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

    Mary B. James - the annual cross-dressing party. It's hilarious to see muscular guys squeezing into tight dresses and girls with mascara mustaches.
    Great for these types of students

    Anyone. But seriously.
    Clubs and Activities

    SO many clubs; it's actually overwhelming.
    Greek Life

    Non-existent, but most sport teams have houses and they kind of act as our form of Greek Life.
    Campus Safety

    It's rural Iowa.

  • Valerie from Indianapolis, IN

    Reviewer is A past student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Did learn a lot

    I doubt I will ever have a more dynamic and varied educational experience
    Did enjoy being here

    Absolutely. The people are wonderful!
    Bang for the buck

    Luckily I came out without a huge debt load.
    Tips for prospective students

    Visit!
    Great for these types of students

    Free thinkers.