Head-to-head · 2026
Grinnell College vs University of Northern Iowa
Compare average net price ($17,648 at Grinnell College; $15,901 at University of Northern Iowa), ROI score (8.90 vs 8.68), school-wide ten-year median earnings ($62,830 vs $55,177), and admissions selectivity (14.5% acceptance at Grinnell College; 92.7% at University of Northern Iowa) using federal College Scorecard data. The table keeps affordability, outcomes, access and program fit separate rather than declaring one universal winner.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric comparison
13 metrics, side by side. Color marks a useful directional signal; admissions, SAT, tuition eligibility, ownership and enrollment stay neutral.
| Metric | Grinnell College | University of Northern Iowa |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score (school-wide) | 8.90 ✓ | 8.68 |
| Avg net price | $17,648 | $15,901 ✓ |
| 4-year avg net price | $70,592 | $63,604 ✓ |
| In-state tuition | $68,106 | $9,936 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $68,106 | $21,712 |
| School-wide earnings (10y) | $62,830 ✓ | $55,177 |
| Acceptance rate | 14.5% | 92.7% |
| Graduation rate | 88.1% ✓ | 67.9% |
| Retention rate | 92.6% ✓ | 81.7% |
| Median debt | $17,500 ✓ | $19,691 |
| Enrollment | 1,729 | 7,529 |
| Ownership | Private Non-Profit | Public |
| Avg SAT | 1486 | 1122 |
Cost by family income
Reported net price by income band
Federal averages for students receiving Title IV aid. These are context, not a substitute for either school's financial-aid offer.
| Income band | Grinnell College | University of Northern Iowa |
|---|---|---|
| Family income $0–30k | $9,970 ✓ | $10,863 |
| Family income $30–48k | $7,789 ✓ | $11,751 |
| Family income $48–75k | $9,669 ✓ | $14,099 |
| Family income $75–110k | $19,348 | $17,740 ✓ |
| Family income $110k+ | $37,725 | $18,706 ✓ |
Program fit
Shared fields with reported awards
Award share is the share of reported credentials in a field, not the share of currently enrolled students.
| Shared field | Grinnell College | University of Northern Iowa |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Science | 10% | 1.2% |
| Biology, General | 7.2% | 2.8% |
| Mathematics | 8.6% | 1.1% |
| Economics | 8.2% | 1.2% |
| Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology | 8.6% | 0.3% |
| Political Science and Government | 6.8% | 0.8% |
| English Language and Literature, General | 5.4% | 0.9% |
| Research and Experimental Psychology | 5.9% | 0% |
Decision readout
What the differences mean
University of Northern Iowa reports the lower average net price by $1,747 per year. Holding today's averages constant, that is a $6,988 difference over four years ($63,604 vs $70,592).
Grinnell College reports $7,653 higher school-wide median earnings ten years after entry ($62,830 vs $55,177). This is not earnings for a specific major.
First-year retention is 92.6% at Grinnell College and 81.7% at University of Northern Iowa. Median federal debt among completers is $17,500 vs $19,691, respectively.
8 of the strongest shared fields with positive award-share data are listed below. Award share describes reported credentials in a field, not the percentage of currently enrolled students.
Keep comparing
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Frequently asked
Grinnell College vs University of Northern Iowa, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Which school costs less after aid?
University of Northern Iowa is cheaper — average net price $15,901 per year vs $17,648 at Grinnell College. The annual difference of $1,747 adds up to about $6,988 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Grinnell College reports higher school-wide median earnings ten years after entry: $62,830 vs $55,177 at University of Northern Iowa. The gap in the federal data is $7,653. This is not major-specific earnings.
Which school is harder to get into?
Grinnell College is more selective at 14.5% acceptance vs 92.7% at University of Northern Iowa.
Is there an overall winner?
No single metric makes either school the universal winner. Compare your actual aid offers, residency tuition, intended major, graduation and retention rates, debt, location and campus fit. EduGradify keeps these trade-offs separate instead of combining admissions selectivity and test scores into a final verdict.