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Grinnell College

Middle 50% SAT
1430
to
1520
Acceptance
Not reported in the cited source
Typical GPA

Admissions data checked October 9, 2026 by Florida Test Prep.

Grinnell College reports a middle 50% SAT of 1430 to 1520 (enrolled, fall 2024 CDS 2024-25). We use 1480 as a first planning target, then adjust it to the student's diagnostic and timeline. It is not an admission requirement or a guarantee.

The numbers

Middle 50% SAT1430 to 1520 (enrolled, fall 2024 CDS 2024-25)
Middle 50% ACT31 to 34
Acceptance rateNot reported in the cited source.
TypePrivate university

Source: Grinnell official admissions data. A middle 50% describes the central half of the reported group, not a cutoff.

Only 29% of Grinnell's enrolled Fall 2024 first-years submitted an SAT score and 21% submitted ACT; Grinnell is Iowa's most selective college by a wide margin.

Where Grinnell sits among Iowa colleges

SchoolMiddle 50% SATAcceptance
Grinnell College1430 to 1520Not reported
Iowa State University1153 to 136087.9%
University of Iowa1130 to 132079.9%

Cohorts differ by school (admitted vs enrolled, and year). See every school with its cohort and source on SAT Scores for Iowa Colleges.

Colleges in other states with a similar SAT range

CollegeStateMiddle 50% SAT
Washington and Lee UniversityVirginia1430 to 1520
Georgetown UniversityDistrict of Columbia1405 to 1530
Case Western Reserve UniversityOhio1440 to 1530
Tulane UniversityLouisiana1430 to 1500

A score that is competitive at Grinnell lands in the same part of the range at these schools. Cohorts differ by school, so read each page's notes before comparing.

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Quick answers

What SAT score do you need for Grinnell?

There is no published minimum; the middle half of the reported group scored 1430 to 1520. A score at or above 1520 puts a student in the top quarter of that group. A score near 1430 is within the range, and grades, coursework and the rest of the application still decide the outcome.

Is Grinnell test-optional?

Check Grinnell's official admissions page for the 2026-27 testing rules. Policies change by cycle.

What is Grinnell's acceptance rate?

The cited source does not report one. Use the SAT range and the school's published requirements instead.

Does a score above the range guarantee admission?

No. A middle 50% is a description of last year's group, not a cutoff in either direction. It tells you where a score is competitive, which is the useful part for planning test dates.

Want to know what your teen needs for Grinnell? Their target, their gap and the weeks to close it are what we map in the free Strategy Session.

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