Making a Grinnell education possible.
This is an investment in you.
You’re looking at Grinnell because you want to blaze your intellectual trail at an institution that brings together students from many backgrounds and gives you the support to create your own academic journey. We’ll do everything we can to make sure that the cost of a Grinnell education doesn’t get in your way.
Affording Grinnell
Choosing which college to attend is a big financial decision. Through a multitude of support options, 87 percent of our students receive aid to help pay for their years at Grinnell. If you’re a graduate of high school here in Iowa, you have access to a specialized need-based financial aid program, the Iowa Access Initiative.
COST & NET PRICE
Tuition and fees. Room and board. Textbooks and travel. Here’s a breakdown of what makes up the price of your education.
HOW WE CALCULATE NEED
Your eligibility for financial assistance is based on the difference between two numbers: the cost of your education and the calculated ability of you and your family to meet that cost.
GRANTS, SCHOLARSHIPS AND AWARDS
Let’s connect your hard work with the resources that support it. From merit-based to need-based scholarships and grants, we have options to help make your Grinnell education attainable.
LOANS AND FINANCING
We award educational loans primarily from federal loan programs, which offer you and your parents long-term, low-interest loans with various options for repayment.
STUDENT EMPLOYMENT
A student job is a great way to earn some extra money toward your education, but with our wide variety of opportunities, you’ll benefit far beyond the paycheck.
Applying for Aid
Among more than 4,000 U.S. colleges and universities, only a small number meet the gold standard for financial aid. Grinnell is among them. Using a combination of grants, loans, and campus jobs, we create a custom offer that’s specific to your unique needs and financial situation, but first you need to apply. Look through the instructions below and we’re happy to answer any questions you might have.
PROSPECTIVE STUDENTS
Whether you’re a U.S., international, or transfer student, we’d like to help get you all the information you need, help ease your potential worries, and answer your questions. If you’d like to apply for financial aid, we have a few forms specific to your situation.
CURRENT STUDENTS
Grinnellians, welcome back. Let’s make sure you have everything you need, including having all the financial aid steps completed, so you’re good to go when you come back to campus. Studying off-campus? We’ve got you covered.
Understanding Your Award
Whether you’re curious about the full scope of the award package or you’re looking for more information to understand your aid options, we’re always here to help and talk you through it.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
There’s a lot to keep track of with the college application process. That’s why we’ve gathered some questions that new students and their families often ask, along with our responses. If you don’t see what you’re looking for, contact us. We’ll be happy to answer your specific questions.
AWARD TERMS AND CONDITIONS
Terms and conditions of your award and other policies - it's important you read and understand it all.
LOAN APPLICATION PROCESS
There are several different kinds of loans available to prospective and returning students, and we’ll walk you through the process step by step.
SPECIAL PROGRAMS
There are several programs for which you may qualify to help with small or large costs, from textbooks to repayment of student loans.
CONSUMER INFORMATION
Here’s more information from the Office of Financial Aid. We’re also happy to help you locate anything you can’t find.