Grinnell College vs St Luke's College
Grinnell College is highly selective with a 12.7% acceptance rate, making it harder to get into than St Luke's College (44.4%). Graduates of Grinnell College earn $1,797 more per year at the 10-year mark ($62,830 vs $61,033). For families earning $48k–$75k, Grinnell College is more affordable at $9,669 net price vs $15,602. Students at St Luke's College graduate with less debt ($15,000 vs $17,500).
Admissions & Outcomes
St Luke's College has a higher yield rate (87.5%), meaning a larger share of admitted students choose to enroll — a strong signal of student preference.
Grinnell, IA
Sioux City, IA
Net Price by Family Income
Net price is what you actually pay after grants and scholarships — often far less than the sticker price. It varies dramatically by family income.
Net price data from College Scorecard. Run each school's net price calculator for a personalized estimate based on your family's finances.
Financial Aid
Institutional grants come directly from the school's endowment and don't need to be repaid. A high institutional grant rate means the school is investing its own funds in affordability. St Luke's College enrolls more Pell Grant recipients (46%), indicating stronger support for students from lower-income backgrounds.
Highest-Earning Majors
Median earnings within two years of graduation. Your choice of major often has a bigger impact on lifetime earnings than the school name on your diploma.
Grinnell College
- 1 Computer Science$91,744
- 2 Economics$52,941
- 3 Mathematics$39,369
- 4 Political Science and Government$34,704
- 5 Sociology$33,993
Most Popular Majors
The most popular majors by number of degrees awarded. This gives you a sense of each school's academic strengths and where students concentrate.
Grinnell College
- 1 Computer Science
- 2 Economics
- 3 Biology, General
- 4 Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- 5 Political Science and Government
St Luke's College
- 1 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- 2 Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General
Campus & Student Body
Enrollment size, diversity, and retention paint a picture of campus culture. A high retention rate means students are satisfied enough to return after freshman year.
For International Students
Key cost and campus considerations for students coming from outside the US.
Grinnell College
- International students19%
- Tuition (international)$56,188
- Est. total cost/year$70,544
- School typePublic
St Luke's College
- International studentsN/A
- Tuition (international)$19,440
- School typePublic
What international students should know
- International students pay out-of-state tuition at public universities. Private universities charge the same tuition for all students.
- Most federal financial aid (FAFSA, Pell Grants) is not available to international students. Look for institutional aid and merit scholarships.
- F-1 visa holders can work on-campus during the school year and use CPT/OPT for internships and post-graduation employment.
- Schools with a higher international student percentage typically have stronger support services — dedicated international offices, visa advising, and cultural programs.
- With 19% international enrollment, Grinnell College likely has a well-established international student community.
Get a Personalized College Comparison
We're building custom comparison reports with ROI analysis. Be the first to get yours.
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into Grinnell College or St Luke's College?
Grinnell College is more selective with a 12.7% acceptance rate, compared to 44.4%. Both are competitive schools that receive tens of thousands of applications each year.
Which school has higher earnings: Grinnell College or St Luke's College?
Grinnell College graduates earn more at the 10-year mark, with median earnings of $62,830 compared to $61,033. Earnings vary significantly by major — STEM fields typically produce the highest returns at both schools.
Which is cheaper: Grinnell College or St Luke's College?
For middle-income families ($48k–$75k), Grinnell College has a lower net price at $9,669 per year vs $15,602. Net price varies by family income — use each school's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
Which school has more international students: Grinnell College or St Luke's College?
Grinnell College has a larger international student population at 19% of enrollment. A higher international student percentage often means stronger support services for visa holders, including dedicated international student offices, OPT/CPT guidance, and cultural programming.
What are the highest-paying majors at Grinnell College and St Luke's College?
At Grinnell College, Computer Science graduates earn a median of $91,744 within two years. Your choice of major often has a bigger impact on earnings than which school you attend.