Grinnell College vs United States Air Force Academy
Grinnell College is highly selective with a 12.7% acceptance rate, making it harder to get into than United States Air Force Academy (13.9%).
Admissions & Outcomes
United States Air Force Academy has a higher yield rate (79.3%), meaning a larger share of admitted students choose to enroll — a strong signal of student preference. Grinnell College has a higher median SAT (1490 vs 1350).
Grinnell, IA
USAF Academy, CO
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.
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
United States Air Force Academy
- 1 Business Administration, Management and Operations
- 2 Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering
- 3 International/Global Studies
- 4 Computer Science
- 5 Systems Engineering
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
United States Air Force Academy
- International students1%
- Tuition (international)N/A
- 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.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into Grinnell College or United States Air Force Academy?
Grinnell College is more selective with a 12.7% acceptance rate, compared to 13.9%. Both are competitive schools that receive tens of thousands of applications each year.
What is the graduation rate at Grinnell College vs United States Air Force Academy?
United States Air Force Academy has a higher 6-year graduation rate at 88.1%, compared to 87.8%. A high graduation rate signals strong academic support, student engagement, and a campus culture where students thrive.
Which school has more international students: Grinnell College or United States Air Force Academy?
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 United States Air Force Academy?
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.