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Grinnell College and Briar Cliff University are both private nonprofit institutions — Grinnell College in Grinnell, IA and Briar Cliff University in Sioux City, IA. This page compares published admission, cost, and outcome data from federal sources so you can see the tradeoffs before you add either school to your list.
Grinnell, IA · Private
Acceptance rate: 14.5%
Undergrad enrollment: 1,729
Tuition: $68,106/year
Student-faculty ratio: 9.0:1
Graduation rate: 88.1%
Top programs: Social sciences, Biological sciences, Computer science
Best for: Students who want a private campus in Grinnell, IA with published program strength in Social sciences and Biological sciences.
Sioux City, IA · Private
Acceptance rate: Not reported
Undergrad enrollment: 624
Tuition: $36,956/year
Student-faculty ratio: 10.0:1
Graduation rate: 47.5%
Top programs: Business and marketing, Public administration and social service, Health professions
Best for: Students who want a private campus in Sioux City, IA with published program strength in Business and marketing and Public administration and social service.
| Factor | Grinnell College | Briar Cliff University |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rate | 14.5% | Not reported |
| SAT range (middle 50%) |
| 1410–1540 |
| Not reported |
| ACT range (middle 50%) | 31–34 | Not reported |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 1,729 | 624 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $68,106/year | $36,956/year |
| Average net price after aid | $17,648 | $23,907 |
| Graduation rate | 88.1% | 47.5% |
| Median earnings (10 years) | $62,830 | $54,475 |
| Student-faculty ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Institution type | Private nonprofit | Private nonprofit |
| Location | Grinnell, IA | Sioux City, IA |
| Largest program areas | Social sciences, Biological sciences, Computer science | Business and marketing, Public administration and social service, Health professions |
Grinnell College has a lower average net price after grant aid ($17,648 vs $23,907). Grinnell College reports the higher graduation rate (88.1% vs 47.5%). Grinnell College is the larger undergraduate campus (1,729 students). Use the free side-by-side comparison tool to weigh cost, program fit, location, and outcomes for your own list — and verify deadlines and requirements with each college.
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Common questions when choosing between Grinnell College and Briar Cliff University
Grinnell College has an acceptance rate of 14.5%; Briar Cliff University is around Not reported. Selectivity is only one factor — GPA, essays, major, and residency (for publics) all change the odds.
Grinnell College tuition is $68,106/year. Briar Cliff University is $36,956/year. Compare net price after aid, not sticker price — especially for private schools and out-of-state publics.
Use College Decider's free comparison tool at /compare — add both schools to see tuition, acceptance rates, graduation outcomes, and more in one table.
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