Head-to-head · 2026
Coe College vs Grinnell College
Compare average net price ($18,745 at Coe College; $17,648 at Grinnell College), ROI score (7.62 vs 8.90), ten-year median earnings ($57,125 vs $62,830), and admissions selectivity (64% acceptance at Coe College; 14.5% at Grinnell College) using federal College Scorecard data. Grinnell College has a 7-0 metric-level edge. Grinnell College has the stronger ROI signal here, though the final choice should still account for aid, major and campus fit.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric comparison
9 metrics, side by side. A colored cell marks a metric-level advantage. Green = lower-is-better, violet = higher-is-better.
| Metric | Coe College | Grinnell College |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 7.62 | 8.90 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $18,745 | $17,648 ✓ |
| Median earnings (10y) | $57,125 | $62,830 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | 64% | 14.5% ✓ |
| Graduation rate | 65.9% | 88.1% ✓ |
| Median debt | $27,000 | $17,500 ✓ |
| Enrollment | 1,164 | 1,729 |
| Ownership | Private Non-Profit | Private Non-Profit |
| Avg SAT | 1223 | 1486 ✓ |
| Metric advantages | 0 | 7 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
Coe College costs $1,097 more per year than Grinnell College ($18,745 vs $17,648). Grinnell College graduates report $5,705 higher median earnings after ten years ($62,830 vs $57,125). On EduGradify's model that puts Grinnell College ahead on projected ROI (8.90 vs 7.62, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (Grinnell College) also posts the better return, making it the lower-risk pick on cost alone. On admissions, Coe College is accessible at 64% acceptance versus 14.5% (highly competitive) at Grinnell College.
Frequently asked
Coe College vs Grinnell College, answered
5 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Coe College or Grinnell College the better value?
Grinnell College has the higher EduGradify ROI score (8.90 vs 7.62), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
Grinnell College is cheaper — average net price $17,648 per year vs $18,745 at Coe College. The annual difference of $1,097 adds up to about $4,388 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Grinnell College reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $62,830 vs $57,125 at Coe College. The annual gap in the federal data is $5,705.
Which school is harder to get into?
Grinnell College is more selective at 14.5% acceptance vs 64% at Coe College.
What should I compare beyond ROI?
Use the ROI score as a value screen, then compare aid letters, program fit, graduation rate, location, campus size, and debt. Coe College reports a B value grade; Grinnell College reports B.