Head-to-head · 2026
Ellsworth Community College vs Grinnell College
Compare average net price ($11,451 at Ellsworth Community College; $17,648 at Grinnell College), ROI score (8.86 vs 8.90), ten-year median earnings ($40,562 vs $62,830), and admissions context (Open / not reported at Ellsworth Community College; 14.5% at Grinnell College) using federal College Scorecard data. Grinnell College has a narrow 3-2 metric-level edge. The ROI scores are close, so aid letters, program fit, graduation rate and debt should decide the better 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 | Ellsworth Community College | Grinnell College |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 8.86 | 8.90 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $11,451 ✓ | $17,648 |
| Median earnings (10y) | $40,562 | $62,830 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | Open / not reported | 14.5% |
| Graduation rate | 37.5% | 88.1% ✓ |
| Median debt | $10,000 ✓ | $17,500 |
| Enrollment | 499 | 1,729 |
| Ownership | Public | Private Non-Profit |
| Avg SAT | — | 1486 |
| Metric advantages | 2 | 3 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
Grinnell College costs $6,197 more per year than Ellsworth Community College ($17,648 vs $11,451). Grinnell College graduates report $22,268 higher median earnings after ten years ($62,830 vs $40,562). On EduGradify's model that puts Grinnell College ahead on projected ROI (8.90 vs 8.86, exceptional investment).
The pricier option (Grinnell College) still wins on return, because stronger graduate salaries outweigh its higher net price. On admissions, Grinnell College reports 14.5% acceptance; Ellsworth Community College does not report a standard acceptance rate in the current federal data.
Frequently asked
Ellsworth Community College vs Grinnell College, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Ellsworth Community College or Grinnell College the better value?
Grinnell College has the higher EduGradify ROI score (8.90 vs 8.86), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
Ellsworth Community College is cheaper — average net price $11,451 per year vs $17,648 at Grinnell College. The annual difference of $6,197 adds up to about $24,788 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Grinnell College reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $62,830 vs $40,562 at Ellsworth Community College. The annual gap in the federal data is $22,268.
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. Ellsworth Community College reports a B value grade; Grinnell College reports B.