Head-to-head · 2026
Grinnell College vs Indian Hills Community College
Compare average net price ($17,648 at Grinnell College; $10,693 at Indian Hills Community College), ROI score (8.90 vs 9.47), ten-year median earnings ($62,830 vs $40,507), and admissions context (14.5% at Grinnell College; Open / not reported at Indian Hills Community College) using federal College Scorecard data. Indian Hills Community College has a narrow 3-2 metric-level edge. Indian Hills Community College leads on ROI, but the cost and earnings signals are split enough that this is not a one-metric decision.
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 | Grinnell College | Indian Hills Community College |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 8.90 | 9.47 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $17,648 | $10,693 ✓ |
| Median earnings (10y) | $62,830 ✓ | $40,507 |
| Acceptance rate | 14.5% | Open / not reported |
| Graduation rate | 88.1% ✓ | 40.1% |
| Median debt | $17,500 | $10,500 ✓ |
| Enrollment | 1,729 | 1,495 |
| Ownership | Private Non-Profit | Public |
| Avg SAT | 1486 | — |
| Metric advantages | 2 | 3 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
Grinnell College costs $6,955 more per year than Indian Hills Community College ($17,648 vs $10,693). Grinnell College graduates report $22,323 higher median earnings after ten years ($62,830 vs $40,507). On EduGradify's model that puts Indian Hills Community College ahead on projected ROI (9.47 vs 8.90, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (Indian Hills Community College) also posts the better return, making it the lower-risk pick on cost alone. On admissions, Grinnell College reports 14.5% acceptance; Indian Hills Community College does not report a standard acceptance rate in the current federal data.
Frequently asked
Grinnell College vs Indian Hills Community College, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Grinnell College or Indian Hills Community College the better value?
Indian Hills Community College has the higher EduGradify ROI score (9.47 vs 8.90), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
Indian Hills Community College is cheaper — average net price $10,693 per year vs $17,648 at Grinnell College. The annual difference of $6,955 adds up to about $27,820 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Grinnell College reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $62,830 vs $40,507 at Indian Hills Community College. The annual gap in the federal data is $22,323.
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. Grinnell College reports a B value grade; Indian Hills Community College reports B.