Head-to-head · 2026
Grinnell College vs Iowa Lakes Community College
Compare average net price ($17,648 at Grinnell College; $13,933 at Iowa Lakes Community College), ROI score (8.90 vs 7.73), ten-year median earnings ($62,830 vs $43,108), and admissions context (14.5% at Grinnell College; Open / not reported at Iowa Lakes Community College) using federal College Scorecard data. Grinnell College has a narrow 3-2 metric-level edge. Grinnell 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 | Iowa Lakes Community College |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 8.90 ✓ | 7.73 |
| Avg net price | $17,648 | $13,933 ✓ |
| Median earnings (10y) | $62,830 ✓ | $43,108 |
| Acceptance rate | 14.5% | Open / not reported |
| Graduation rate | 88.1% ✓ | 50% |
| Median debt | $17,500 | $12,000 ✓ |
| Enrollment | 1,729 | 941 |
| Ownership | Private Non-Profit | Public |
| Avg SAT | 1486 | — |
| Metric advantages | 3 | 2 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
Grinnell College costs $3,715 more per year than Iowa Lakes Community College ($17,648 vs $13,933). Grinnell College graduates report $19,722 higher median earnings after ten years ($62,830 vs $43,108). On EduGradify's model that puts Grinnell College ahead on projected ROI (8.90 vs 7.73, 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; Iowa Lakes Community College does not report a standard acceptance rate in the current federal data.
Frequently asked
Grinnell College vs Iowa Lakes Community College, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Grinnell College or Iowa Lakes Community College the better value?
Grinnell College has the higher EduGradify ROI score (8.90 vs 7.73), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
Iowa Lakes Community College is cheaper — average net price $13,933 per year vs $17,648 at Grinnell College. The annual difference of $3,715 adds up to about $14,860 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Grinnell College reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $62,830 vs $43,108 at Iowa Lakes Community College. The annual gap in the federal data is $19,722.
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; Iowa Lakes Community College reports B.