Head-to-head · 2026
Grinnell College vs St Luke's College
Side-by-side ROI breakdown. 5 wins for Grinnell College, 2 for St Luke's College — Grinnell College has more metric-level advantages.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric, winner flagged
9 metrics, side by side. The colored cell wins. Green = lower-is-better wins, indigo = higher-is-better wins.
| Metric | Grinnell College | St Luke's College |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 8.90 ✓ | 7.70 |
| Avg net price | $17,648 ✓ | $19,820 |
| Median earnings (10y) | $62,830 ✓ | $61,033 |
| Acceptance rate | 14.5% ✓ | 80% |
| Graduation rate | 88.1% | 100% ✓ |
| Median debt | $17,500 | $15,000 ✓ |
| Enrollment | 1,729 | 167 |
| Ownership | Private Non-Profit | Private Non-Profit |
| Avg SAT | 1486 ✓ | 980 |
| Wins | 5 | 2 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
St Luke's College costs $2,172 more per year than Grinnell College ($19,820 vs $17,648). Grinnell College graduates report $1,797 higher median earnings after ten years ($62,830 vs $61,033). On EduGradify's model that puts Grinnell College ahead on projected ROI (8.90 vs 7.70, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (Grinnell College) also posts the better return, making it the lower-risk pick on cost alone. On admissions, Grinnell College is highly competitive at 14.5% acceptance versus 80% (accessible) at St Luke's College.
Frequently asked
Grinnell College vs St Luke's College, answered
5 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Grinnell College or St Luke's College the better value?
Grinnell College has the higher EduGradify ROI score (8.90 vs 7.70), 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 $19,820 at St Luke's College. The annual difference of $2,172 adds up to about $8,688 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Grinnell College reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $62,830 vs $61,033 at St Luke's College. The annual gap in the federal data is $1,797.
Which school is harder to get into?
Grinnell College is more selective at 14.5% acceptance vs 80% at St Luke's 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. Grinnell College reports a B value grade; St Luke's College reports B.