Iowa State University vs Grinnell College: which has better ROI?
Iowa State University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $74,356 in 4.9 years versus 4.9 years at Grinnell College, on median earnings of $63,386 vs $62,830 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Iowa State University | Grinnell College |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $18,589 | $17,648 |
| Total net cost | $74,356 | $70,592 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $63,386 | $62,830 |
| Median debt | $22,869 | $17,500 |
| Payback | 4.9 yrs | 4.9 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $226,164 | $218,808 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Iowa State University or Grinnell College?
Grinnell College, at $17,648 a year after aid versus $18,589 — a gap of $941 a year, or $3,764 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Iowa State University or Grinnell College graduates earn more?
Iowa State University graduates report a median $63,386 ten years after entry, $556 more than the $62,830 at Grinnell College. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.
Which leaves students with less debt, Iowa State University or Grinnell College?
Grinnell College: its completers carry a median $17,500 in federal loans versus $22,869 at Iowa State University, a difference of $5,369. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
88% of students finish at Grinnell College, against 75% at Iowa State University. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.