Grinnell College: National Recognition Reflects Academic Strengths in 2024
New rankings from U.S. News & World Report, Niche, and the Princeton Review highlight Grinnell College’s commitment to academic excellence, innovation, and student success.
National Liberal Arts College
In the latest U.S. News Best Colleges rankings, released on Sept. 24, Grinnell College was ranked #19 among National Liberal Arts Colleges, maintaining a consistent reputation for academic rigor and innovation. Since U.S. News & World Report began ranking America’s best colleges and universities, Grinnell has consistently been counted among the top 20 National Liberal Arts Colleges, highlighting its enduring commitment to providing a premier education.
U.S. News & World Report evaluates more than 1,400 bachelor’s degree–granting institutions in the United States based on 17 academic quality measures. The full results are available on the U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges website.
Undergraduate Teaching
Grinnell College ranks #9 for Best Undergraduate Teaching in the 2024 U.S. News & World Report rankings, consistently earning recognition among top liberal arts colleges. This success is driven by Grinnell’s innovative academic structure, where students design their own personalized course of study, guided by close mentorship from faculty. With a strong emphasis on active learning and individualized instruction, Grinnell fosters deep intellectual engagement and collaboration between students and professors, creating a truly transformative educational experience.
Best Value
Grinnell College continues to make education affordable for students from all financial backgrounds. This year, Grinnell earned a #9 ranking for Best Value among National Liberal Arts Colleges, affirming its dedication to providing high-quality education at an accessible price.
“These national rankings reflect the heart of Grinnell College’s mission: to provide a transformative education that empowers our students to think critically, engage deeply, and make lasting impacts,” said Grinnell College President Anne F. Harris. “With a distinctive approach to education that emphasizes personalized learning, strong faculty mentorship, and accessible opportunities, Grinnell continues to earn recognition across key categories.”
Other Key Rankings and Achievements
- #8 — Most International
- #16 — Undergraduate Research/Creative Projects
- #33 — Most Innovative
- A — Overall
- A+ — Academics
- A+ — Diversity
- A+ — Professors
- #5 — Best Classroom Experience
- #7 — Best Schools for Financial Aid
- #14 — LGBTQ-Friendly