The Next Generation of Grinnellians: Introducing the Class of 2028

As summer begins to wind down, Grinnell eagerly prepares to welcome the incoming class of 2028. This year, the College celebrates a first-year student body that not only expands a multicultural majority but also embodies a spirit of curiosity, intellectual risk-taking, and a thirst for knowledge. These approximately 450 new students, described by one of them as eager to explore Grinnell’s “academic smorgasbord,” bring with them a passion for a wide array of subjects. Their creativity and collaborative spirit will enrich the College’s vibrant tradition of academic excellence within the liberal arts, inclusivity, and dynamic exchange of ideas. 

President Anne F. Harris, shared, “At Grinnell, we cherish the opportunity to cultivate a purpose-driven community where each individual's unique talents and passions enrich our collective experience. We embrace a free inquiry and foster deep exploration, creating an environment where academic excellence is linked to collaboration and positive change. We look forward to welcoming both new and returning Grinnellians to our vibrant campus!" 

The 2024 admission cycle was impressive, with 11,400 aspiring first-year students and 97 transfer students initiating applications. Through a rigorous selection process, Grinnell admitted 1,416 first-year students and 17 transfer students, resulting in an admit rate of 14.5% for first-year students and 18.9% for transfer students. 

A Closer Look at the Class of 2028 

• 

  Diversity: 57% of the first-year students identify as people of color in the US or residents of other countries, reflecting the most significant multicultural majority in college history. 
• First-Generation Students: 17% of the class identifies as first-generation college students. 
• International Presence: 20% of the incoming class comprises international students, representing 42 different countries, including China, El Salvador, Ghana, Greece, India, Japan, and Turkey. 
• Languages: 55 different languages are spoken across the class of 2028.
• U.S. Geographic Representation: Students come from 39 states, with Illinois, California, Iowa, Texas, and Minnesota having the largest representation. 
• Academic Excellence: This class has the highest academic rating in Grinnell's history, averaging 8.1 on a 9.0 scale. 
• Athletics: 24% are recruited varsity athletes. 
• School Backgrounds: 75% of the students come from public or charter schools. 

Grinnellians in Communities 

Grinnell students are renowned for their commitment to making a positive impact on the world, and the class of 2028 is no exception. 

• Community Service: 74% of incoming students participated in community service during their high school years, aligned with the College's dedication to social responsibility. 
• Athletics: 67% were involved in varsity or club athletics, reflecting a strong spirit of athleticism and recreation. 
• Arts and Performance: 66% engaged in art, dance, drama, music, or speech activities, highlighting their diverse talents and interests in the fine and performing arts. 
• Civic Engagement: 33% participated in student government, politics, or social justice activities, reflecting a strong commitment to societal change.
• Career Preparation: 64% gained work, internships, or other career-related experiences during high school, showcasing their ambition and dedication to their families and future careers. 

Joe Bagnoli, vice president for enrollment and dean of admission and financial aid, remarked, “This geographically, racially, and ethnically diverse group of accomplished students brings with them a wealth of talent, ambition, and global perspective. From community service to artistic expression, athleticism, and a commitment to effecting change, our new students are poised to both contribute to and benefit from the Grinnell community.” 

Bagnoli added, “I am proud that Grinnell’s admission and financial aid teams continue to support the enrollment of classes that reflect our core values of academic excellence, diverse community, and social responsibility. We eagerly await the arrival of the class of 2028 and remain committed to fostering a community where each student can thrive in their academic, co-curricular, extra-curricular, civic, and career-related endeavors.” 

Final enrollment statistics will be available in mid-to-late fall. 

Important Dates   

• 2024 New Student Orientation on Campus International students arrive for the International Pre-Orientation Program (IPOP), August 18 – 22, 2024.  
• New Student Orientation August 23 – 28, 2024.  
• Move in Day – August 23, 2024 
• The first day of classes August 29, 2024.