The starting point
Grinnell is a primarily need-based, meets-full-need college: all merit is holistic with no GPA/test grid, and a merit scholarship is treated as a resource that offsets demonstrated need rather than stacking on top of need-based aid.
More than one award path. Some awards use published academic thresholds. Others have different selection criteria. A score chart does not describe every award at this school.
Awards to discuss
First 3 of 7 recorded awards, in chapter display order. This is a selection, not a ranking. Read the full chapter for all awards. Amounts retain the original units and conditions; confirm the entering year with the school.
Scholarship for Iowa Residents (guarantee)
At least $20,000 · Published award terms
Recorded as automatic on academic criteria; all conditions apply.
Eligibility: Every newly enrolled Iowa resident. ED Iowa residents receive the $20,000 Grinnell Choice (most qualified may also get Founder's); RD Iowa residents receive a Founder's Scholarship of at least $20,000.
Renewal: Per-year scholarship; eight-semester structure.
Other terms: Iowa-resident guarantee of at least $20,000/year, beginning with students admitted for 2024-25.
https://www.grinnell.edu/admission/financial-aid/types-aid/scholarships
Founder's Scholarship
Amount not published (varies) · Variable or qualified amount
Not recorded as automatic on grades and scores. Read the selection rules.
Eligibility: Select admitted students; based holistically on academic merit, extracurricular involvement, demonstrated leadership, and/or special talents. No separate application. Determined the same way regardless of admission round.
Renewal: Renewed for eight total semesters of enrollment.
Other terms: Grinnell does NOT publish a GPA/test grid — amounts vary and eligibility is holistic. For Iowa residents admitted Regular Decision, the Founder's Scholarship is at least $20,000.
https://www.grinnell.edu/admission/financial-aid/types-aid/scholarships
Grinnell Choice Scholarship (Early Decision)
$20,000 · Published amount
Not recorded as automatic on grades and scores. Read the selection rules.
Eligibility: Domestic students admitted Early Decision. Guaranteed minimum scholarship of $20,000 for domestic ED admits.
Renewal: $20,000 annual, renewable for a total of eight semesters.
Other terms: Mutually exclusive with the Laurel, Iowa Dean's, and President's scholarships. NOT for international students or students eligible for staff/ACM/GLCA tuition remission. Select students also receive a Founder's Scholarship in addition.
https://www.grinnell.edu/admission/financial-aid/types-aid/scholarships
