Founded in 1846, Grinnell College is a private, coed, residential liberal arts and sciences college located in Grinnell, Iowa. We confer bachelor of arts degrees in 26 major fields and offer individualized curriculum planning and advising. Independent majors are possible.
When Grinnell College framed its charter in the Iowa Territory of the United States in 1846, it set forth a mission to educate its students "for the different professions and the honorable discharge of the duties of life." The College pursues that mission by providing an education in the liberal arts through free inquiry and the open exchange of ideas. As a teaching and learning community, the College holds that knowledge is good to be pursued both for its own sake and the intellectual, moral, and physical well-being of individuals and society at large. The College exists to provide students and teachers with a lively academic community of high scholarly qualifications from diverse social and cultural circumstances. The College aims to graduate individuals who can think clearly, who can speak and write persuasively and even eloquently, who can evaluate critically both their own and others' ideas, who can acquire new knowledge, and who are prepared in life and work to use their knowledge and their abilities to serve the common good.
Grinnell College's mission is to provide "an education in the liberal arts through free inquiry and the open exchange of ideas." Free inquiry and open exchange require exposure to diverse perspectives and respectful engagement with those perspectives across our differences. Indeed, such engagement is vital for an intellectual community committed to the production and sharing of knowledge. This requires providing a learning environment that is tolerant of disagreement and committed to civil dialogue that respectfully embraces our shared humanity. Grinnell must support and encourage free speech and expression while creating an environment free from harassment and discrimination.
You are driven by purpose. You strive to push boundaries of intellectual inquiry. You use critical thought to navigate the world's complexities, explore diverse perspectives, and pursue answers for you and the common good. In other words, you are a Grinnellian.
It is something more than a place, much bigger than an idea. Grinnell is a way of being and seeing. An unwavering commitment to your journey of discovery, both in everything you want to do and everything you want to become.
Grinnell, Iowa. Where the prairie has given rise to generations of extraordinary experts, change-makers, and masterful minds. Home to a unique combination of environmental, economic, and political ecosystems, setting foot on our campus will call into question what you thought you knew about Iowa.
We are not usually one for the "us vs. them" approach (we are more uniting than dividing). But some apparent things separate us from other institutions. With your vision, drive, and academic interests, we know you could go anywhere. By choosing Grinnell, you are accepting a tremendous challenge. You're stepping into a community of change-makers and solution-seekers that will prepare you for an ever-changing world and whatever it sends your way.
As Grinnellians, we believe in free inquiry and the open exchange of ideas. So here, you will think creatively and critically about the world around you. You will dive deep into theoretical and scientific research. You will work alongside world-class experts, advisers, and mentors who are dedicated to your success.
This is your education. Our individually advised curriculum is built on opportunity, choice, freedom, and responsibility. Working with your faculty adviser, you will have a significant role in designing a course of study that's specific to your academic and career interests.
Paired with accomplished faculty who serve as experts, advisers, and mentors, you will choose from a wide range of research opportunities, here and beyond, and all for the greater good. Here, this is the only required course beyond your major. Choosing from one of 35 different topics, you'll emerge with razor-sharp writing, critical thinking, and presentation skills, speaking your voice clearly and accurately.Grinnellians turn outward and let the world in. We approach every question or situation with a global lens. Because in this increasingly connected world, every difference strengthens how we understand what is before us, or something far out of our view.
From day one at Grinnell, you are building a career. Every class. Every conversation. Every easy answer was challenged. And you have a career, life, and service adviser ready to help. You care about being part of the solution. You are not afraid to step forward and speak up for others. Here at Grinnell, you will join a legacy of activism and sharpen your voice as a thoughtful, engaged citizen.
Our town has repeatedly been named one of the best and most relaxed college towns in America– alongside Berkeley, Boulder, and Cambridge. Grinnell combines the artful intellectual buzz of a college town with the genuine warmth and friendliness that defines "Iowa nice." And we love it. Within a leisurely bike ride, you will find a state park and a nature preserve (a favorite spot for the cross-country runners).TripAdvisor calls Grinnell "a great city with a decidedly metropolitan feel," with countless events and festivals throughout the year.
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