Grinnell College
Test-OptionalLGBTQ+ Affirming
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Program Characteristics
No Prescreen
No Audition
No Interview
Highly Selective
University App Required
Program Highlights
TRAINING & PRODUCTIONS
•Department of Theatre, Dance, and Performance Studies housed in the Bucksbaum Center for the Arts
•Three on-campus theatres including Roberts Theatre
•Mainstage productions span scripted, devised, period, modern, dance, movement, performance art, digital, and immersive styles
•Student-directed One-Act Festival and MAPs (open-space creative projects) each semester
•Dance Ensemble open to all students with fall community projects and spring mainstage performance
CURRICULUM
•36-credit major integrating performance, design, directing, dramaturgy, and critical theory
•Six creative practice areas: acting, dance, design, directing/choreography, stage management, and technical production
•Practicum credits earned through crew, stage management, choreography, dramaturgy, or performance
STUDENT LIFE
•Student organizations include Neverland Players, improv ensembles, and dance groups (hip-hop, salsa, swing, ballet)
•Paid positions in scene shop, costume studio, and box office
•Study abroad encouraged as part of liberal arts education
DEGREE FLEXIBILITY
•Open curriculum with no general education requirements allows extensive exploration outside the major
•Faculty mentors guide students toward postgraduate study or arts careers
Key Info
University AppApplication
Apply atCommon App
Apply atSchool Website
Deadlines
Early Decision INov 15, 2025
Early Decision IIJan 5, 2026
Regular DecisionJan 15, 2026
Good to Know
APPLICATION DETAILS
•Apply via Common App or QuestBridge — no supplemental application required
•No application fee
•Test-optional (SAT/ACT not required)
ENROLLMENT
•Fall enrollment only
•Priority merit scholarship consideration for applications submitted by December 1
OPTIONAL SUPPLEMENT
•Short answer writing prompt available (200-450 words) — optional but recommended
What's The Process
ADMISSION PROCESS
•No audition or portfolio review required for admission
•Admission based on university application through Common App or QuestBridge
•Holistic review considers transcript, essays, recommendations, and extracurriculars
OPTIONAL PORTFOLIO
•Students may optionally submit supplemental arts materials after submitting the Common App
•Use the "Edit Portfolio" link on your applicant status page to upload work
•Portfolios are reviewed by the admission staff but are not required
Scholarship Info
MERIT SCHOLARSHIPS
•All first-year domestic applicants automatically considered for merit scholarships up to $30,000
•No separate scholarship application required
•Priority consideration for applications submitted by December 1
•Grinnell Choice Scholarship: $20,000 annual award for domestic Early Decision students
•International students considered for merit scholarships up to $28,000
Program info updated Yesterday
Academic School Information
4.05
Avg GPA (W)
13%
Admit Rate
88%
Grad Rate
1,705
Enrollment
$62,830
Earnings
10yr after
Tuition & Fees
$64,862
before aid
Average Annual Cost
$15,608
after typical aid
Average annual cost is often lower than tuition because it accounts for grants and scholarships most students receive. It includes tuition, room & board, books, and supplies.
Annual Cost by Family Income
Family Income $0 - $30k$6,739
Family Income $30k - $48k$6,235
Family Income $48k - $75k$6,220
Family Income $75k - $110k$16,891
Family Income $110k+$36,265
