Grinnell College ranks among top 5 most studious colleges in the US
Iowa's own Grinnell College has been ranked the fourth most studious college in the nation, according to a new survey of 170,000 students published by the Princeton Review in August 2025.
The ranking, featured in the Princeton Review's The Best 391 Colleges, asked students at 391 schools how many hours they spend studying outside of class each day. The results place Grinnell among an elite group of institutions known for academic rigor and demanding workloads.
Grinnell students told the Princeton Review that the school is a highly academically oriented campus where studying takes up a significant portion of their time. This comes despite the college's unique approach to education, which features no general education requirements or core curriculum.
What makes Grinnell College unique?
Grinnell College, located in central Iowa, allows students to design their own academic paths. With no mandatory core classes, students have the freedom to choose courses that match their interests and career goals.
But that flexibility doesn't mean an easier workload. Survey respondents made it clear that Grinnell students take their studies seriously and spend considerable hours hitting the books.
The college is known for its small class sizes and close relationships between students and faculty. This personalized approach to education helps explain why Grinnell consistently ranks among the top liberal arts colleges in the country.
California Institute of Technology takes the top spot
The California Institute of Technology in Pasadena ranked No. 1 on the list of most studious colleges. Caltech boasts a student-to-faculty ratio of just 3-to-1 and is renowned for its rigorous science and engineering programs.
One Caltech student told the Princeton Review the school is great at keeping students occupied and entertained while at the same time cramming a ridiculous amount of information into our heads.
The full list of the 25 most studious colleges includes a mix of elite research universities, small liberal arts colleges, and specialized technical institutes.
Other top 10 most studious colleges
Here are the schools that rounded out the top 10:
- 2. Harvey Mudd College in Claremont, California
- 3. Franklin W. Olin College of Engineering in Needham, Massachusetts
- 4. Grinnell College in Grinnell, Iowa
- 5. Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology in Terre Haute, Indiana
- 6. Gettysburg College in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
- 7. Centre College in Danville, Kentucky
- 8. Lafayette College in Easton, Pennsylvania
- 9. Princeton University in Princeton, New Jersey
- 10. Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Cambridge, Massachusetts
What this means for Iowa students and families
For Iowa families considering college options, Grinnell's ranking signals that students who attend the school should be prepared for a demanding academic experience. The college's reputation for rigor is well established, and this survey confirms that Grinnell students put in the work.
Grinnell College has long been a point of pride for Iowa, attracting students from across the country who value its unique approach to liberal arts education. The school's placement on this list reinforces its standing as one of the nation's most challenging and rewarding academic environments.
How the survey was conducted
The Princeton Review surveyed 170,000 students at 391 colleges about their campus experiences. The study hours ranking was based on student responses to the question: How many out-of-class hours do you spend studying each day?
The Princeton Review published the list of the 25 schools where students study the most but did not share the average number of study hours reported at each college. The results reflect students' self-reported estimates rather than independently tracked time.
Frequently asked questions about the most studious colleges
Why do students at these colleges study so much?
These schools typically have rigorous curricula, small class sizes, and an interdisciplinary approach to learning. Many are elite institutions with high academic standards that require significant out-of-class work to succeed.
Is Grinnell College a good value for Iowa students?
Grinnell is consistently ranked among the top liberal arts colleges in the nation. While tuition is significant, the college offers substantial financial aid packages, and its academic reputation can open doors for graduates in competitive job markets and graduate school admissions.
How does Grinnell compare to other Iowa colleges?
Grinnell is the only Iowa college to make the top 25 list. Its unique open curriculum and strong academic reputation distinguish it from other institutions in the state.
John Damon is a contributor to Just The News Iowa.