ED and financial aid

topcat0214
Mon, 08 Nov 2004 01:36:43 +0000

No problem, Vesselina! At this point, I’ve been to Grinnell’s campus 6-7 times, and, of course, I talk to my son - so I hope I have something worthwhile to contribute. But there’s nothing like getting the perspective of a student.

Something that has not come up in this forum (lately) is Grinnell’s endowment. Grinnell has one of the highest per capita endowments in the country - and this does translate into some very nice benefits for students. For a small LAC, the facilities are excellent - new science building which will be expanded in the future (not sure when), new arts building. In the area of student quality of life - there are 4 new dorms and construction is underway for a new gym/fitness center and student center/dining hall. The gym will open this year - and I think the student center will open the year after that - just in time for you! A number of these facilities were designed by Cesar Pelli who designed, among other things, the Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur.

Beyond facilities, the endowment allows Grinnell to be generous with financial aid, sponsored internships, and faculty research.

I’d be interested to hear from RaboKarabekian as to whether or not you feel Grinnell still lives up to it’s ultraliberal/alternative reputation? There’s some sense that the student population is becoming a little more “mainstream” and, at the same time, there has been active discussion on campus about the need for more diversity of opinion on social and political issues.