Many thanks to everyone’s input here. The college search is at once a Rorschach test and exercise of introspection. Will update on what they decide.
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Thanks in advance. 
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Grinnell is better resourced, and that gives them an edge on lots of the things money can buy, including high-achieving students, and that ends up being reflected in lots of categories, many of which are part of the ratings.. If your kid is the type to get the most out of any experience, it really doesn’t matter because the education will be excellent at either. Do the exercise of mapping out the 4 year course of study for what interests them, taking into account any general requirements as well as those for the expected major. Look at the sports season, academic calendar, and consider things like study abroad. Sometimes, these things differ greatly and can make a difference.
Grinnell has a different vibe from Whitman. The kids I’ve known who have attended these schools all loved their experience, but they have not been the same types. Happiness matters, so if you’re trying to force your soul somewhere it doesn’t really want to go, pay attention.
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Update: After visiting Grinnell, Whitman is the clear winner. For Grinnell, no amount of endowment money can improve the location. Sort of a charming town, but very isolated with very little to do other than study unless you like shucking corn. The student body seemed disaffected and unhappy for the most part with some exceptions. The admissions team kept discussing how much money they had, and I can see why as it is their biggest selling point IMO. Whitman, on the other hand, had happy students who clearly enjoyed being where they are, and who can argue with the Pacific Northwest? Wow! They’re endowment is quite healthy for a school their size, and they have just raised $200 million one year ahead of schedule in their most recent fundraising campaign - if anyone is getting out their ruler to measure by money. I recognize that individual mileage may vary, but, daggone, US News needs to get a clue (what a racket that thing is, by the way). Many thanks for everyone’s input. I recognize that Grinnell maybe a great fit for some but not this one.
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Thanks for the update!
Go Blues! A warm welcome to you and to your future Whittie! 
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Generic rankings are truly a silly thing.
This is how it is supposed to go–find the colleges that excite YOU, not that do marginally better in a US News formula that very likely is mostly stuff you don’t even care about.
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Glad you found YOUR #1. The kids I know who went to Whitman had very positive experiences. So happy you could visit both and decide for yourself.
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Congrats on the choice! Fit is most important. Hope he has a fabulous college experience.
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