GRINNELL, Iowa – November 10, 2026 -- Grinnell College will meet 100% of demonstrated financial need for first-generation scholars admitted through a new partnership with College Track, which becomes the nonprofit's 24th college and university partnership. The first cohort enrolls in fall 2028.
College Track makes a 10-year commitment to each scholar, from ninth grade through college graduation. The partnership extends the organization's network across 13 communities nationwide. Scholars come from California, Colorado, Louisiana and the D.C.-Maryland area.
Grinnell commits to full need-based aid up to cost of attendance
Grinnell may admit a cohort of College Track scholars each year, subject to admissibility. It will meet each admitted scholar's demonstrated financial need up to the full cost of attendance, through need-based and merit-based programs.
Grinnell will also host select scholars at a fall fly-in program and admitted scholars at a spring admitted-student program. Both are free of charge, letting students see the campus before committing.
College Track coaches will operate from dedicated space on Grinnell's campus
Scholars will receive one-on-one coaching, career readiness support, financial literacy education and community-building services. College Track coaches will continue working with them through graduation. Admitted scholars will enroll together as a cohort.
College Track President and CEO Shirley M. Collado said the deal combines the organization's cohort model and on-campus College Thrive coaching with Grinnell's first-generation support. Cost and distance often rule out a selective residential college far from home for first-generation students before an application is submitted, according to the release.
College Track scholars graduate at more than twice the national first-generation rate
College Track serves more than 4,500 high school and college students. Of these, 93% are the first in their family to attend college, and 90% come from under-resourced communities. Its scholars earn bachelor's degrees at more than two times the national rate for first-generation peers.
Elvis, a College Track scholar from New Orleans, was not considering Grinnell as a high school senior. Now in his final year, he plans to pursue a master's in mechanical engineering.