Cornell College
About Cornell College
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
Cornell College is a private university in Mount Vernon, IA. It has a 79.3% acceptance rate and a 63.4% graduation rate, serving approximately 1,056 students.
Founded
1853
Location
Mount Vernon, Iowa
Students
1,086
Institution
Private
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
79.9%
Open admission
Graduation Rate
61.8%
Near national average
Tuition
$52,660
Per year
Avg Net Price
$23,634
After financial aid
SAT Average
1234
Out of 1600
Median Earnings
$53,460
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Moderate
Most students who apply are accepted
How to Apply
Test Policy
Test Optional
Application Fee
Free
Early
N/A
Deadline
May 1
Cornell College accepts the majority of applicants at 79.9%. If you meet the basic requirements, this is an accessible option worth considering.
SAT Scores
1234/ 1600
ACT Scores
27/ 36
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Average
61.8% complete their degree within six years
Retention
79.5%
4-Year Grad
60%
6-Year Grad
64%
Teaching Quality
13:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
100%
$/Student
$13.2K
Class Size
Medium
60% of students graduate on time. That's above the national average, but researching academic support resources before you enroll is always a smart move.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$52,660
Annual Tuition
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$11,850
Books & Supplies
$1,320
Total Cost of Attendance
$66,249
After Financial Aid
$23,634
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$16,409
Receive Grants
32.1%
Take Loans
65.3%
Don't let the $52,660 sticker price scare you. Most students pay around $23,634 after financial aid, a 55% discount. Families earning under $30K pay closer to $16,409.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at Cornell College fund their education.
While in School
32.1%
Get Grants
Free money
65.3%
Take Loans
Must repay
$80,000
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$27,000
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$286/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
The $27,000 median debt is above average, but graduates earn $53K within ten years. The numbers suggest the investment pays off for most students.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends Cornell College.
Gender
46.3%
Female
54%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
1,086
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
N/A
Graduates
19.6%
First-Gen
19 yrs
Avg Age
0.4%
Age 25+
The campus has a balanced gender split (46% women, 54% men). 19.6% are first-generation college students.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
Town: Fringe
Campus Quick Facts
1,086
Students
private
Institution
Small
Campus Size
Liberal Arts
Classification
What This College Offers
Semester calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
No
Teacher Cert
Yes
ROTC
No
Evening College
No
Online Programs
No
Job Placement
No
Career Counseling
Yes
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
Cornell College fields 12 varsity teams with 596 student athletes, about 55% of the student body.
Division
NCAA
Division III with football
Conference
Midwest
The league its teams compete in
Varsity Sports
12
Biggest: Football
Student Athletes
596
55% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
67% / 33%
399
Men
197
Women
10
Men's Teams
10
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
Every Varsity Team
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of Cornell Collegeearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$53,460
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
$42K
24 grads
1yr Earnings
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness
$35K
18 grads
1yr Earnings
Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
$39K
16 grads
1yr Earnings
Computer Science
$85K
15 grads
4yr Earnings
Fine and Studio Arts
$38K
13 grads
4yr Earnings
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
$43K
11 grads
1yr Earnings
Graduates earn about $39K six years out, growing to $53K by year ten. Above average, though your choice of major will be the biggest factor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Cornell College
What is the acceptance rate at Cornell College?▾
How much does Cornell College cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at Cornell College?▾
How much do Cornell College graduates earn?▾
Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.