Cornell College 2026 Admission 80%, Cost $58k

79.90%

Acceptance Rate

$27,840

Avg.Financial Aid

001856

FAFSA Code

College Search

★ Cornell College Report Card

Selectivity

—

79.9% acceptance rate

Academics

62% graduation rate

Class Size

C+

12:1 student-faculty ratio

Value

$52,660 tuition

Grades calculated by The College Monk from IPEDS/NCES data. Methodology: How we grade →

★ Key Facts: Cornell College

Institution: Cornell College
Type: Private not-for-profit

Data compiled by The College Monk from IPEDS/NCES and official university sources. Last verified July 2026. Citable source →

Cornell College

Type Control of Institution - Public/Private
Private, Not-For-Profit
Acceptance Rate:
N/A
Level
4 Years
Religious Affiliation Indicates religious affiliation (denomination) for private not-for-profit institutions that are religiously affiliated.
United Methodist
Accreditation Accreditation is the process by which the quality of learning at various educational institutions are evaluated. Read More.
HLC
Website
www.cornellcollege.edu
Student Population Number of Students attending College
1,086
On Campus Housing Does the institution provide on-campus housing?
Yes

This small Iowa liberal arts college is known for one thing: a genuinely distinctive block schedule where you take one course at a time, full immersion, before moving to the next. It sounds wild, but students and faculty swear by it—you go deep into a subject rather than juggling five courses superficially. The intellectual intensity is real, and the community is tight because everyone's on the same schedule.

Mount Vernon, Iowa isn't a college town in the traditional sense, but the campus is beautiful and intimate. Faculty are seriously engaged with students—the block schedule forces real relationship-building. The student body attracts independent thinkers who want intellectual depth. If you're looking for a rigorous liberal arts education that's genuinely different from the conventional model, Cornell's block schedule is worth serious consideration.

Location & Contact

Address

600 First St. SW, Mount Vernon, Iowa

Contact

Phone: (319) 895-4000

Find Your School

Rankings

Forbes and US News provide rankings to the universities, which are trusted everywhere. But this is applicable only if the universities are located in the US. Cornell College has been ranked at the 436th position among other universities by Forbes. It is to be noted that Forbes decides on the rankings of the college based on common metrics like acceptance rate, endowment, benefits, and SAT scores, among others.

Admissions

Application Deadline Deadline for application submissions. Please contact the school for more details.
1st Feb
Acceptance Rate Percentage of applicants who are accepted in an Institution.
79.90%
SAT Range
1080 - 1320
SAT/ACT
Recommended
ACT Range
23 - 30
High School GPA
Required
Application Fee
FALSE$
Accept Common App
Yes

Admission to the university is easy and the students are recommeded to make the most out of it. The varsity has 1 admission thresholds. A non-refundable fee, along with the application form, is required to be deposited by the students, in order to complete the process. If the SAT score of a student lies in the range of 1100-1345, it would improve her chances. A candidate, in order to take admission to Cornell College, must score 26 in her ACTs. But, in certain cases, those having ACT scores less than 23 are also given admission. As expected, the candidates can complete the process either online or by visiting the school's office at 600 First St. SW, Mount Vernon, Iowa 52314-1098. To gather more information, they can call them at (319) 895-4000.

Full Admission Info Find College Scholarships Request Info

Annual Cost to Attend

Net Price Cost of attendance minus any grants and scholarships received.
$23,634
Average Annual Cost
$52,660

Additional Costs:

Books And Supplies
$58,381
Other Fees
$425
Room And Board The charges for an academic year for Rooming accommodations and meals for a typical student.
$9,384
Budget For Other Expenses
$5,375

Total One Year Cost

$58,381

The next two things to keep in mind before applying to CC are the tuition fees and the cost of living during the course tenure. The annual full-time cost of attendance comes out to be approximately $60,337. This cost consists of the average annual tuition cost ($43,976), books and supplies ($1,200), room and boarding ($9,760), and budget for other expenses ($5,401). If it sounds unaffordable to the applicant, there are numerous financial aid options available that they can explore.

Explore Programs Explore Student Loans Explore Tuition and Cost

Academics

Highest Degree Offered The highest degree offered by the Institution.

Bachelor's degree

Student:Faculty Ratio

12:1

Full-Time Retention Rate Percent of the that re-enrolled at the institution as either full- or part-time in the current year.

80%

Part-Time Retention Rate Percent of the that re-enrolled at the institution as either full- or part-time in the current year.

N/A

Academic Calendar

Semester

Research Funding per Student

$70

Faculty Overview

47%

Male Professors

53%

Female Professors

Non-traditional Learning

Evening Degree Programs

Teacher Certification

Distance Education

Study Abroad

Majors

Student Body

Undergraduate Students

1,028

Socio-Economic Diversity Percent of full-time, first-time students receiving an income-based Federal Pell Grant intended for low-income students.

29%

Full-time / Part-time

99% / 1%

Students Gender

Male

52%

US National: 44%

Female

48%

US National: 56%

LGBTQIA STUDENT RESOURCE GROUPS

ON CAMPUS WOMEN'S CENTER

Race/Ethnicity

White

69%

Unknown

Black

Hispanic

Two or more races

Non Resident alien

Asian

American Indian/Alaska native

Native Hawaiians/Pacific islander

Geographic Density

High

Unknown Location

74%

Out Of State

20%

In State

Foreign

Economic Diversity

36% percentage of students who recieved an income-based Federal Pell Grant intended for low-income students.

Median Household Income

$67,428 per year

Campus Life

Housing

The students can reside on campus and 99% of Freshman Live On-Campus.

On Campus Housing Available

Yes

Freshmen Required to Live on Campus

Freshmen Live on Campus

99%

Undergrads in College Housing

Averege Housing Cost

$4,326/year

Campus Food

The institution has several dining and meal plan options available to students and the average meal plan cost is around $5,058/year.

Meal Plan Available

Yes

Average Meal Plan Available

$5,058/year

Athletes

Division Sports Nickname

Rams

School Colors

purple and white

Varsity Athletics Association

NCAA

Varsity Athletics Conference Primary

Midwest Conference

Total Male Athletes

237

Total Female Athletes

115

Intramural Sports

Sports Club

Sports Team (Men)

Baseball

Basketball

Cross Country

Football

Lacrosse

Soccer

Tennis

Track and Field

Wrestling

Sports Team (Women)

Basketball

Cross Country

Lacrosse

Soccer

Softball

Tennis

Track and Field

Volleyball

Campus Security

Students who want to enjoy the campus and lodging life can benefit from the on-campus housing facility provided by CC. At CC, $9,760 is the normal expense for on-campus housing, which a student will be needed to pay, each year. The average meal plan at CC costs around $5,058 a year. Notably, students at the varsity get to choose from various dining and meal plan options as well. The college considers the safety and security of its students to be paramount. At CC, campus safety and security features include 24-hr security patrol, campus emergency phones, 24-hr escort safety rides and mobile campus emergency alert. The college has enrolled around 53% male and 47% female students.

24-Hour Security Patrol

Campus Emergency Phones

24-Hour Escort Safety rides

Mobile Campus Emergency Alert

After Graduation

Median Earnings 6 Years After Graduation

$32,600/year

Median Earnings 10 Years After Graduation

$43,000/year

Median Total Debt After Graduation The median cumulative federal debt of undergraduate borrowers who graduated.

$25,247 - $27,000

Typical Monthly Loan Payment The median monthly loan payment for student borrowers who completed, if it were repaid over 10 years at a 4.53% interest rate.

$262 - $280

Outcomes 8 Years of Attending

Show data for students who

and started their studies

Out of 7,811 students

30% Graduated

10% Still Enrolled

15% Transfer

1% Withdraw

Financial Aid

Students Receiving Gift Aid Percent of undergraduate students awarded federal gift aid.

100%

Average Aid Per Year

$27,840

Students Receiving Federal Grants

22%

Average Aid Per Year

$4,430

Students Receiving State Aid

Average Aid Per Year

$5,456

Students Receiving Institutional Grants

100%

Average Aid Per Year

$26,392

Average Grant & Scholarship by Family Income Aid awarded based on the family income.

Income

Average Amount

< $30K

$33,021

$30K - $48K

$32,773

$48K - $75K

$32,614

$75K - $110K

$28,678

> $110K

$24,390

Total Needs based Scholarships/Grants

$18,350,721

Total Non-Needs based Scholarships/Grants

$7,928,106

In case the students at Cornell College face any financial issues concerning the fees and cost of living, and find the same to be high, they can seek help from the financial aid department of the varsity. It focuses on settling the issues that students face, and candidates can be assisted with scholarships, grants, and student loans. The average financial aid at Cornell College is around $27,661 and the federal grant is $4,855. The college provides financial assistance in the form of state-level aid worth $5,783 and institutional aid worth $27,661. The total need-based scholarships/grants offered at CC based on students' financial needs add up to $18,350,721 per year. Meanwhile, the total non-need-based scholarships/grants in a year come to around $7,928,106.

Explore Financial Aid & Scholarships

Frequently Asked Questions About Cornell College

How hard is it to get into Cornell College?

Cornell College is moderately selective, with an acceptance rate of 79.9%. Strong applicants typically have above-average test scores, a rigorous course load, and compelling extracurricular activities.

How much does Cornell College cost?

Tuition at Cornell College is approximately $52,660 per year before financial aid. Room, board, fees, and personal expenses add to the total cost of attendance. Most students receive scholarships or financial aid that reduces the net price.

How many students attend Cornell College?

Cornell College enrolls approximately 1,086 students across its programs.

What is the graduation rate at Cornell College?

The graduation rate at Cornell College is 62%, reflecting the percentage of students who complete their degree within the standard timeframe.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Cornell College?

The student-faculty ratio at Cornell College is 12:1, meaning students typically have good access to faculty for mentoring, research, and smaller class experiences.

What SAT and ACT scores do I need for Cornell College?

Cornell College typically admits students with SAT scores in the range of 575-655 (Reading) and 545-630 (Math) and ACT composite scores of 23-30. Check the admissions office for the most current testing requirements and whether test-optional policies apply.

Is Cornell College a public or private university?

Cornell College is a private not-for-profit institution.

When is the application deadline for Cornell College?

Application deadlines at Cornell College vary by program. Early Decision and Early Action applicants typically submit in November, while Regular Decision deadlines fall in early January. Always check the official admissions website for the current cycle's dates.

Other Colleges In Iowa

Coe College

Cedar Rapids, Iowa 4 years Private Not-For-Profit

University of Iowa

Iowa City, Iowa 4 years Public

University of Northern Iowa (UNI)

Cedar Falls, Iowa 4 years Public

View All Colleges in Iowa

Near By Colleges

Carlson College of Massage Therapy

Anamosa, Iowa -2 years Private For-Profit

Kirkwood Community College

Cedar Rapids, Iowa 2 years Public

Mount Mercy University

Mount Mercy University which is a private, Roman Catholic university, is located in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. At Mount Mercy University, around 71% of the students are 24 and under. And, when it comes to gender distribution at the varsity, around 68% of the students are females and 32% are males. Finally,

Cedar Rapids, Iowa 4 years Private For-Profit

View all colleges nearby

Other Private not-for-profit Colleges

Dallas Theological Seminary (DTS)

Dallas, Texas 4 years Private Not-For-Profit

DePaul University

Chicago, Illinois 4 years Private Not-For-Profit

University of Northwestern Ohio (UNOH)

Located in Lima, OH, University of Northwestern Ohio is a private university. In 1920, University of Northwestern Ohio was founded. Notably, the official colors of the university are burgundy and gray. Out of total 4,500 students enrolled at UNO, 3,158 belong to undergraduate courses while 63 are po

Lima, Ohio 4 years Private Not-For-Profit

View All Private not-for-profit Colleges

Need Expert College Admissions Guidance?

Our admissions consultants — HEC Paris & UCL alumni — have helped students get into top universities worldwide. Free initial consultation.

Get Free Consultation →

Cornell College — 2026 Profile - Mount Vernon, Iowa

★ Cornell College Report Card

★ Key Facts: Cornell College

Cornell College

Location & Contact

Rankings

Admissions

Annual Cost to Attend

Academics

Majors

Student Body

Students Gender

Geographic Density

Economic Diversity

Campus Life

After Graduation

Outcomes 8 Years of Attending

Financial Aid

Average Grant & Scholarship by Family Income Aid awarded based on the family income.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cornell College

Other Colleges In Iowa

Near By Colleges

Other Private not-for-profit Colleges

Student Reviews

Write a Review

★ Cornell College Report Card

★ Key Facts: Cornell College

Cornell College

Location & Contact

Rankings

Admissions

Annual Cost to Attend

Academics

Majors

Student Body

Students Gender

Geographic Density

Economic Diversity

Campus Life

After Graduation

Outcomes 8 Years of Attending

Financial Aid

Average Grant & Scholarship by Family Income Aid awarded based on the family income.

📖 Related Reading about Cornell College

Colleges That Superscore the ACT 2026: Complete List

When Is Spring Break 2026? [USA Colleges & Universities]

The Coalition Application and Schools that Accept it in 2026

Cornell College SAT Scores, ACT Scores & GPA 2026

Frequently Asked Questions About Cornell College

Other Colleges In Iowa

Near By Colleges

Other Private not-for-profit Colleges

The College Monk Blog

Student Reviews

Write a Review