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Cornell College : Overview, Courses, Scholarships & Rankings

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About Cornell College

At Cornell College, students tackle a one-course-at-a-time schedule, so classes feel focused, hands-on, and collaborative. The hilltop campus blends historic brick with studios, labs, rehearsal spaces, and a well stocked library. Academic strengths span the sciences, arts, and humanities, with a reputation for close faculty mentorship and field learning. Support is practical: personal advising, tutoring and writing help, wellness care, and a career center that starts early.

Student life is active and welcoming. You'll find music and theater, cultural orgs, outdoor clubs, intramurals, and trails when you need a breather. The culture is curious and unpretentious; people show up for each other. Career prep runs through internships, research tied to the block, and alumni connections across the Midwest. Mount Vernon's main street sits below campus, and nearby cities add employers, arts, and civic work. Traditions gather on the commons and under the chapel steps.

Key Institutional Details

Contact & Profile

Location
600 First St. SW, Mount Vernon, Iowa, 52314, USA
Unit ID
153162

Academic & Institutional

Control
Private non-profit institution (tuition + donations)
Accreditation
HLC
Length of Study
Programs under 2 years (e.g. certificate or diploma)
Calendar System
Semester system (two main terms per year)
Award Levels
Bachelor's
Master's
Campus Setting
Located in a fringe town (within 10 miles of urbanized area)
Carnegie Classification
Baccalaureate - Arts & Sciences
Tuition & Fees
In-State
$50,634
Tuition $49,970 + Fee $664
Out-of-State
$50,634
Tuition $49,970 + Fee $664
Student Profile
Total Students 1,084
Undergraduate 1,074
Graduate/Other 10
Male: 580 Female: 504
Applications
Total Applicants 3,087
Admitted 2,490
Enrolled 298
Acceptance: 80.7% Yield: 12%
Staff
Total Staff 326
Full-time 270
Part-time 56
Full-time: 82.8% Part-time: 17.2%

Academic Programs & Fields of Study

Cornell College offers 49 degree programs across 18 major academic fields, graduating approximately 253 students annually. The most popular fields by graduate volume are Biological Sciences (3 programs, 33 graduates), Business (5 programs, 31 graduates), Psychology (3 programs, 25 graduates), Kinesiology (3 programs, 22 graduates) and Social Sciences (5 programs, 21 graduates). Explore program details, award levels, and graduate demographics below.

Biological Sciences (3 programs, 33 graduates)
Life Sciences, Biotechnology and Biomedical Research
Program Name Graduates Gender Distribution Award Levels CIP Code
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 27
Bachelor's
26.0210
Biology and Biological Sciences 3
Bachelor's
26.0101
Ecology and Evolutionary Biology 3
Bachelor's
26.1310
Business (5 programs, 31 graduates)
Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship
Program Name Graduates Gender Distribution Award Levels CIP Code
Finance, General 12
Bachelor's
52.0801
Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods 11
Bachelor's
52.1399
Business Economics 6
Bachelor's
52.0601
Human Resources Management 1
Bachelor's
52.1001
Management Science 1
Bachelor's
52.1301
Psychology (3 programs, 25 graduates)
Psychological Sciences, Mental Health and Behavioral Studies
Program Name Graduates Gender Distribution Award Levels CIP Code
General Psychology 15
Bachelor's
42.0101
Behavioral Neuroscience 8
Bachelor's
42.2706
Applied Psychology 2
Bachelor's
42.2813
Kinesiology (3 programs, 22 graduates)
Exercise Science, Sports Medicine and Physical Recreation
Program Name Graduates Gender Distribution Award Levels CIP Code
Exercise Science and Kinesiology 17
Bachelor's
31.0505
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education 4
Bachelor's
31.0501
Physical Fitness Technician 1
Bachelor's
31.0507
Social Sciences (5 programs, 21 graduates)
Sociology, Anthropology and Political Science Studies
Program Name Graduates Gender Distribution Award Levels CIP Code
International Relations 7
Bachelor's
45.0901
Political Science and Government 6
Bachelor's
45.1001
Sociology 4
Bachelor's
45.1101
Anthropology 3
Bachelor's
45.0299
Sociology and Anthropology 1
Bachelor's
45.1301
Education (4 programs, 20 graduates)
Educational Sciences, Teaching Methods and Pedagogy
Program Name Graduates Gender Distribution Award Levels CIP Code
Elementary Education 8
Bachelor's
13.1202
Multiple Level Teacher Education 7
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
13.1206
Secondary Education and Teaching 3
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
13.1205
Music Teacher Education 2
Bachelor's
13.1312
English (2 programs, 16 graduates)
English Literature, Creative Writing and Literary Analysis
Program Name Graduates Gender Distribution Award Levels CIP Code
Creative Writing 12
Bachelor's
Master's
23.1302
Literature 4
Bachelor's
23.1401
Arts (5 programs, 15 graduates)
Fine Arts, Design Studies and Creative Performance
Program Name Graduates Gender Distribution Award Levels CIP Code
Art History and Conservation 6
Bachelor's
50.0703
Art Studies 4
Bachelor's
50.0701
Theatre Arts 3
Bachelor's
50.0501
Musical Theatre 1
Bachelor's
50.0509
Music History, Literature, and Theory 1
Bachelor's
50.0902
Computer & IT (1 programs, 11 graduates)
Computer Science, Information Technology and Cybersecurity
Program Name Graduates Gender Distribution Award Levels CIP Code
Computer Science 11
Bachelor's
11.0701
Engineering (2 programs, 11 graduates)
Engineering Sciences and Applied Technology Solutions
Program Name Graduates Gender Distribution Award Levels CIP Code
General Engineering 10
Bachelor's
14.0101
Engineering Science 1
Bachelor's
14.1301

Admission Requirements & Test Scores

Comprehensive overview of admission criteria, standardized test score ranges, and application requirements for prospective students at Cornell College.

Application Requirements

Secondary School GPA
Required
Formal Demonstration of Competencies
Neither required nor recommended
Personal Statement or Essay
Required
Standardized Test Scores
SAT Scores
The SAT is a standardized college admission test measuring reading, writing, and math skills. Scores range from 400-1600 (combined Evidence-Based Reading & Writing + Math sections).
Composite Score Range
1150 - 1318
25th-75th percentile
Evidence-Based Reading & Writing 580 - 655
Median: 630
Math 570 - 663
Median: 605
ACT Scores
The ACT is a standardized test for college admissions assessing English, math, reading, and science reasoning. Scores range from 1-36 (composite of all sections).
Composite Score Range
23 - 30
25th-75th percentile
English 23 - 31
Median: 27
Math 23 - 28
Median: 25

Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Test score ranges represent the middle 50% of admitted students (25th-75th percentile). Requirements may vary by program.

Tuition, Fees & Estimated Costs

Overview of tuition rates, housing, and other annual education expenses for undergraduate and graduate students

Estimated Total Cost
(In-state)
$66,352
Estimated Total Cost
(Out-state)
$66,352
In-state Tuition (incl. fees)
$50,634
Tuition and fees for students residing in-state
Out-of-state Tuition (incl. fees)
$50,634
Tuition and fees for non-resident students
Room & Board
$11,358
Housing and meal plan expenses
Books & Supplies
$1,200
Average yearly cost of books and study materials
Other Expenses
$3,160
Miscellaneous personal and institutional expenses
Other Expenses (with family)
$2,710
Estimated cost for students living with family
Graduate In-state Tuition (incl. fees)
$2,800
Graduate tuition rates for in-state students
Graduate Out-of-state Tuition (incl. fees)
$2,800
Graduate tuition rates for non-resident students

Financial Aid & Student Support

Summary of scholarships, grants, student loans, and financial aid statistics for undergraduate students

31%
FTFT Aid Recipients
Avg. Grant
$38,486
Avg. Loan
$9,817
Avg. Federal Loan
$5,651
Additional
Students with Any Grant
329
Students who received any type of grant aid
Students with Any Loan
225
Students who received any type of loan-based aid
Students with Federal Grant
98
Students who received a federal grant
Avg. Institutional Grant
$35,628
Average amount of institutional grant awarded

Student Success Metrics

Graduation rates and post-graduation earnings to help assess student outcomes and long-term value of education.

72%
Graduation Rate
Percentage of students who successfully graduate from the institution
74%
First-Year Retention Rate
Percentage of first-year students who continue for a second year
Median Earnings Over Time
$36,797 – $75,013
Salary Range (25th–75th Percentile, 10 Years)
$36,797 (25th %) $75,013 (75th %)
*Median Salary After 10 Years: $53,460
Median Salary After 6 Years
$39,299
Average annual earnings of former students six years after starting college.
Median Salary After 10 Years
$53,460
Average annual earnings of former students ten years after starting college.

Loan Burden & Repayment Outcomes

Breakdown of loan repayment rates and student debt levels by income and dependency status.

3-Year Loan Repayment Rate
71.0%
Share of borrowers who repaid loans within 3 years
Repayment Rate (Graduates Only)
77.0%
Repayment rate among students who completed their program
Median Student Loan Debt
$27,000
Median federal loan debt of undergraduate completers at time of graduation.
Repayment by Income
Low 63.2%
Middle 69.8%
High 76.4%
Repayment by Dependency

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to the most common questions about Cornell College

How much does it cost to attend Cornell College?

The annual tuition at Cornell College is $50,634 for in-state students. When including room and board, books, and other expenses, the total estimated cost is approximately $66,352 for in-state students. Additional costs include room and board $11,358 and books and supplies $1,200.

Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2022-2023 academic year. Tuition and cost estimates are approximate and may not include all fees, personal expenses, or transportation costs.

What academic programs and degree levels does Cornell College offer?

Cornell College offers 49 academic programs across 18 major fields of study, with available degree levels: Bachelor's, Master's.

Most popular program areas include:

  • Life Sciences, Biotechnology and Biomedical Research (3 programs)
  • Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship (5 programs)
  • Psychological Sciences, Mental Health and Behavioral Studies (3 programs)
  • Exercise Science, Sports Medicine and Physical Recreation (3 programs)
  • Sociology, Anthropology and Political Science Studies (5 programs)

Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated, not all offered programs.

What is the acceptance rate for Cornell College?

Cornell College has an 80.7% acceptance rate and a 12% yield rate, making it moderately selective.

Admission statistics breakdown:

  • Total applicants: 3,087
  • Students admitted: 2,490
  • Students enrolled: 298

Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Admission statistics may vary by program and application cycle.

What financial aid and scholarships are available at Cornell College?

Cornell College provides financial aid to 31% of first-time, full-time students, with average grants of $38,486 and average loans of $9,817.

Average financial aid amounts by type:

  • Pell grants: $4,805
  • State/Local grants: $7,931
  • Institutional grants: $35,628
  • Federal loans: $5,651

The university supports 329 students with grants and 225 students with loans annually.

Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Financial aid amounts and percentages may vary by program, enrollment status, and individual circumstances.

What is the average salary for Cornell College graduates?

Cornell College graduates earn a median salary of $39,299 after 6 years and $53,460 after 10 years.

The salary range 10 years after graduation spans from $36,797 (25th percentile) to $75,013 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $77,200 (90th percentile).

Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Salary data reflects graduates who received federal financial aid (approximately 60% of all graduates). Actual earnings may vary significantly based on program, location, and individual circumstances.

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