Cornell College Overview

Cornell College is a four-year, full-time, selective, lower transfer-in, higher education institution located in Mount Vernon, IA. It has an enrollment of 1,045 undergraduate students. The admissions acceptance rate is 81.10%.

The average annual cost of attendance after financial aid is $21,543. Tuition is $47,726.00 without financial aid.

Cornell College is a predominantly bachelor’s-degree granting school.

At Cornell College, 77.93% of students return after freshman year (national average: 68%).

Cornell College has a student-to-faculty ratio of 12 to 1.

Cornell College Website

Cornell College Admissions

For the incoming class in 2023, the acceptance rate was 81.10%.

SAT or ACT scores are considered but not required.

• The average SAT score was 1283.0 for the incoming class of 2023.
• The median ACT score was 27.0 for the incoming class to 2023.

Cornell College Cost

The average annual cost of attendance after financial aid is $21,543.

The average tuition is:

• $17,340, when family income is less than $30,000

• $16,660, when family income is between $30,001 and $48,000 

• $17,834, when family income is between $48,001 and $75,000

• $23,497, when family income is between $75,001 and $110,000

• $26,392, when family income is more than $110,000 

The average tuition shown here is based on the NET costs to students who receive financial aid. For the incoming class of 2023, 57.68% of students received a federal student loan and 23.65% of students received a Pell Grant.

Tuition is $47,726.00 without financial aid.

Cornell College Net Price Calculator

Cornell College Majors/Salaries

Cornell College has academic offerings within the core majors listed below.  

Please note that different schools classify majors differently, so it is best to view the school’s website to see the various programs it offers. See detailed information about the individual majors at Cornell College here.

Recent Graduate Salaries

(Average salaries of students from select majors two years after graduation)

• Computer Science. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $42,682
• Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $29,685
• English Language and Literature, General. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $23,340
• Psychology, General. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $24,035

Cornell College Diversity

The racial diversity of students who received financial aid at Cornell College

• American Indian/Alaska Native: 0.96%
• Asian: 3.35%
• Black: 7.18%
• Hispanic: 8.23%
• Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander: 0.38%
• Non-resident alien: 2.97%
• Two or more races: 1.63%
• Unknown: 1.82%
• White: 73.49%

At Cornell College, 0.86% of undergraduate students are 25 years old, or older.

Cornell College Frequently Asked Questions

How is school spirit at Cornell College?

Cornell College, located in Mount Vernon, Iowa, has a strong tradition of school spirit and pride. The college boasts a supportive community, engaged alumni, and a lively campus culture. Students can get involved in a variety of clubs, organizations, and athletic teams, including the Rams athletic program, which includes 19 NCAA Division III sports teams. Cornell College also has several traditions that promote school spirit, such as the annual paint the town purple event, where students, faculty, and staff paint the town purple in honor of the college’s colors. Additionally, the college hosts numerous events throughout the year, including pep rallies, homecoming celebrations, and spirit weeks, all of which help foster a strong sense of school spirit and pride.

What are some popular extracurriculars at Cornell College?

Cornell College offers a wide range of extracurricular activities for their students. Some popular extracurriculars at Cornell College include: 1. Athletics: Cornell College offers 19 varsity sports teams for both men and women, and many students participate in intramural and recreational sports as well. 2. Music and the arts: There are various music ensembles, theater productions, and visual arts programs available for students to get involved in. 3. Clubs and organizations: Cornell College has over 100 different clubs and organizations on campus, ranging from academic clubs to service organizations to social groups. 4. Greek life: There are several fraternities and sororities on campus that offer opportunities for leadership, community service, and social events. 5. Campus leadership: Cornell College has many leadership opportunities, including student government, orientation leaders, and peer mentors. Overall, Cornell College offers a wide range of extracurricular activities to meet the diverse interests of their students.

How are the food choices at Cornell College?

Cornell College has a variety of food options available to its students. The college has a dining hall, which serves three meals a day, and also has several retail food locations on campus, including an on-campus coffee shop, a convenience store, and a grill-style restaurant. Additionally, Cornell College has a variety of meal plan options and dietary accommodations available to students, including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. Overall, students generally find that Cornell College has a good selection of food choices and is accommodating to individual dietary needs.

Is there Greek life at Cornell College?

Yes, Cornell College does have Greek life on campus. There are five fraternities and two sororities at Cornell College. These organizations offer students opportunities to socialize, engage in community service, and develop leadership skills. However, it is important to note that Greek life is not a major component of the college’s social scene and joining a fraternity or sorority is entirely optional.

What is Cornell College known for?

Cornell College is known for its One Course At A Time (OCAAT) curriculum, which allows students to fully immerse themselves in one subject for three and a half weeks before moving on to the next class. This unique system encourages in-depth learning, creates strong faculty-student relationships, and allows for more experiential learning opportunities. Cornell College is also known for its strong programs in the arts, humanities, and social sciences. Additionally, Cornell College is recognized for its beautiful rural campus located in Mount Vernon, Iowa.

What are the most popular school clubs at Cornell College?

Cornell College, located in Mount Vernon, Iowa, has a variety of campus organizations and clubs to suit the diverse interests of its students. The most popular school clubs at Cornell College include: 1. Student Government Association: This is the student incorporated body that provides student involvement in college governance and decision-making. 2. Cornell College Radio Station: KCSW is a student-run radio station that covers music, talk shows, news, and sports. 3. Cornell College Democrats and Republicans: These two political clubs are open to all students who are interested in politics and other public affairs. 4. Theatre and Fine Arts: Students interested in theatre and fine arts can join clubs like Oneota Film Festival, Cornell Organization of Theatre Students (COTS), and ENACTUS. 5. Social Advocacy Clubs: The college is home to several advocacy organizations such as Black Student Union (BSU), Feminists United, and Diversity & Inclusion Team that focuses on racial justice, women’s rights, and LGBTQ+ rights. 6. Outdoor Adventure Club: The club organizes hiking, camping, kayaking, and other outdoor activities that enable students to make friends and explore the surrounding natural resources. Cornell College offers over 60 clubs and organizations to its students, and they are all led by active student councils.

Is the campus at Cornell College safe?

Cornell College, located in Mount Vernon, Iowa, is considered to be a safe campus. In 2021, the campus was awarded a Top 10 Safest College Campuses in the United States by Alarm.org. The college has a campus security department that operates 24/7 and provides a variety of safety services, such as emergency response and crime prevention education. Additionally, the campus has a low crime rate, and there are several safety measures in place, such as security cameras and emergency phones located throughout the campus.