Cornell College: 79.3% Acceptance Rate

79.3%Acceptance

$50,634Tuition

1,074Students

72%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$53,460Earnings

Private nonprofit4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalLiberal ArtsNCAA Division IIIStudy AbroadData: 2023-24United Methodist

About Cornell College

Cornell College operates on a distinctive "One Course At A Time" academic calendar where students focus on just one class for 18 days before moving to the next. This 1,074-student liberal arts college attracts students who thrive with intense, focused learning in Mount Vernon's small-town setting. Notable graduates include travel writer Bill Bryson and former Iowa Governor Terry Branstad. The college accepts 79% of applicants with an average SAT score of 1275.

Students pay an average net price of $25,079 after financial aid, less than the $50,634 sticker price. Graduates earn a median of $53,460 ten years after graduation, though they typically carry $27,000 in debt. With monthly loan payments around $286, the financial picture becomes manageable for most graduates. About 29% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating solid economic diversity.

The 12:1 student-faculty ratio enables close relationships between professors and students during those intensive 18-day courses. About 46% of students participate in athletics across 20 Division III sports as the Rams. The 68% four-year graduation rate reflects the demands of the unique calendar system, though 95% of graduates find employment. Students come from across the country, with only 24% from Iowa.

Academics & Faculty

Cornell College runs on the distinctive One Course At A Time calendar, where students focus on just one class for 18 days before moving to the next. This liberal arts approach means deeper immersion in each subject rather than juggling multiple courses simultaneously. The 12:1 student-faculty ratio creates intense mentoring relationships since professors work closely with small groups. About 68% of students graduate in four years, reflecting the demanding but supportive academic environment. The college is particularly known for strong programs in the sciences and humanities. Students often travel during the brief breaks between courses, using the flexibility for internships, research, or study abroad experiences that complement their concentrated learning.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 12:1
Full-Time Faculty: 100.0%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 67.6%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 71.7%
Retention Rate: 74.2%
Median Earnings (10 years): $53,460
Carnegie Classification: Liberal Arts College

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Campus Life

Cornell College sits in Mount Vernon, a town of 4,500 people about 20 miles from Cedar Rapids. With housing capacity for 1,062 students and total enrollment of 1,074, nearly every student lives on campus in this tight-knit community. Iowa winters demand heavy coats and snow boots, while spring and fall offer pleasant weather for the college's tree-lined campus.

The One Course At A Time calendar shapes everything about daily life here. Students focus intensely on just one class for 18 days, then get a four-day break before starting the next course. This creates an unusual rhythm where everyone shares the same academic stress and relief cycles. With 53.6% men and 46.4% women, the gender balance stays fairly even across the small student body. The 12:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know students personally. On weekends, students often head to nearby Cedar Rapids or Iowa City for entertainment, though campus traditions and the close community keep many on campus. Nearly half of all students (495 out of 1,074) participate in varsity athletics.

Setting: Town-Fringe
Housing Capacity: 1,062 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available
Founded: 1853

Campus Safety (2023)

10 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential
Rape	4	2
Stalking	3	0
Fondling	1	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 12°–30°F
July Avg: 63°–85°F
Annual Precipitation: 38.8"
Annual Snowfall: 34.3"

Student Demographics

Cornell College draws adventurous students from across the country who want to try something completely different. With 76% of students coming from outside Iowa, the One Course At A Time system attracts learners willing to dive deep into intensive 18-day academic blocks. The student body leans slightly male, reflecting strong programs in sciences and athletics with 495 varsity athletes competing across 20 sports. Nearly 29% receive Pell Grants, showing the Methodist-affiliated college's commitment to accessibility. Students here embrace focused learning over traditional multitasking, creating a tight-knit community of academic risk-takers.

Men: 53.6%
Women: 46.4%
White: 71.5%
Black: 8.1%
Hispanic: 10.3%
Asian: 3.1%
In-State Students: 24.1%
Pell Grant Recipients: 29.0%

Location

Mount Vernon, Iowa sits about 20 miles northeast of Cedar Rapids in the heart of the Midwest. This small college town of roughly 4,500 residents centers around Cornell's hilltop campus. The surrounding Linn County landscape features rolling farmland and wooded areas typical of eastern Iowa. With 24% of students coming from in-state, many are familiar with Iowa's agricultural heritage and tight-knit communities. Mount Vernon's historic downtown district provides a classic small-town atmosphere where students frequently interact with longtime residents. The nearest major metropolitan area, Cedar Rapids, offers internships and cultural opportunities within easy driving distance. Students considering colleges in Iowa may also compare Cornell College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Mount Vernon, Iowa 52314-1098

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $53,460
Median Earnings (5 years): $48,083
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $34,500
Loan Repayment Rate: 71.0%
Monthly Loan Payment: $286/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $27,000

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Cornell College?

Cornell College accepts 79.33% of applicants, making it accessible to most qualified students. The middle 50% of admitted students scored between 1170-1380 on the SAT, reflecting solid academic preparation without ultra-competitive standards.

How much does Cornell College cost after financial aid?

While the total cost reaches $63,192, the average net price drops to $25,079 after aid. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $18,285, as the college provides substantial financial support to make attendance affordable.

What makes Cornell College's academic calendar unique?

Cornell operates on the distinctive "One Course At A Time" system where students focus on just one class for 18 intensive days. This format allows for deep immersion and modern teaching methods that set Cornell apart from traditional semester schedules.

What do Cornell College graduates earn after graduation?

Alumni earn a median of $53,460 ten years after graduation, with 94.5% finding employment. The typical graduate leaves with $27,000 in debt and monthly loan payments of $286, representing manageable debt loads for a private liberal arts education.

How big are classes at Cornell College?

With 1,074 students and a 12:1 student-faculty ratio, Cornell maintains small class sizes that foster close relationships with professors. The intimate campus environment means nearly every student can live on campus, as housing accommodates 1,062 students.

Does Cornell College have strong athletic programs?

Cornell fields 20 varsity sports in NCAA Division III competition, with 495 total athletes representing nearly half the student body. The Rams compete in the Midwest Conference, emphasizing the scholar-athlete model without athletic scholarships.