At $25,079/yr net price, Cornell College graduates earn $53,460/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $19,460/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $25,079 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $100,316 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $53,460/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$19,460/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 5.2 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 71.7% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $27,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $18,285/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $17,873/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $22,174/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $26,134/yr |
| $110,001+ | $30,897/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $42,682 | |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $29,685 | $27,000 |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $24,035 | $27,000 |
| English Language and Literature, General. | Bachelor | $23,340 |
The Risk Factor
71.7% of students at Cornell College graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 28% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Cornell College delivers weak financial returns that make it hard to justify the $25,079 annual cost for most students. With median post-graduation earnings of $53,460, you face a lengthy payback period that puts financial stress on your early career years.
The computer science program offers the best financial prospects at $42,682 starting salary, though even this falls short of what you could earn from less expensive state schools with stronger tech industry connections. Education majors earn just $29,685 while carrying the same $27,000 debt load, creating an unsustainable debt-to-income ratio for public school teacher salaries.
Psychology and English majors face particularly poor outcomes, earning around $24,000 annually while servicing substantial student loans. These programs represent poor financial investments given Cornell College's high costs.
The 71% graduation rate signals academic risk, while the 74% retention rate suggests students frequently transfer out after discovering better options. Only 29% of students receive need-based aid, indicating limited financial support for middle-income families who earn too much to qualify but cannot afford full tuition.
You should consider Cornell College only if your family can pay the full cost without borrowing, or if you receive substantial merit scholarships that bring your net price below $15,000 annually. Students needing financial aid or planning careers in education, liberal arts, or social sciences will find better value at Iowa's public universities or regional competitors with stronger alumni networks and lower costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cornell College worth the cost compared to other schools?
Cornell College graduates earn a median of $53,460 ten years after graduation, which is below average for a private college costing $25,079 annually. The return on investment is modest, especially outside of computer science programs.
What are the highest paying majors at Cornell College?
Computer science graduates from Cornell College earn around $42,682, making it the only program with strong earning potential. Education, psychology, and English majors earn significantly less, with starting salaries in the $23,000-$29,000 range.
How much debt do Cornell College students typically graduate with?
Cornell College graduates carry a median debt of $27,000, which is manageable compared to many private colleges. However, this debt burden may be challenging for graduates in lower-paying fields like education and liberal arts.
Does Cornell College provide good financial aid to reduce costs?
Cornell College's net price of $25,079 represents a discount from the full sticker price, but the school still costs more than many state universities. The 71% graduation rate means nearly 3 in 10 students don't finish, losing their investment entirely.