Private nonprofit Institution

Cornell College — Mount Vernon, Iowa

Annual Tuition $50,634

Estimated Out-of-Pocket

Acceptance 80.7%

Open Admission

Enrollment 1,074

Active Students

Avg. Salary $53,460

After 10 Years

Institutional Profile

Location Mount Vernon, Iowa
Institution type Private nonprofit
Accreditation Higher Learning Commission
Founded 12/1/1965

Academic Mission & Environment

"Cornell College stands as a pillar of higher education in Mount Vernon, providing a robust academic foundation for 1,074 students. The institution is recognized for its dedication to career-ready outcomes and community impact."

Campus Setting Urban Campus
Student Focus High Employment ROI

What programs does Cornell College offer?

Discover the most popular degrees and fields of study at Cornell College. These programs represent the institution's primary areas of academic focus and professional preparation.

Business & Marketing
17.8%

Enrollment Share

Biological Sciences
14.1%

Enrollment Share

Parks & Recreation
8.7%

Enrollment Share

Social Sciences
7%

Enrollment Share

Computer Science
6.5%

Enrollment Share

Engineering
6.5%

Enrollment Share

Institutional Choice

Best Business & Marketing College

Positioned as a premier hub for future executives...

Strategic Profile Audited
Institutional Choice

Best Biological Sciences College

The Biological Sciences program at Cornell College provides a comprehensive education...

Strategic Profile Audited
Institutional Choice

Best Parks & Recreation College

The Parks & Recreation program at Cornell College provides a comprehensive education...

Strategic Profile Audited
Institutional Choice

Best Social Sciences College

The Social Sciences program at Cornell College provides a comprehensive education...

Strategic Profile Audited
Institutional Choice

Best Computer Science College

The Computer Science department is a hub for cutting-edge research...

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Institutional Choice

Best Engineering College

The Engineering curriculum focuses on innovation and real-world problem solving...

Strategic Profile Audited

What is the acceptance rate at Cornell College?

Admissions & Selectivity Dashboard — 2026

Acceptance 80.7%
Difficulty Low

Cornell College maintains an acceptance rate of 80.7%, reflecting its status as a open admission institution. The admissions process evaluates academic potential alongside standardized testing trends to ensure a balanced student body.

Test Requirement SAT/ACT scores are considered but not required.

Student Body Composition

Men Enrollment 53.6%
Women Enrollment 46.4%

Test Score Ranges (25th - 75th Percentile)

SAT Reading 580 - 655
SAT Mathematics 570 - 663
ACT English 23 - 31
ACT Mathematics 23 - 28
Expert Insight

Competitive scores often fall within or exceed these typical 50% benchmarks for admitted students.

How much does Cornell College cost in 2026?

In-State Tuition $50,634
Out-of-State Tuition $50,634

Financial Support Snapshot

Pell Grant Rate 29%
Median Student Debt $27,000

ROI Insight

With a tuition of only $50,634, graduates see a median starting salary of $53,460, making it one of the most affordable pathways in Iowa.

What salary can Cornell College graduates expect?

Avg. Early Career Salary $53,460

10 years after entry

Graduation Rate 71.7%

Investment Analysis & ROI

Average Net Price $25,079
Median Salary (6yr) $39,299
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio Above Average
Career Stability Index High

What is student life like at Cornell College in Mount Vernon?

1,074 Students

Gender Comparison

53.6% Men
46.4% Women
Male Enrollment Female Enrollment

Retention & Enrollment

74.2%
Retention First-year
0%
Full-time Enrollment

Diversity & Ethnicity

American Indian
1.1%
Pacific Islander
0.3%
Asian
3.1%
Black
8.1%
White
71.5%
Unknown
1.8%
Hispanic
10.3%
Two or More Races
0.9%
International
2.9%

Campus Demographics

🎂
Avg. Age at Entry 19
🎓
First-Generation 19.6%
💰
Receive Pell Grant 42.7%

Student Economic Background

Median Household Income $67,428
Average Family Income $96,782
Median Family Income $80,000

Faculty Profile

Faculty Gender

47.6%
52.4%
Women Men
Premium Campus Location

Explore the Mount Vernon Campus Environment

Located at 600 First St. SW, Cornell College offers a strategic urban setting that connects students with the economic and cultural heart of Iowa. Use our verified map utility to plan your visit or explore nearby professional hubs.

Campus Setting Urban / Metropolitan
Access High Connectivity

Common Questions about Cornell College

Is Cornell College a good college in Mount Vernon, Iowa?
Cornell College is a recognized institution in Mount Vernon with an enrollment of 1,074 students. It is accredited by Higher Learning Commission and offers a robust ROI for students in Iowa based on Department of Education data.
Is Cornell College worth attending in 2026?
Yes, Cornell College offers exceptional value with an average net price of $0 and median graduate earnings of $53,460. The institution's focus on professional outcomes makes it a strong investment for 2026.
How much does Cornell College cost for Iowa residents in 2026?
For the 2026 academic year, in-state tuition at Cornell College is approximately $50,634. In addition, out-of-state tuition is $50,634. Financial aid and Pell Grants significantly reduce this cost for most local residents.
What is the real cost of Cornell College after financial aid and FAFSA?
The real cost of attending Cornell College for most students is its average net price of $0. Approximately 42.7% of students receive Pell Grants and FAFSA-based aid to offset costs.
Is Cornell College good for Business & Marketing and Biological Sciences programs?
Cornell College is highly regarded for its Business & Marketing and Biological Sciences programs. These tracks are among the most popular, preparing students for immediate career entry.
What career can I get after attending Cornell College?
Graduates of Cornell College often transition into high-demand roles in fields like Business & Marketing. With a median salary of $53,460, the college provides a clear pathway to professional advancement.
What are the admission requirements for Cornell College?
Cornell College operates with a Open Admission policy. This typically includes a simplified application process focused on accessibility and student success regardless of past standardized test scores.
Does Cornell College require SAT or ACT scores for admission?
No, Cornell College follows a open admission policy for the 2026 cycle. Standardized test scores like the SAT or ACT are not required for general admission.
What salary can Cornell College graduates expect after 10 years?
Graduates of Cornell College earn a median salary of $53,460 after 10 years. This demonstrates long-term professional stability and growth.
Is Cornell College a good investment compared to other IA colleges?
Cornell College stands out as a high-value investment in Iowa. With an average net price of only $0, it offers one of the most affordable pathways to a degree and a professional career in the state.
Where is Cornell College located and what is the campus like?
Cornell College is located at 600 First St. SW in Mount Vernon, IA. The campus provides a dynamic environment serving a diverse student body of 1,074 learners.
Who typically attends Cornell College in Mount Vernon, IA?
The student body at Cornell College is diverse and career-focused. Approximately 19.6% are first-generation students, reflecting a community of motivated, real-world learners.
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2026 Rankings: Iowa

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