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Mount Vernon , IA
Cornell College, located in Mount Vernon, Iowa, is a small private liberal arts college known for its distinctive One Course At A Time curriculum. With an enrollment of around 1,000 students, Cornell provides an intimate learning environment where students can engage deeply with their academic pursuits. The college offers 45 majors in various fields, ranging from the sciences to humanities, and provides abundant opportunities for experiential learning through internships, research projects, and off-campus study programs. Cornell College also boasts a diverse and inclusive community, where students from different backgrounds can collaborate and grow together.
At the heart of Cornell College's academic approach is its unique One Course At A Time schedule. This schedule consists of 18-credit semesters, with students focusing exclusively on one subject for three and a half weeks before moving on to the next course. This concentrated format allows students to fully immerse themselves in a subject, fostering deep understanding and creating an intensive learning experience. Professors use this uninterrupted time to facilitate hands-on learning, interactive discussions, and meaningful research, resulting in engaged and active learning environments.
Beyond academics, Cornell College provides a comprehensive support system to help students thrive. The campus offers various resources, including academic support centers, career development services, and health and wellness programs. With more than 80 student organizations, students can get involved in a diverse range of extracurricular activities, from cultural clubs to sports teams. The college also encourages community service and social responsibility through programs like the Civic Engagement Initiative, which promotes civic engagement and community involvement among students.
In summary, Cornell College offers a unique and dynamic educational experience through its One Course At A Time curriculum. This small liberal arts college provides a close-knit community that values academic excellence, experiential learning, and personal growth. With its commitment to diversity and inclusion, as well as a range of support services and extracurricular opportunities, Cornell College is dedicated to nurturing well-rounded individuals who are prepared for success in their chosen fields and active contributors to society.
Located in Mount Vernon, IA, Cornell College is a private comprehensive higher education institution. It has an acceptance rate of 80%. The freshman retention rate at Cornell College is 74% and the six-year graduation rate is 72%.
Read more about what Cornell College has to offer based on the most recent data this institution has reported.
Quick Facts
1,085
Total Number of Undergraduate Students
$54,056
Tuition
12:1
Student to Faculty Ratio
72%
Graduation Rate
Admissions
If you find out as much as possible about the school's criteria for admission, your chances of getting accepted will significantly improve. Here are the most vital facts you need to know about admission at Cornell College.
According to the most recent data, this school uses standardized test scores for admission and it admitted 2,490 in 2024. Cornell College has an official test-optional admission policy but takes into consideration standardized test scores in cases when they are submitted by the student.
Test Scores
Out of the number of students who submitted test scores, the percentage of first-time, first-year degree-seeking students who submitted SAT scores was 14% and ACT scores 28%. 12% of the freshmen submitted SAT composite scores between 1,400 and 1,600, 47% between 1,200 and 1,399, 35% between 1,000 and 1,199, and 6% of the students between 800 and 999. The percent of incoming freshmen who submitted ACT Composite scores in the range between 30-36 was 25, 45 between 24-29, 28 in the range between 18-23, and 2 between 12-17.
The ACT composite average score for all the admitted students in 2024 was 26 and the average GPA was 3.6. That means that you need a GPA that's above average in order to get into Cornell College; the same goes for your ACT score.
The new students had an average SAT Critical Reading score of 638 and an average SAT Math score of 621.
Retention Rate
What is the freshman retention rate? The freshman retention rate is the percentage of full-time students who entered the institution as freshmen in the previous academic year and returned for the fall term of the current academic year. When you create your list of possible schools to attend, you should consider the freshman retention rate, among other things.
The freshman retention rate for Cornell College was 74% in 2024, reflecting the superb quality of the educational programs at this institution.
Another important metric to consider is the graduation rate. This rate indicates how many students finish their degrees within a certain timeframe. The six-year graduation rate at this school is 72%, which is considered an above-average graduation rate.
Student Body
Making the choice of which school is the optimal match for you is not easy. Knowing more about the student population can help you get a better idea of the school's culture and life.
Main Student Body
In 2024, the institution had an enrollment of 1,087 students.
That year, the school had 68.8% of students coming from another state. There was a total of 1,085 undergraduate students, including 31 international students. The school admitted a total of 41 transfer students.
Student Population Gender Ratio
With a coeducational student body, the school had 566 male and 464 female full-time students in 2024. 2 full-time graduate men and 5 full-time graduate women attended this school.
Student Population Diversity
When it comes to improving a sense of inclusion and belonging among students, there is no denying the importance of student diversity. In a diverse learning space, you will be exposed to people from different backgrounds, which promotes the feeling of inclusion and acceptance. Find out more about different ethnic groups you can meet at Cornell College.
In 2024, out of the total number of students enrolled at the institution, the number of Asian students was 33, and the number of African American students was 87. 111 undergraduate students at this school identified as Hispanic/Latino and 10 as multirace. The school also had 3 students who identified as Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander, and 12 American Indian or Alaska Native students. There were also 19 students whose ethnicity is unknown.
Cost
One of the most crucial things to take into account when applying to any college or university is the financial component. The most recent data reported regarding the expenses for attending this school are detailed below.
Tuition and Fees
Wondering about tuition at Cornell College? Here is what you need to know.
Tuition fees per academic year for full-time domestic students were $54,056 in 2024. Cornell College is a private institution, so tuition is the same for all the accepted students. Fees per academic year required of full-time students came to a total of $720 in 2024.
Books and Supplies
When you try to estimate the cost of attendance for a college or university, you need to consider the cost of books and supplies you're going to need. Most students have to pay about $720 for books and supplies during their time at Cornell College.
Boarding
When choosing a college, you should factor in the price of a dorm room and meals at the school cafeteria. What do colleges and universities typically charge for room and board?
At Cornell College, the 2024 annual cost of room and board (on campus) was $12,064. Room-only (on campus) cost per academic year at this school cost $5,528, according to the data from 2024. The estimated expense of room-only (on campus) for commuters not living at home was also $5,528.
| Expense Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Tuition | $ 54,056 |
| Room and Board | $ 12,064 |
| Book and Supplies | $ 720 |
| Total Expense | $ 66,840 |
Financial Aid
Grants, loans, scholarships, work-study programs: these are all different types of financial help available to students. If you wish to find out more about need-based and non-need-based aid at Cornell College, here are some recent data you should take into consideration.
The most recent records show that 227 freshmen received some sort of financial help. The average amount of financial aid given to students was $44,743.
Need-based
Need-based financial aid is exactly what it sounds like — it’s awarded based on the determined financial need.
757 students obtained some form of need-based financial aid. Need-based college-administered scholarship and grant aid at Cornell College is available to international students. The total number of students (including freshmen) who were determined to have financial need was 759. The amount of federal need-based scholarships/grants awarded to the students at this institution summed up to $2,062,226, and state $1,315,513. The students of Cornell College received the -institutional need-based aid in the amount of $24,354,710, and external in the amount of $294,567.
$33,039
Average Amount of Aid Received
Non-Need Based
Any financial aid given to a student who does not meet the requirements for need-based aid is considered non-need-based aid. The most popular forms of non-need-based financial aid for students are loans and grants, like Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loans, Graduate PLUS Loans, Parent PLUS Loans, and the Teacher Education Access for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant.
Institutional non-need-based scholarships or grants were given to 153 students overall (including freshmen) at Cornell College in 2024. Institutional help in the form of non-need-based scholarships or grants was given to 54 full-time freshmen. The total dollar amount of federal non-need-based scholarships/grants awarded to the studens at this school was $2,062,226 while the state aid is $3,772. The total amount of non-need-based institutional scholarships/grants was $11,941,654. This includes endowment, alumni, other institutional awards, and also external funds awarded by the institution, but doesn't include athletic aid and tuition waivers. The amount the students of this school received from external sources (e.g. Kiwanis, National Merit) was $179,576 USD.
Open Applications
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Majors
Faculty
12:1
Student to Faculty Ratio
Getting information about the faculty at a school can help you estimate the quality of education you will receive there.
In 2024, this ratio at Cornell College was 12:1. That means that there were 12 times more students than teachers at this school. The faculty of this school consists of 106 members, according to the most recent data reported. Out of that number, there were 45 male and 61 female faculty members. The fact that female faculty members outnumber the male ones at this school speaks volumes for gender equality at Cornell College.
Student Population Diversity Graph
Campus Life
Knowing what to expect out of campus life at a college or university can set you up for success. Find out some info about social life at Cornell College.
Student Organizations
Student organizations are run by students of an institution, and its membership typically consists exclusively of current students and/or alumni.
According to the most recent information, there are 36 open-membership organizations at Cornell College. 8 percent of male and 18 of female students take part in in different organizations at Cornell College. The student organization that has the biggest membership is BACO, followed by Chess and Games and Lyrically Inclined. Other popular student organizations at this school are Student Council and PAAC.
In case you're interested in acting, there is a drama club you can consider joining. Interested in media and communication? Cornell College publishes its own newspaper and has its own radio station.
Student Services
At Cornell College, there are many amenities required for a pleasant and safe life on campus.
24/7 emergency phone and alarm devices are available. There are electronically operated dormitory entrances. There is a security patrol available 24/7. There is a health clinic with personal/psychological counseling. All in all, campus life at Cornell College is rich and vibrant and provides all you need for a comfortable stay.
Career Services
Having career services at a college or university can mean a great deal for your career planning, so find out what you can expect at Cornell College.
Career Counselling
At Cornell College, there is both group career counseling for all students and individual career counseling for all students. There are a library, a job bank, and job fairs. Job interviews are also available to students through the career center. The career center offers resume preparation and resume referral to employers. There is campus employer recruitment for all the students. This school offers alumni networking opportunities, which could be excellent for your future career.
Job Placement
Understanding the potential salary after graduating can be of help in determining if a specific educational institution matches your professional aspirations.
Students who find employment within six months of graduating can expect an average base annual starting salary of 37,232 USD.
$37,232
Average Starting Salary After 6 Months of Graduation
FAQ
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Cornell College is located in Mount Vernon, IA.
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Cornell College offers need-based college-administered scholarship and grant aid to international students.
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The overall full-time tuition per academic year for Cornell College is 54,056 USD, based on the most recent data.
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This school uses standardized test scores for admission.
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The most recent data indicate that the acceptance rate for Cornell College is 80%.
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The most recent reported freshman retention rate for Cornell College is 74%.
Contact Information
Cornell College
600 First Street South West
Mount Vernon , IA
52314-1098
319 895-4000
Data Source: IPEDS and Peterson's Databases © 2023 Peterson's LLC All rights reserved. Portions of this content were co-written with OpenAI's GPT-3.5 model.
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Data Source: IPEDS and Peterson's Databases © 2023 Peterson's LLC All rights reserved.
Portions of this content were co-written with OpenAI's GPT-3.5 model.