About Cornell College

Founded in 1853, Cornell College. is a Private college. Located in Iowa, which is a city setting in Iowa, the campus itself is Town. The campus is home to 978 full time undergraduate students, and 0 full time graduate students.

The Cornell College Academic calendar runs on a Semester basis. In the school year the student to faculty ratio was 10:1. There are 92 full time instructional teachers. Degrees awarded at Cornell College include: Bachelor's Degree, Masters Degree, Post-master's certificate, Doctor's degree.

Quick Facts

Acceptance Rate70%
Application Deadline1-Nov
Application Fee30
SAT Range970-1275
ACT Range23-29

Admissions at are considered Selective, with ,18% of all applicants being admitted.

In the school year, of the students who applied to the school, only 15 of those who were admitted eventually ended up enrolling.

91% of incoming freshmen are in the top half of their high school class. 66% were in the top quarter, and 38% were in the top tenth. You can apply online.

STUDENT LIFE

We asked, and students answered these important questions about student life at Cornell College.

0%
“We”re apathetic”
33%
“We know about current events and vote”
50%
“We participate and encourage others to get involved”
17%
“There”s nothing we won”t protest”
0%
“We save it for the classroom”
17%
“Sometimes, but not often”
58%
“There”s usually intelligent conversation to be found”
25%
“All the time, including weekends”
0%
“I”m always terrified”
8%
“I only go out in groups”
17%
“I usually let someone know where I”m going”
75%
“I feel extremely safe”
8%
“We don”t play sports”
0%
“We play recreationally”
67%
“We bought the gear”
25%
“We live for the big game”
0%
“It”s not really our thing”
8%
“Occasinally we gallery crawl”
58%
“There are a variety of opportunities”
33%
“We”re a very artistic group”
0%
“Haven”t met them”
0%
“Available in class”
25%
“They keep regular office hours”
75%
“They”re always available”
0%
“No greek life, but other groups to join”
25%
“There is some involvement, but not a lot”
67%
“Plenty of people join a sorority or fraternity”
8%
“It”s everything. If you”re not greek, you”re a geek”
8%
“We”re not into drinking at all”
17%
“Maybe a little, but it”s not a big thing”
50%
“We only party on weekends”
25%
“There”s some drinking happening every night”
8%
“Never, we”re here to learn”
75%
“There might be people who do”
8%
“People are known to partake on weekends”
8%
“There”s a huge drug scene”
0%
“We”re apathetic”
33%
“We know about current events and vote”
50%
“We participate and encourage others to get involved”
17%
“There”s nothing we won”t protest”
0%
“We save it for the classroom”
17%
“Sometimes, but not often”
58%
“There”s usually intelligent conversation to be found”
25%
“All the time, including weekends”
0%
“I”m always terrified”
8%
“I only go out in groups”
17%
“I usually let someone know where I”m going”
75%
“I feel extremely safe”
8%
“We don”t play sports”
0%
“We play recreationally”
67%
“We bought the gear”
25%
“We live for the big game”
0%
“It”s not really our thing”
8%
“Occasinally we gallery crawl”
58%
“There are a variety of opportunities”
33%
“We”re a very artistic group”
0%
“Haven”t met them”
0%
“Available in class”
25%
“They keep regular office hours”
75%
“They”re always available”
0%
“No greek life, but other groups to join”
25%
“There is some involvement, but not a lot”
67%
“Plenty of people join a sorority or fraternity”
8%
“It”s everything. If you”re not greek, you”re a geek”
8%
“We”re not into drinking at all”
17%
“Maybe a little, but it”s not a big thing”
50%
“We only party on weekends”
25%
“There”s some drinking happening every night”
8%
“Never, we”re here to learn”
75%
“There might be people who do”
8%
“People are known to partake on weekends”
8%
“There”s a huge drug scene”

Cornell College REVIEWS

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  • How would you rate on-campus housing?

    42 Students rated on-campus housing 3.8 stars. 10 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate off-campus housing?

    33 Students rated off-campus housing 2.8 stars. 0 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate campus food?

    43 Students rated campus food 2.5 stars. 12 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate campus facilities?

    43 Students rated campus facilities 3.9 stars. 16 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate class size?

    43 Students rated class size 4.8 stars. 88 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate school activities?

    42 Students rated school activities 4.1 stars. 43 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate local services?

    43 Students rated local services 3.7 stars. 35 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate academics?

    43 Students rated academics 4.1 stars. 37 % gave the school a 5.0.

What's your overall opinion of Cornell College?

17 Students rated Cornell College

Jessie - 01/12/2023

I think Cornell stands out more than other colleges. It was the first college I visited and it was so interesting that I ended my college search there. I got to meet with one of the teachers, who assured me that with the class size that they make sure that everyone understands class material. All they had to do was draw me in with the One Class at a Time Program and I was set, but it also helped that the campus reminded me a lot of my home and I can't wait for Cornell to be my home for the next 4 years.

Connor - 03/09/2021

Cornell College is a school that is very hard to come by in the United States. As one of only two schools in the entire country that practice the One Course at a Time Schedule, it provides a unique experience to all the students that attend. The small class size, engaging courses, and active professors all work to make learning intense and enjoyable. The beautiful campus in the small town of Mt. Vernon, IA offers an environment you just love to walk around in, and the facilities on campus only add to that feeling. With buildings like the Thomas Commons, the Cole Library, and the new Russel Science Center, living on campus is a very pleasant experience. I love Cornell, and Cornell loves its students.

Marcelo

Great environment, awesome professors, amazing sport coaches and 2nd best students food court in the nation!

Maia

Cornell College is a fantastic little school in rural Iowa. The block plan is a really great way to learn, because it keeps class sizes very small. You really get to know your professors and your classmates. If you're looking for a bigger, more connected school, this isn't the one for you, but it's great for anyone seeking a close-knit campus in a beautiful setting.

Cornell College FAQS

  1. What is the Acceptance Rate at Cornell College?

    The fall 2020 acceptance rate for Cornell College is 70%. That means, out of _____ applications received in 2020 , _____ students were offered admission. The number of males who applied was _____ vs the number of females which was _____.

  2. What should every freshman at your school know before they start?

    Find a college where you are comfortable - don't let institutions swoon you with their fancy gimmicks. Know what you want and expect to get for the money you spend and find it. Don't compromise - remember, this is where you'll live and hopefully encounter some life changing experiences and lessons. It has to be a good fit. When on campus, get involved. Use your time in college to become that well-rounded individual. Of course, maintain excellence in academics but join student organizations, athletics, or service organization. College is not only a time where one learns and crafts interests but it is also a time where one experiences self discovery - a time where you learn a form of independence. Enjoy the experience. There are few occasions in life where one is given an opportunity to spend such focused time studying personal interests and spending time with individuals in the same life situation.

    Read all  43 answers
  3. Describe the students at your school.

    Classmates are friendly, open students who like to work hard and play harder.

    Read all  14 answers
  4. What do you consider the worst thing about your school? Why?

    We live in a bubble, disconnected from world events and other people. This makes it hard to get jobs after college and social interactions are a little odd especially when we are all stuck together for winter. The things we learn here seem applicable a lot of the time only in the bubble as well as the things we choose to do while here. Many of the issues we discuss while on campus seem very unimportant in real life and when outside of the bubble.

    Read all  11 answers
  5. Describe your favorite campus traditions.

    One Course At A Time

    Read all  9 answers
  6. Describe how your school looks to someone who's never seen it.

    A small, friendly, highly academics-focused school located on a beautiful, historic campus.

    Read all  9 answers
  7. What kind of person should not attend this school?

    A person who procrastinates. A person who isn't interested in studying subjects in great depth. A person who is close-minded. A lazy person.

    Read all  9 answers
  8. Here's your chance: Say anything about your college!

    Overall, I really do like Cornell. But I have 3 minor beefs with the school: 1. The administration has some policies that seem more appropriate for a boarding school than a college. The write-ups for alcohol are stringent, and there is no amnesty policy. There is a zero tolerance drug policy (including marijuana). But more disappointingly, these policies are advertised as being community building, when really they just encourage even more dangerous student behavior. 2. Cornell really bills itself as a school with an international student body and focus, with myriad opportunities around the globe. The opportunities exist. But the student population is not nearly as intellectually curious or diverse as advertised. Most of the people I know are not particularly interested in taking a block in a foreign country; they'd rather just take a vacation from school. 3. The food. It's really repetitive and there is a serious lack of vegan/vegetarian friendly options. Props to whoever designed the cafeteria, though, for giving students ways to customize whatever's for dinner. There's a sandwich/quesedilla press, always vegetarian and meat chilis, and there are usually the ingrediants to make a pretty decent salad or bagel pizza. But it would be nice if we didn't always have to resort to making our own food.

    Read all  8 answers
  9. What kind of person should attend this school?

    Someone who is very focused on their education and wants a laid back college experience.

    Read all  8 answers
  10. What do you brag about most when you tell your friends about your school?

    Cornell College is located on a beautiful campus with classes which allow students to focus on their subject.

    Read all  7 answers
  11. What's the most frustrating thing about your school?

    The feeling of being trapped within only 18 days, expected to continue even when we're not feeling well; striving for a good grade when the A we start out with today can become a perpetual F tomorrow, no rest, no sleep, just work and more work, then block break comes, and we'll think it was all worth the work.

    Read all  5 answers
  12. What is your overall opinion of this school?

    The size of the school is perfect (1200), though socially it can feel small if you restrict yourself to hanging out only with those in your main social group. People tend to spend their most of their time on campus hanging out in the dorms, but you'll always see people in commons and the library. The town is tiny, basically just a main street, but it has some really cool shops and restaurants. It's 20 minutes to the nearest walmart and to anything open after 10 pm, so a car is really awesome to have. Cornell is the kind of school where a lot of people go to games, and there's a sizable audience at most performing arts events.

    Read all  4 answers
  13. What are the academics like at your school?

    Cornell's academics are incredibly unique: we take classes on the block plan. That means that we basically take 1 course each month, with a 4 day weekend in between. Since we take one course at a time (and have a built in vacation block if we want it), our academic calendar is incredibly customizable. You can take a chemistry class on campus block 5, spend block six in the bahamas studying slavery, and intern in chicago the next. Most people don't, but the options are there. While the individual class experience is incredibly varied, the vast majority of courses are capped at 25 students and most professors really care about your success. Students are very collaborative. There isn't really any sense of competition here. Overall, I haven't met very many true intellectuals, but the people here are for the most part very smart. The most popular departments seem to be science-related. There are a lot of kinesiology majors, and the special office for advising pre-med students means that there are a lot of future doctors, dentists, and pharmacists on campus. The other standout departments are definitely theater and music. Theater is nationally ranked by princeton review, and the music department has a very supportive program that is very large for a school of Cornell's size.

    Read all  3 answers
  14. What is the stereotype of students at your school? Is this stereotype accurate?

    There really are no stereotypes for the whole student body. There are some jocks, some nerds we refer to as "Narnians" but really everyone is just normal. It's easy to make friends and everyone gets to know everybody on a campus this size.

    Read all  3 answers
  15. What are the most popular student activities/groups?

    Greek organizations dominate the social life for a large portion of the student body. Because there are so many (14), there are parties almost every weekend, although they are not the ragers that you see in movies. The school does sponsor some dry activities on the weekends, but most of the time you have make your own fun, dry or sober. Because Cornell is on the block plan, parties tend not to happen on weeknights (you really can't miss class), and it's not unheard of to have a paper due on Friday nights. Everyone's usually in bed by midnight during the week, and 2 or 3 am on weekends. Since practically everyone lives in the dorms, there's definitely a community. You'll see lots of doors open on a typical night. There are a lot of couples on campus, but there's definitely a lot of hooking up, too. If you want to do something off-campus, you can drive into Cedar Rapids (20 minutes) to see a movie or go out to eat. In Mount Vernon there are some cute restaurants and shops. There is a bowling alley, a grocery store, and a tiny movie theater. Campus is hilly, and there are definitely places to sled, and there's even an official sledding hill in town that's closed to traffic in the winter.

    Read all  2 answers
  16. What's unique about your campus?

    The best thing about this school is the block schedule. It is something different from most other schools, and in my opinion is a much easier way of having classes. Though the classes are quite fast paced.

    Read all  2 answers
  17. What's the one thing you wish someone had told you about freshman year?

    I wish that I had known which dorm held which type of people - the jocks, the geeks, the community service people, etc.

    Read all  2 answers
  18. Is the stereotype of students at your school accurate?

    I'd say these are relatively accurate stereotypes. There are a lot of athletes and greek organization members here, and they really do rule the school (yes, it's kind of like high school). The so-called Narnians are definitely an eclectic bunch; they LARP and play humans vs. zombies. But there are also a fair amount of people who are not big on the greek scene but who are considered to be pretty normal. Most importantly, though, there isn't a whole lot of tension between the groups. It really only surfaces in the cafeteria (where each main group: the middle-earthians, narnians, and jocks) has its own seating area.

    Read all  1 answers
  19. What is the stereotype of students at your school?

    There are 2 stereotypical groups within the school itself (not enough people outside the bubble know it enough to harbor stereotypes!). The first stereotype is that the school is ruled by your typical football-playing frat boy and ugg-wearing sorority girl. Then there are the 'Narnians.' These are, according to the jocks, the weird kids.

    Read all  1 answers

Student Body

Students

50%

female

50%

male

978

Total Undergrad Enrollment

N/A

Total Grad Students

74%

Out-Of-State

17%

In-State

9%

International

Organizations

122

Student Organizations

8

Fraternities

7

Sororities

Housing

Yes

On-Campus Housing

93%

of students living on campus

Student Diversity

% American Indian/Alaskan Native
1%
% Asian/Pacific Islander
3%
% Black or African-American
5%
% Hispanic/Latino
12%
% White or Caucasian
67%

TUITION & AID

All students must apply yearly for financial aid. This process starts with the FAFSA. Though financial aid deadlines vary by school, it is a good idea to apply as soon as possible. For the upcoming school year, you can apply as early as October 1 for the FAFSA. Additional school aid will be dependent on the FAFSA results.

100% of students attending Cornell College receive some sort of financial aid. 26% were awarded federal grants. While 68% received federal loans. Many students do also need to apply for additional private student loans.

Cost Out of State

$39,900

Tuition and fees(Out of state)

$1,164

Books and Supplies

$8,900

Room and Board

49,964

Total On Campus

Actual Cost By Income Level(W/Financial Aid)

Family Income
Cost
$0 - $30K
$21,501
$30 - $48K
$22,453
$48 - $75K
$24,362
$75 - $110K
$26,834
$110K & UP
$30,554

We use student reviews and the most current publicly available data on our school pages. As such, we don't typically remove or edit college information. Sources for school statistics and data include the U.S. Department of Education's National Center for Education Statistics and the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System. Portions of college data include copyrighted material, which is reproduced on this website by permission of Wintergreen Orchard House, a division of Carnegie Communications. © 2009-2016 by Wintergreen Orchard House. All rights reserved.

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