About

About Cornell College

block plan curriculumliberal arts collegesmall class sizesprivate baccalaureate college

Cornell College is a private liberal arts college in Mount Vernon, IA, known for its block plan curriculum, liberal arts college, and small class sizes. With an acceptance rate of 79%, Cornell College is accessible for most qualified applicants, typically enrolling around 329 students each year. Cornell College is test optional; students who submit scores are typically admitted with SATs between 1130–1260, though many competitive applicants choose not to submit. Cornell College offers merit scholarships regardless of financial need, with awards averaging $38,407 per year; the sticker price of $62,735 may look very different from what your family actually pays.

Admissions

Cornell College acceptance rate and admitted student profile

accessible for most qualified applicants

79%
Overall Accept Rate
3.50
Typical Admitted GPA
1195
Median Admitted SAT
GPATypical admitted range: 3.25 – 4.00 unweighted

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SATSubmitted score range: 1130 – 1260 (test optional)

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Application Strategy

Strategy tips for applying to Cornell College

The first 2 tips apply to all applicants. Your personalized strategy requires your profile — build your free list to unlock it.

Application Strategy
Cornell College uses a unique Block Plan where students take one course at a time for 18 days. Mention in your application how your learning style, personal projects, or past experiences show you thrive with deep, focused immersion rather than juggling multiple subjects at once.
Essay Strategy
Cornell's essays weight at a solid 3 out of 4, so use your writing to directly address why the Block Plan appeals to you and name a specific academic interest you would want to dive into without distraction for three weeks at a time.

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Financial Aid & Cost

What Cornell College actually costs your family

Average net prices by income bracket from College Scorecard data.

Family IncomeSticker PriceEst. Net Cost / yr
0-30k~$63k/yr$16.4k
30k-48k~$63k/yr$18.5k
48k-75k~$63k/yr$20.2k
75k-110k~$63k/yr$22.9k
110k+~$63k/yr$29.3k

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Outcomes & Campus

Student outcomes and campus profile

72%
6-Year Graduation Rate
$39k
Median Earnings (6 yrs)
12:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
1,055
Undergrad Enrollment
Cornell College Acceptance Rate & Admissions | SpearMatch