Cornell College

Mount Vernon, IA · Private nonprofit · 4-year

Cornell College has a 80.7% acceptance rate. Cornell College is a private nonprofit 4-year institution in Mount Vernon, IA, with a median SAT of 1200 and a median ACT of 26. The average net price is $23,634 per year after financial aid, and it is accredited by Higher Learning Commission.

Source: IPEDS & College Scorecard (U.S. Department of Education). Data updated April 2026.

Admissions Statistics

Acceptance Rate

80.7%

3,087 applicants

SAT Median

1200

Combined score

ACT Median

26

Composite score

Avg Net Price

$23,634

After financial aid

SAT & ACT Scores at Cornell College

Middle-50% test scores of admitted students at Cornell College (25th to 75th percentile), per federal IPEDS data:

Test25th percentileMedian75th percentile
SAT (total, 400–1600)115012001285
ACT (composite, 1–36)232630

Student Outcomes

Graduation Rate

0.7%

Retention Rate

79.5%

Median Earnings (10yr)

N/A

Student Body

1,086

Net Price by Family Income

What students actually pay after grants and scholarships at Cornell College:

Family IncomeAvg Net Price/Year
$0 – $30,000$16,409
$30,001 – $48,000$18,513
$48,001 – $75,000$20,177
$75,001 – $110,000$22,944
$110,000+$29,298

Top Majors at Cornell College

MajorDegrees Awarded
Biological & Biomedical Sciences32
Business, Management & Marketing28
Psychology23
Parks, Recreation & Fitness22
Social Sciences17
Visual & Performing Arts13
English Language & Literature12
Engineering11
Computer & Information Sciences10
Education10

Financial Aid at Cornell College

About Cornell College

Official website: https://www.cornellcollege.edu/

Admissions: https://www.cornellcollege.edu/admissions/index.shtml

Frequently Asked Questions About Cornell College

What is the acceptance rate at Cornell College?

Cornell College has an acceptance rate of 81%. it received about 3,087 applications in a recent year; admitted students have a median SAT near 1200; the average net price is $23,634 per year. Admit Coach estimates your personal odds of admission to Cornell College for free using your GPA and test scores.

How hard is it to get into Cornell College?

Getting into Cornell College is accessible for most qualified applicants — it admits 81% of applicants. Admitted students typically have a median SAT around 1200. Your odds depend on how your GPA and scores compare to admitted students. Admit Coach calculates your specific chance at Cornell College for free and labels it a reach, target, or safety school.

What SAT or ACT scores do you need for Cornell College?

Admitted students at Cornell College typically have a median SAT around 1200 and a median ACT around 26. With a 81% acceptance rate, competitive applicants usually score at or above these medians. Cornell College is located in Mount Vernon, IA. Enter your scores in Admit Coach to see whether you land in the reach, target, or safety range.

How much does it cost to attend Cornell College?

The average net price at Cornell College is $23,634 per year after grants and scholarships. about 100% of students receive financial aid; the average grant or scholarship is $38,486 per year. Net price varies by family income — Admit Coach shows the estimate for your specific income bracket.

What is the graduation rate at Cornell College?

Cornell College has a graduation rate of 1%. its first-year retention rate is 80%. These federal outcome metrics let you compare Cornell College against similar colleges on Admit Coach.

Is Cornell College test-optional?

For the 2025–26 cycle, Cornell College is requiring SAT or ACT scores for admission. Students who do submit scores typically have a median SAT near 1200. With a 81% acceptance rate, a strong overall application matters most. Admit Coach factors Cornell College's testing policy into your free admission-chance estimate.

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