Cornell College
Mount Vernon, Iowa
About Cornell College
A Legacy of Excellence and Innovation
Founded in 1853, Cornell College is a 4-year college serving students in Mount Vernon, Iowa. With a tradition of academic excellence, Cornell College prepares graduates for success in Business, Biology, Parks & Recreation, and more.
A Diverse Community in Mount Vernon
Students come from across the country and around the world, creating a campus culture rich in perspectives and experiences. Campus housing options foster community and connection among students. With a 12:1 student-faculty ratio, professors know students by name and provide mentorship that extends beyond the classroom.
Commitment to Access and Affordability
Cornell College is committed to meeting full demonstrated financial need for admitted students. Families earning less than $30,000 per year typically pay $18,285, and those earning up to $48,000 contribute a portion of their income. This need-aware policy ensures that talent and drive matter more than bank accounts, opening doors for first-generation and low-income students.
Research That Shapes the World
Cornell College emphasizes hands-on learning, internships, and close faculty mentorship. Students gain practical experience through internships, research projects, and co-ops, preparing them for immediate career success or graduate study. The focus on undergraduate teaching means professors prioritize your growth and development.
Outcomes for Cornell College students
| Graduation rate (within 6 years) | 72% |
|---|---|
| Graduation rate (within 4 years) | 67% |
| First-year retention rate | 74% |
| Median earnings 8 years after enrolling | $49,843 |
| Median earnings 10 years after enrolling | $53,460 |
| Median debt at graduation | $27,000 |
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Students at Cornell College
| Total enrollment | 1,087 |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate students | 1,085 |
| Graduate students | 2 |
| International students | 3% |
| First-generation students | 20% |
What you can study at Cornell College
78 programs, most of them in these fields:
Business Management Marketing Support (8)
Business Administration and Management, General, Business Analytics, Business/Managerial Economics, and more
Social Sciences (8)
Anthropology, General, Anthropology, Other, Archeology, and more
Visual and Performing Arts (8)
Art History, Criticism and Conservation, Art/Art Studies, General, Drama and Dramatics/Theatre Arts, General, and more
Foreign Languages (6)
Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics, General, French Language and Literature, German Language and Literature, and more
Area Ethnic Cultural Gender Group Studies (5)
Classical, Ancient Mediterranean, and Near Eastern Studies and Archaeology, Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies, Other, Latin American Studies, and more
Biological and Biomedical Sciences (5)
Behavioral Neuroscience, Biochemistry, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, and more
Education (4)
Chemistry Teacher Education, Elementary Education and Teaching, Music Teacher Education, and more
English Language and Literature (4)
Creative Writing, English Language and Literature, General, General Literature, and more
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