Overview
Founded in 1853 by Methodist settlers, Cornell College is a private liberal arts institution located in Mount Vernon, Iowa. It is one of the few colleges nationally recognized for its innovative One Course At A Time (OCAAT) academic calendar, in which students study a single course intensively for three and a half weeks before moving to the next. This distinctive structure allows for immersive, focused learning, extensive travel-based coursework, and close faculty-student interaction, contributing to the college's strong reputation for undergraduate teaching.
At a Glance
| Type | Private |
| Location | Mount Vernon, Iowa |
| Founded | 1853 |
| Total students | 1,000 |
| Student–faculty ratio | 10:1 |
| Acceptance rate | 68% |
| Graduation rate | 68% |
| Average starting salary | $45,000 |
Tuition & Costs (estimates)
| In-state tuition | $52,000 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $52,000 |
| Room & board | $12,500 |
| Average financial aid | $35,000 |
| Students receiving aid | 98% |
Admissions
| SAT range | 1090-1320 |
| ACT range | 22-29 |
| Average GPA | 3.6 |
| Regular deadline | Rolling |
Top Programs
- Biology
- Psychology
- Business/Economics/Management
- English
- Politics
Figures are estimates for exploration — verify current costs, deadlines, and requirements on the university's official website.