Cornell College
Mount Vernon, Iowa · Private
Cornell College admitted 80% of 2,522 applicants (Common Data Set 2024-2025). First-year students who sent the SAT scored 1130–1260 in the middle half. Test scores are optional. 72% of students graduate within six years.
Your chances at Cornell College
Enter a score to see whether Cornell College is a reach, target or likely school for you.
Based on the admit rate (80%) alone. Add a score for a sharper read.
A rough read from the admit rate and test scores only. Grades, courses, essays and activities matter as much or more. To see your whole list at once, use the chances calculator.
Application deadlines
Cornell College’s first-year deadlines for 2026–27 on the Common App:
- Regular decision
- March 1, 2027
The application is free for U.S. applicants ($50 for international applicants), and Cornell College accepts the Common App fee waiver for U.S. applicants only.
Deadlines end at 11:59 p.m. in your own time zone. From Common App’s requirements grid, updated September 25, 2026. Check Cornell College’s admissions site before you submit. See every college’s deadlines or early decision vs. early action.
Early decision and early action
Cornell College doesn’t report an early decision or early action round.
What admissions weighs
How Cornell College rates each part of an application, from its Common Data Set.
Very important
- GPA
Important
- Essay
Considered
- Course rigor
- Class rank
- Recommendations
- Interview
- Activities
- Character
- First generation
- Legacy
- Where you live
- State residency
- Volunteering
- Work experience
- Showing interest
Not considered
- Test scores
- Talent or ability
- Religion
High school GPA
First-year students averaged a 3.60 GPA. 19% of those who reported a class rank were in the top 10% of their class.
Some colleges report weighted GPAs, so compare loosely.
What it costs
Full price with housing is $66,352 a year. After grants, students paid $25,850 on average.
Average price after grants, by family income:
Quick answers
What is Cornell College’s acceptance rate?
Cornell College admitted 80% of applicants: 2,015 of 2,522 (Common Data Set 2024-2025).
When is Cornell College’s application deadline?
Cornell College’s 2026–27 deadline is March 1, 2027. It has no early round on the Common App.
What SAT score do you need for Cornell College?
The middle half of admitted students who sent the SAT scored 1130 to 1260, with a median around 1230. A score at or above 1230 puts you in the top half of admitted students who sent one.
How much is Cornell College’s application fee?
The application is free for U.S. applicants ($50 for international applicants) for 2026–27, and Cornell College accepts the Common App fee waiver for U.S. applicants only.
Does Cornell College have supplemental essays?
No. Cornell College doesn’t ask for a supplemental essay or the Common App personal essay for 2026–27.
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