---
title: Cornell College — PickACampus
description: Explore Cornell College in Mount Vernon, IA. Learn about its 80% acceptance rate, $52,660 tuition, average test scores, and #74 PickACampus ranking.
url: https://pickacampus.com/college/74
last_updated: 2026-06-03
---

# Cornell College

Cornell College is a private institution located in Mount Vernon, Iowa, with a total enrollment of 1,086 students and a student-faculty ratio of 14:1. The college features an 80% acceptance rate and maintains a graduation rate of 62%, with students reporting a median starting salary of $39,299. It is currently ranked #74 overall on PickACampus.

## Overview
- Location: Mount Vernon, IA
- Type: Private
- Setting: college-town
- Total enrollment: 1,086

## Admissions
- Acceptance rate: 80%
- Average SAT: 1,234
- Average ACT: 27
- Average GPA: 3.70

## Cost
- In-state tuition: $52,660
- Out-of-state tuition: $52,660
- Room and board: $11,850
- Fees: $1,739
- Average financial aid: $14,000
- Average student debt at graduation: $27,000

## Outcomes
- 6-year graduation rate: 62%
- 4-year graduation rate: 58%
- Freshman retention: 77%
- Employment rate: 83%
- Average starting salary: $39,299

## Academics
- Student-faculty ratio: 14:1
- Average class size: 30
- Classes under 20 students: 39%

## Notable
["The University of Alabama has won 18 national championships in football, more than any other school.","The campus is home to the Gorgas House, one of the oldest buildings on campus and a National Historic Landmark.","The university's mascot, Big Al, is an elephant, a tradition dating back to a 1930s sportswriter's description.","UA's library system is one of the largest in the South, housing over 5 million volumes."]

## Traditions
[{"name":"Rammer Jammer","description":"A spirited chant performed by fans after a Crimson Tide victory."},{"name":"The Million Dollar Band","description":"The university's marching band, famous for its pre-game and halftime shows."},{"name":"Elephant Stomp","description":"A pre-game pep rally on the Quad before home football games."},{"name":"Walk of Champions","description":"Football players and coaches walk through cheering fans to the stadium."}]

## Notable alumni
[{"name":"Joe Namath","description":"Legendary NFL quarterback, Super Bowl III MVP."},{"name":"Harper Lee","description":"Pulitzer Prize-winning author of 'To Kill a Mockingbird'."},{"name":"Sela Ward","description":"Emmy-winning actress, known for 'Sisters' and 'CSI: NY'."},{"name":"Millard Fuller","description":"Co-founder of Habitat for Humanity International."},{"name":"Winston Groom","description":"Author of 'Forrest Gump', which became an Oscar-winning film."}]

## Common questions

Q: What is Cornell College's acceptance rate?
A: Cornell College's acceptance rate is 80%.

Q: How much does Cornell College cost?
A: Tuition at Cornell College is $52,660 per year, before room and board and fees.

Q: Where is Cornell College located?
A: Cornell College is located in Mount Vernon, IA.

Q: What SAT score do you need for Cornell College?
A: The average SAT score at Cornell College is 1,234.

Q: What is the graduation rate at Cornell College?
A: Cornell College has a 6-year graduation rate of 62%.

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