Overview of Cornell College
Cornell College, located in Mount Vernon, Iowa, is a private liberal arts college known for its distinctive One Course At A Time academic calendar, commitment to experiential learning, and vibrant campus community. Established in 1853, Cornell College has a rich history and has consistently focused on providing a high-quality, personalized education that prepares students for lifelong learning and success in a rapidly changing world.
Academic Calendar: One of the most distinctive features of Cornell College is its innovative One Course At A Time academic calendar, often referred to as the “Block Plan.” Instead of a traditional semester-based schedule, students at Cornell College focus on one course at a time, taking a single intensive class for three-and-a-half weeks. This immersive learning model allows students to deeply engage with the subject matter, fostering in-depth exploration and focused attention.
Academic Programs: Cornell College offers a broad range of academic programs across various disciplines, including the arts, humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and professional fields. The college emphasizes a liberal arts education that encourages critical thinking, effective communication, and interdisciplinary approaches to problem-solving. Students have the flexibility to explore diverse subjects and tailor their education to their interests and career goals.
Experiential Learning: Cornell College places a strong emphasis on experiential learning, recognizing the importance of applying theoretical knowledge to real-world situations. Students have opportunities for internships, research projects, off-campus study programs, and community engagement. These experiences contribute to the development of practical skills, a deeper understanding of their chosen fields, and the ability to connect classroom learning with broader societal issues.
Block Plan Advantage: The Block Plan offers several advantages, including the ability to fully immerse in a subject without the distractions of multiple courses, deeper engagement with professors and peers, and the opportunity for concentrated and focused study. The intensive nature of the Block Plan allows for in-depth exploration, fostering a dynamic and interactive learning environment.
Student-Faculty Collaboration: Cornell College boasts a low student-to-faculty ratio, facilitating close collaboration between students and professors. The college’s faculty members are dedicated educators who are committed to mentoring and guiding students in their academic pursuits. The intimate class sizes encourage meaningful discussions, personalized attention, and a strong sense of community within the academic setting.
Vibrant Campus Life: Cornell College offers a vibrant and active campus life. Students have the opportunity to participate in a wide range of extracurricular activities, including student organizations, clubs, and athletic teams. The campus community is known for its inclusivity and supportive atmosphere, fostering connections and friendships that extend beyond the academic setting.
Civic Engagement: The college encourages civic engagement and social responsibility, emphasizing the importance of contributing to the broader community. Students are involved in various service-learning projects, community service initiatives, and outreach programs. This commitment to civic engagement aligns with Cornell College’s mission to cultivate responsible and informed citizens.
Off-Campus Study: Cornell College provides opportunities for off-campus study, allowing students to explore different cultures, perspectives, and academic environments. Whether through domestic study programs or international exchanges, students have the chance to broaden their horizons and gain a global perspective on their education.
Arts and Culture: Cornell College values the role of arts and culture in enriching the educational experience. The college has a strong emphasis on the arts, with programs in visual arts, performing arts, and creative writing. Campus events, exhibitions, and performances contribute to a lively artistic community, encouraging students to engage with and appreciate various forms of creative expression.
Athletics: Cornell College competes in NCAA Division III athletics, offering a range of sports for student-athletes. The college emphasizes the importance of balancing academic and athletic pursuits, fostering a culture of discipline, teamwork, and sportsmanship. Athletics contribute to the overall development of students and enhance the sense of community on campus.
Alumni Success: Cornell College has a network of accomplished alumni who have made significant contributions in various fields. The college’s graduates excel in diverse professions, including business, healthcare, education, the arts, and more. The strong sense of community and the personalized education provided by Cornell College contribute to the success of its alumni in their respective endeavors.
Cornell College stands out for its innovative Block Plan, commitment to experiential learning, and vibrant campus community. The college’s emphasis on academic excellence, student-faculty collaboration, and holistic development prepares students to navigate the complexities of the modern world and make meaningful contributions to society.
600 First Street SW Mount Vernon, IA 52314-1098
Phone: (800) 747-1112
Email: admissions@cornellcollege.edu
Web site: http://www.cornellcollege.edu
Rankings: Cornell College
Located in Mount Vernon, IA, Cornell College is one of the best universities in the state of Iowa. On this page, you will find in-depth rankings for Cornell College in the following areas: graduation rates, teaching resources, financing opportunities, and alumni donations. Latest acceptance rate is also given to show how competitive is Cornell College.
| Rankings, Ratings, and Admissions Statistics | |
| Overall Ranking: | 85 |
| Score: | 54 |
| Peer college rating (out of 5) | 3.1 |
| Graduation and retention ranking: | 121 |
| Average freshman retention rate: | 82.5% |
| 6-year graduation rate: | 71.0% |
| Predicted graduation rate: | 67% |
| Overperformance(+)/Underperformance(-): | 4 |
| Faculty resources ranking: | 97 |
| Classes with under 20 students (2020): | 60.6% |
| Classes with 50 or more students (2020): | 0.0% |
| Student faculty ratio (2020): | 11:1 |
| Percent of faculty who are full-time (2020) | 97.2% |
| Student selectivity ranking: | 91 |
| SAT/ACT 25th-75th percentile (2020) | 24-29 |
| 2020 Freshmen in top 10 percent of high school class: | 24% |
| Freshmen in top 25 percent of high school class (2020): | 50% |
| Fall 2020 Acceptance rate: | 43.6% |
| Financial resources rank: | 132 |
| Alumni giving rank: | 73 |
| Average alumni giving rate (2020): | 31.9% |
Essential Facts: Cornell College
- Cornell College Admissions Cornell College admissions is more selective with an acceptance rate of 62%.
- Endowed colleges or schools at Cornell are privately funded and do not receive direct funding from New York state.
- The average GPA at Cornell College is 3.54. With a GPA of 3.54, Cornell College requires you to be around average in your high school class.
Rules and regulations Sports Activities
| General Information | |
| Percent of undergraduate students who live in college-owned, operated, or affiliated housing: | 91% |
| Percent of undergraduates who are members of a fraternity: | 18% |
| Percent of student body who are members of a sorority: | 33% |
| Average percentage of students on campus during weekends: | 75% |
| Are all students permitted to have cars on campus? | Yes |
| Percent of students who have cars on campus: | 53% |
| Is alcohol permitted on campus for students of legal age? | Yes |
| Additional policies and regulations: | class attendance policies set by individual instructors, hazing prohibited |
| Collegiate athletic association: | NCAA III |
| Men’s scholarship sports: | N/A |
| Women’s scholarship sports: | N/A |
| Student activities: | campus ministries, choral groups, concert band, dance, drama/theater, international student organization, jazz band, literary magazine, music ensembles, musical theater, opera, radio station, student government, student newspaper, symphony orchestra, yearbook |