Cornell College brand mark

Cornell College

Mount Vernon, United States Founded 1853

Updated Jun 2026

Overview

Founded: 1853
Institution Type: College
Control Type: Private
Entity Type: Non-profit
Religious Affiliation: Christian-Methodist
Motto: Deus Et Humanitas
Colours: Purple and white
Cornell College brand mark

Founded in 1853, the Cornell College is a non-profit private liberal arts higher education institution located in the suburban setting of the medium town of Mount Vernon (population range of 2,500-9,999 inhabitants), Iowa.

Officially accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, Cornell College is a very small-sized coeducational US higher education institution formally affiliated with the Christian-Methodist religion. Cornell College offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor's degrees and master's degrees in several areas of study.

This 171-year-old US higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and students' past academic records and grades. The acceptance rate range is 80-89% making this US higher education organization a least selective institution.

International students are welcome to apply for enrollment.

Cornell College also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, online courses and distance learning opportunities, as well as administrative services.

Location & Contact

Where Cornell College sits geographically, plus the contact channels students use during admissions. Alumni-office inquiries are separate from admissions and have their own contact page.

Address: 600 First Street SW
Postal Code: 52314-1098
Phone: +1 (319) 895 4000
Fax: +1 (319) 895 4451

Academic Details

Below are the institutional metrics for Cornell College: scale, staffing balance, and accreditation context. These shape the academic experience more than headline rankings often suggest.

Recognition: Higher Learning Commission
Total Students: 1,086
Student Enrollment: 1
Academic Staff Range: 50-99
Campus Setting: Suburban
Memberships & Networks
Associated Colleges of the Midwest (ACM) Council of Independent Colleges (CIC) Midwest Conference National Athletic Association (NAA) National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)

Programs Offered

Cornell College's teaching programmes are listed below — search or scan by level. International student eligibility varies by programme — some require additional language or visa-pathway checks.

49 programmes on record. Each level below shows a sample. Compare these on the programs page All programs in United States

Bachelor's Degree 48 programmes

Bachelor's Degree in Anthropology
Social & Cultural Studies
Bachelor's Degree in Applied Statistics
Mathematics
Bachelor's Degree in Area Studies
Social & Cultural Studies
Bachelor's Degree in Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
Biochemistry
Bachelor's Degree in Biology, General
Biological Sciences
Bachelor's Degree in Business/Managerial Economics
Economics
Bachelor's Degree in Chemistry
Chemistry
Bachelor's Degree in Classical and Ancient Studies
Liberal Arts
Bachelor's Degree in Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
Linguistics & Language Studies
Bachelor's Degree in Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
Clinical Psychology

Showing 10 of 48.

Master's Degree 1 programme

Master's Degree in Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
English Language Studies

How to apply to Cornell College

How to apply to Cornell College — a five-step structure with notes on documents, channels, and timing for each phase.

  1. 1
    Browse the programme catalogue

    Start by exploring the programmes section on this page. Cornell College runs 49 active programmes across multiple degree levels. Narrow by qualification tier and read each programme description before shortlisting.

  2. 2
    Check eligibility for your chosen programme

    Before applying to Cornell College, confirm you meet the academic, language, and document requirements for your chosen programme. International applicants should also check visa eligibility for United States.

  3. 3
    Get your documents ready

    Standard documents: official transcripts, identity proof, language test results, personal statement, and references. Confirm exact requirements with Cornell College's admissions office before assembling, as expectations vary by programme.

  4. 4
    Apply through the official channel

    Lodge your application through the official website (www.cornellcollege.edu). Online forms are the standard route. Save your draft frequently and submit before the programme deadline.

  5. 5
    Reach out and track your application

    Verify your application has been received by the admissions team. Reach the institution by phone at +1 (319) 895 4000. Monitor the portal for status updates, interview invitations, or document requests, and respond within the stated deadlines.

Frequently Asked Questions about Cornell College

The questions below summarise Cornell College's vital institutional details — useful as a quick reference before drilling into specific sections.

How old is Cornell College?

The institution opened in 1853 (approximately 173 years ago).

Where can I find Cornell College?

The institution is located in Mount Vernon, United States.

Is Cornell College public or private?

Cornell College operates as a private institution.

How many students does Cornell College have?

The institution has a student body of 1,000-1,999.

Does Cornell College have a religious affiliation?

Yes, Cornell College is affiliated with Christian-Methodist.

Is Cornell College accredited?

Cornell College is accredited by Higher Learning Commission.

Where can I learn more about Cornell College?

You can find Cornell College online at www.cornellcollege.edu.

Top-Ranked Universities in the United States

the United States's most prominent universities are listed below — relevant for assessing Cornell College's national positioning. National prominence signals not just academic strength but also employer recognition.

Members of National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)

Universities sharing National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) affiliation with Cornell College offer comparable mobility and recognition benefits. Affiliated institutions often coordinate on academic standards and credit-transfer pathways.

Other American Universities Affiliated with Christian-Methodist

Christian-Methodist-aligned universities like Cornell College are gathered below for cross-reference. Cross-referencing helps when you have a clear preference for the tradition but want to compare academic options within it.

Faculties at nearby universities

Universities close to Cornell College typically fall within the same regional student-transit zones, where transit discounts and shared passes reduce living costs across the cluster.

Where Else to Study Social & Cultural Studies

Interested in Social & Cultural Studies but want alternatives to Cornell College? These institutions in the United States also offer programmes in this field, each with their own specialisations and admissions paths. Comparing the curriculum across schools often surfaces differences worth weighing.

Universities Compared with Cornell College

Students considering Cornell College frequently compare it against the universities listed below. The comparison set reflects revealed-preference data from how applicants actually build shortlists.

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