Cornell College
Mount Vernon, United States • Founded 1853
Overview
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.
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.
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.
Bachelor's Degree
48 programmes
There are 48 programmes to choose from at Cornell College for undergraduates. A bachelor's degree builds the broad disciplinary foundation most employers and postgraduate courses expect.
International Relations and National Security Studies Politics & International Relations
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other Liberal Arts
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness Sport and Exercise Science
Philosophy Philosophy & Ethics
Religion/Religious Studies Philosophy & Ethics
Chemistry Chemistry
Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences Earth Sciences & Geology
Physics Physics & Astronomy
Psychology, General Psychology
Research and Experimental Psychology Psychology
Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology Clinical Psychology
Anthropology Social & Cultural Studies
Economics Economics
Data Science Liberal Arts
Political Science and Government Politics & International Relations
Sociology Social & Cultural Studies
Sociology and Anthropology Social & Cultural Studies
Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft Performing Arts
Fine and Studio Arts Visual Arts
Music Music
Business/Managerial Economics Economics
Finance and Financial Management Services Finance, Banking & Insurance
Human Resources Management and Services Human Resource Management
Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods Operations Management
History History
Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics Linguistics & Language Studies
Environmental/Natural Resources Management and Policy Forestry & Natural Resources
Area Studies Social & Cultural Studies
Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies Social & Cultural Studies
Computer Science Computer Sciences
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods Education & Teaching
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas Education & Teaching
Engineering, General General Engineering
Engineering Science General Engineering
Slavic, Baltic and Albanian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics Linguistics & Language Studies
Germanic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics Linguistics & Language Studies
Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics Linguistics & Language Studies
Natural Resources Conservation and Research Forestry & Natural Resources
English Language and Literature, General English Language Studies
Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies English Language Studies
Literature English Language Studies
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities Liberal Arts
Biology, General Biological Sciences
Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology Biochemistry
Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology Ecology & Conservation
Mathematics Mathematics
Applied Statistics Mathematics
Classical and Ancient Studies Liberal Arts
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Master's Degree
1 programme
Explore 1 programme of postgraduate study at Cornell College. A master's degree sharpens specialist knowledge and often carries a dissertation or major project.
Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies English Language Studies
No programmes match your filter in this level.
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 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 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 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 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 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 Often 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.