A straight answer: 80.7% acceptance rate.
This means for every 100 applicants, only 81 actually get in. No guessing. Cornell College is a COMP institution located in Mount Vernon, IA — competition varies by program, but this is the official average.
Who Actually Gets In? (Men vs Women)
Quick breakdown so you get the real picture:
Men
Women
If you think one gender has an edge — the data tells what’s up.
Applications vs Admits: The Funnel That Matters
This is where the reality hits:
Yield Rate: N/A
This shows how many admitted students choose Cornell College. High yield = high confidence. Low yield = students had better options.
What Scores Do You Need?
If you're applying without knowing what scores to aim for… that’s how rejection letters happen.
SAT Score Range
ACT Score Range
Aim for the 75th percentile if you want peace of mind.
What the Cornell College Acceptance Rate Can — and Can’t — Tell You
Looking up the Cornell College acceptance rate is a natural starting point for applicants trying to understand admissions competitiveness. The number is easy to find and easy to compare, but it’s often misunderstood.
An acceptance rate of 80.7% represents outcomes across thousands of applications, not individual chances. It combines students with strong academic preparation, borderline applicants, and exploratory submissions into one statistic, which limits how precisely it can be interpreted.
Why Acceptance Rates Vary Year to Year
Acceptance rates don’t just change because universities become more or less selective. They fluctuate based on how many students apply, how programs manage enrollment, and how applicants self-select.
At Cornell College, shifts in applicant interest—especially in certain majors—can influence admissions outcomes. When demand increases in popular programs, competition intensifies even if the overall acceptance rate remains stable.
A Better Way to Think About Admissions Chances
Rather than using the acceptance rate at Cornell College as a prediction tool, students should see it as a benchmark. It helps identify whether a school belongs in a reach, target, or safety category, but it doesn’t replace self-assessment.
Applicants who focus on academic fit, preparation, and realistic expectations often find that acceptance rate data makes more sense in hindsight than it does upfront.
Admissions Insight
Holistic Admissions? Or Score-Centric?
Some colleges love essays and activities. Some love high numbers.
Your Chances of Getting Into Cornell College
Let’s keep it real:
- ✅ Great scores + strong extracurriculars → Solid chance
- 🔶 Good scores + average profile → Toss-up
- ❌ Below 25th percentile → You’re relying on miracles
If you’re international, competition goes up a notch. If you're applying to CS, Business, or Engineering → multiply difficulty by 2.
What's my real shot?
Acceptance Odds Estimator
Estimate your admission probability at Cornell College based on your unique profile.
Pro Tip: Many more factors influence admission. For a deeper analysis that includes major, essays, and personal context — use Orbit's values-based matching.
Try Right Fit MatcherShould Cornell College Be on Your College List?
By now, most students aren’t just researching out of curiosity — they’re trying to decide whether Cornell College belongs on their final application list. That decision rarely comes down to a single metric.
Admissions competitiveness varies depending on who you are as an applicant. Some students find that their academic record aligns well with what the university typically looks for, while others may face more competition based on program choice or preparation.
Making a Balanced Application Decision
Strong applicants think in terms of balance. They include schools where they feel confident, schools that push them slightly, and schools that represent ambition. Admissions data helps place Cornell College into one of those categories, but it doesn’t make the decision on its own.
What matters most is alignment — between your interests, academic background, and the opportunities the university offers. When that alignment exists, applying becomes a logical step rather than a risky gamble.
Should You Apply to Cornell College?
If 80.7% feels scary — that’s the point. High stakes → high payoff.
- Will I be a standout here?
- Do I like the vibe?
- Can I afford it? (Check scholarship opportunities)
- Is this my best-fit major here?
Explore Cornell College
Jump to related stats for this same university.
FAQs About Cornell College Acceptance Rate
What is the One Course at a Time block plan like?
The One Course at a Time block plan allows students to focus intensively on a single subject for 18 days, promoting deep engagement and comprehension. Classes meet daily for extended periods, facilitating hands-on learning and active participation.
What are average class sizes at Cornell College?
At Cornell College, average class sizes range from 10 to 20 students, allowing for personalized attention and fostering close relationships between students and professors. This small size enhances interaction and discussion.
Is housing guaranteed for all four years?
Housing at Cornell College is nearly guaranteed for all four years, allowing most students to remain in campus accommodations throughout their undergraduate studies, fostering a strong on-campus community.
What majors are most popular?
Popular majors at Cornell College include Psychology, Business, Biology, English, and Sociology. These programs draw strong student interest due to their engaging curriculum and applicable skills.
How does the block plan affect study abroad?
The block plan enables flexible study abroad options, allowing students to immerse themselves fully in their chosen experience. However, students should plan carefully to facilitate alignment with their academic goals.
Final Verdict: Don’t Play It Casual
Cornell College isn’t a lottery — but it sure feels like one if you apply blind.
Know where you stand. Play strengths. Show why you belong.
Unlock Your Best Shot with Orbit
Everything you need to maximize your college application success