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Cornell College vs Drake University

Cornell College is a private college in Mount Vernon, IA. Drake University is a private university in Des Moines, IA. Drake University admits about 64% of applicants and Cornell College about 80%, making Drake University the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $23,634 a year at Cornell College after aid, and about $29,127 at Drake University. About 76% of students graduate at Drake University, compared with 67% at Cornell College. Ten years after enrolling, Drake University alumni earn a median of about $71,901, against $53,460 for Cornell College.

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Cornell College

Mount Vernon, IA · Private

Drake University

Des Moines, IA · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Mount Vernon, IA
Des Moines, IA
Setting
Suburban
Urban
Undergraduates
1,086
2,543
Acceptance rate
80%
64%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.44–3.94
3.5–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1120–1285
1110–1350
ACT (middle 50%)
23–30
24–29
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$23,634
$29,127
Full cost / yr
$66,249
$64,835
In-state tuition
$52,660
$52,130
Out-of-state tuition
$52,660
$52,130
Application fee
$0
$0
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$16,409
$25,824
$30k - $48k
$18,513
$23,275
$48k - $75k
$20,177
$25,171
$75k - $110k
$22,944
$27,408
Over $110k
$29,298
$33,126
Outcomes
Graduation rate
67%
76%
Freshman retention
80%
84%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$39,299
$58,233
Median earnings (10 yr)
$53,460
$71,901
Median debt at graduation
$27,000
$23,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
32%
22%
First-generation students
20%
15%
International students
3%
4%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Mar 1
Rolling

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is Cornell College or Drake University harder to get into?
Drake University is harder to get into. It admits about 64% of applicants, compared with 80% at Cornell College. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Cornell College or Drake University?
Cornell College is cheaper on average. Students pay about $23,634 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $29,127 at Drake University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at Cornell College and Drake University?
Before aid, Drake University costs about $64,835 a year and Cornell College about $66,249. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Cornell College or Drake University?
Cornell College. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $16,409 there, against about $25,824 at Drake University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Cornell College or Drake University?
Drake University is the larger of the two, with about 2,543 undergraduates against 1,086 at Cornell College.
Does Cornell College or Drake University have a better graduation rate?
Drake University has the higher graduation rate, at about 76% against 67% at Cornell College.
Do graduates of Cornell College or Drake University earn more?
Drake University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $71,901 ten years after enrolling, against about $53,460 for Cornell College. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Cornell College and Drake University require SAT or ACT scores?
Cornell College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Drake University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Cornell College and Drake University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1120–1285 at Cornell College and 1110–1350 at Drake University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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1 Discovery quiz: find your major2 Matchmaker: your odds + net price at every school