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Cornell College vs Mount Mercy University

Cornell College is a private college in Mount Vernon, IA. Mount Mercy University is a private university in Cedar Rapids, IA. Cornell College admits about 80% of applicants and Mount Mercy University about 83%, making Cornell College the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $20,168 a year at Mount Mercy University after aid, and about $23,634 at Cornell College. About 67% of students graduate at Cornell College, compared with 57% at Mount Mercy University. Ten years after enrolling, Mount Mercy University alumni earn a median of about $60,787, against $53,460 for Cornell College.

Cornell College

Mount Vernon, IA · Private

Mount Mercy University

Cedar Rapids, IA · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Mount Vernon, IA
Cedar Rapids, IA
Setting
Suburban
Urban
Undergraduates
1,086
1,107
Acceptance rate
80%
83%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.44–3.94
3.38–3.88
SAT (middle 50%)
1120–1285
1010–1210
ACT (middle 50%)
23–30
19–25
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$23,634
$20,168
Full cost / yr
$66,249
$55,054
In-state tuition
$52,660
$40,878
Out-of-state tuition
$52,660
$40,878
Application fee
$0
Not reported
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$16,409
$17,070
$30k - $48k
$18,513
$15,294
$48k - $75k
$20,177
$16,883
$75k - $110k
$22,944
$20,311
Over $110k
$29,298
$25,244
Outcomes
Graduation rate
67%
57%
Freshman retention
80%
73%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$39,299
$52,871
Median earnings (10 yr)
$53,460
$60,787
Median debt at graduation
$27,000
$23,699
Student body
Pell grant recipients
32%
27%
First-generation students
20%
29%
International students
3%
12%
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 Mount Mercy University harder to get into?
Cornell College is harder to get into. It admits about 80% of applicants, compared with 83% at Mount Mercy University. 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 Mount Mercy University?
Mount Mercy University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $20,168 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $23,634 at Cornell College. 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 Mount Mercy University?
Before aid, Mount Mercy University costs about $55,054 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 Mount Mercy University?
Cornell College. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $16,409 there, against about $17,070 at Mount Mercy University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Cornell College or Mount Mercy University?
Mount Mercy University is the larger of the two, with about 1,107 undergraduates against 1,086 at Cornell College.
Does Cornell College or Mount Mercy University have a better graduation rate?
Cornell College has the higher graduation rate, at about 67% against 57% at Mount Mercy University.
Do graduates of Cornell College or Mount Mercy University earn more?
Mount Mercy University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $60,787 ten years after enrolling, against about $53,460 for Cornell College. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Cornell College and Mount Mercy University require SAT or ACT scores?
Cornell College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Mount Mercy University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Cornell College and Mount Mercy University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1120–1285 at Cornell College and 1010–1210 at Mount Mercy University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

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