Cornell College vs Northwestern College
Cornell College is a private college in Mount Vernon, IA. Northwestern College is a private college in Orange City, IA. Both admit about 80% of applicants. Students pay an average of about $23,634 a year at Cornell College after aid, and about $25,907 at Northwestern College. About 67% of students graduate at Cornell College, compared with 65% at Northwestern College. Ten years after enrolling, Cornell College alumni earn a median of about $53,460, against $49,802 for Northwestern College.
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Mount Vernon, IA
Orange City, IA
Setting
Suburban
Suburban
Undergraduates
1,086
1,175
Acceptance rate
80%
80%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.44–3.94
3.33–3.83
SAT (middle 50%)
1120–1285
940–1240
ACT (middle 50%)
23–30
20–27
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$23,634
$25,907
Full cost / yr
$66,249
$49,783
In-state tuition
$52,660
$36,710
Out-of-state tuition
$52,660
$36,710
Application fee
$0
Not reported
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$16,409
$27,059
$30k - $48k
$18,513
$19,503
$48k - $75k
$20,177
$20,572
$75k - $110k
$22,944
$24,265
Over $110k
$29,298
$29,539
Outcomes
Graduation rate
67%
65%
Freshman retention
80%
74%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$39,299
$46,731
Median earnings (10 yr)
$53,460
$49,802
Median debt at graduation
$27,000
$23,249
Student body
Pell grant recipients
32%
25%
First-generation students
20%
13%
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.
- Is Cornell College or Northwestern College harder to get into?
- They are about equally selective: both admit around 80% of applicants. 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 Northwestern College?
- Cornell College is cheaper on average. Students pay about $23,634 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $25,907 at Northwestern 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 Northwestern College?
- Before aid, Northwestern College costs about $49,783 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 Northwestern College?
- Cornell College. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $16,409 there, against about $27,059 at Northwestern College. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
- Which is bigger, Cornell College or Northwestern College?
- Northwestern College is the larger of the two, with about 1,175 undergraduates against 1,086 at Cornell College.
- Does Cornell College or Northwestern College have a better graduation rate?
- Cornell College has the higher graduation rate, at about 67% against 65% at Northwestern College.
- Do graduates of Cornell College or Northwestern College earn more?
- Cornell College alumni earn more on average: a median of about $53,460 ten years after enrolling, against about $49,802 for Northwestern College. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
- Do Cornell College and Northwestern College require SAT or ACT scores?
- Cornell College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Northwestern College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
- What SAT scores do Cornell College and Northwestern College look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 1120–1285 at Cornell College and 940–1240 at Northwestern College. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.
Related comparisons
Which of these is the better fit for you?
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