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Cornell College vs Waldorf University

Cornell College is a private college in Mount Vernon, IA, and Waldorf University is a private for-profit university in Forest City, IA. Waldorf University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 77% of applicants against 80% at Cornell College. Waldorf University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $19,693 a year against $23,634 at Cornell College. About 67% of students graduate at Cornell College, compared with 24% at Waldorf University. Ten years after enrolling, Cornell College alumni earn a median of about $53,460, against $51,165 for Waldorf University.

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Cornell College

Mount Vernon, IA · Private

Waldorf University

Forest City, IA · Private (for-profit)
At a glance
Type
Private
Private (for-profit)
Location
Mount Vernon, IA
Forest City, IA
Setting
Suburban
Rural
Undergraduates
1,086
1,827
Acceptance rate
80%
77%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.44–3.94
3.34–3.84
SAT (middle 50%)
1120–1285
920–1110
ACT (middle 50%)
23–30
17–21
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$23,634
$19,693
Full cost / yr
$66,249
$39,675
In-state tuition
$52,660
$25,978
Out-of-state tuition
$52,660
$25,978
Application fee
$0
Not reported
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$16,409
$16,448
$30k - $48k
$18,513
$18,378
$48k - $75k
$20,177
$23,045
$75k - $110k
$22,944
$21,244
Over $110k
$29,298
$23,667
Outcomes
Graduation rate
67%
24%
Freshman retention
80%
44%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$39,299
$50,515
Median earnings (10 yr)
$53,460
$51,165
Median debt at graduation
$27,000
$18,752
Student body
Pell grant recipients
32%
36%
First-generation students
20%
46%
International students
3%
0%
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 Waldorf University harder to get into?
Waldorf University is harder to get into. It admits about 77% 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 Waldorf University?
Waldorf University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $19,693 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 Waldorf University?
Before aid, Waldorf University costs about $39,675 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 Waldorf University?
Cornell College. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $16,409 there, against about $16,448 at Waldorf University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Cornell College or Waldorf University?
Waldorf University is the larger of the two, with about 1,827 undergraduates against 1,086 at Cornell College.
Does Cornell College or Waldorf University have a better graduation rate?
Cornell College has the higher graduation rate, at about 67% against 24% at Waldorf University.
Do graduates of Cornell College or Waldorf University earn more?
Cornell College alumni earn more on average: a median of about $53,460 ten years after enrolling, against about $51,165 for Waldorf University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Cornell College and Waldorf University require SAT or ACT scores?
Cornell College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Waldorf University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Cornell College and Waldorf University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1120–1285 at Cornell College and 920–1110 at Waldorf 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