Mount Vernon, IA · Private University
Is Cornell College Worth It?
ROI analysis based on real earnings and cost data
Key Numbers
10-Year Earnings
$53,460
median, 10 years after enrollment
In-State Tuition
$50,634
per year
Out-of-State Tuition
$50,634
per year
Total 4-Year Cost
$202,536
tuition only (4 years)
ROI Ratio
1.06x
earnings ÷ annual tuition
Payback Period
11 yrs
years to recoup total cost
Graduation Rate
71.7%
6-year graduation rate
Median Debt
$27,000
at graduation
Avg Net Price
$25,079
after aid & scholarships
Earnings vs. Annual Cost
10-year median earnings compared to annual tuition
Cornell College graduates earn $8,460 more than the national median of workers with any education level.
What You'd Actually Pay
Average net price after grants and scholarships, by family income
Source: IPEDS net price data. Actual costs vary based on individual financial circumstances.
Highest-Earning Majors
Top programs at Cornell College ranked by graduate earnings
33 graduates
18 graduates
19 graduates
23 graduates
18 graduates
Earnings shown are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 1-year medians.
ROI by Major at Cornell College
All available majors ranked by graduate earnings — your major matters as much as your school.
| Major | Earnings | ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and MethodsBest ROI | $42,577 | 0.8x |
| Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods(1yr data) | $42,127 | 0.8x |
| Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology(1yr data) | $39,164 | 0.8x |
| Health and Physical Education/FitnessLowest(1yr data) | $35,439 | 0.7x |
Earnings are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 5-year or 1-year. ROI = earnings ÷ annual tuition.
The Bottom Line
Cornell College delivers returns in line with the national college average. Graduates earn $53,460 10 years after starting — $8,460 above the national median of $45,000. At the current earnings trajectory, it takes approximately 11 years to recover the total cost of attendance.
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Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Tuition data from IPEDS. ROI calculations are for informational purposes only and reflect median outcomes.