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Northwestern College and Cornell College are both private nonprofit institutions — Northwestern College in Orange City, IA and Cornell College in Mount Vernon, IA. This page compares published admission, cost, and outcome data from federal sources so you can see the tradeoffs before you add either school to your list.
Orange City, IA · Private
Acceptance rate: 80.4%
Undergrad enrollment: 1,175
Tuition: $36,710/year
Student-faculty ratio: 15.0:1
Graduation rate: 66.0%
Top programs: Business and marketing, Education, Biological sciences
Best for: Students who want a private campus in Orange City, IA with published program strength in Business and marketing and Education.
Mount Vernon, IA · Private
Acceptance rate: 79.9%
Undergrad enrollment: 1,086
Tuition: $52,660/year
Student-faculty ratio: 14.0:1
Graduation rate: 61.8%
Top programs: Biological sciences, Education, Business and marketing
Best for: Students who want a private campus in Mount Vernon, IA with published program strength in Biological sciences and Education.
| Factor | Northwestern College | Cornell College |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rate | 80.4% | 79.9% |
| SAT range (middle 50%) |
| Not reported |
| 1120–1285 |
| ACT range (middle 50%) | 24 average | 23–30 |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 1,175 | 1,086 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $36,710/year | $52,660/year |
| Average net price after aid | $25,907 | $23,634 |
| Graduation rate | 66.0% | 61.8% |
| Median earnings (10 years) | $49,802 | $53,460 |
| Student-faculty ratio | 15.0:1 | 14.0:1 |
| Institution type | Private nonprofit | Private nonprofit |
| Location | Orange City, IA | Mount Vernon, IA |
| Largest program areas | Business and marketing, Education, Biological sciences | Biological sciences, Education, Business and marketing |
Both schools admit a similar share of applicants (80.4% vs 79.9%). Cornell College has a lower average net price after grant aid ($23,634 vs $25,907). Northwestern College reports the higher graduation rate (66.0% vs 61.8%). Northwestern College is the larger undergraduate campus (1,175 students). Use the free side-by-side comparison tool to weigh cost, program fit, location, and outcomes for your own list — and verify deadlines and requirements with each college.
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Common questions when choosing between Northwestern College and Cornell College
Northwestern College has an acceptance rate of 80.4%; Cornell College is around 79.9%. Selectivity is only one factor — GPA, essays, major, and residency (for publics) all change the odds.
Northwestern College tuition is $36,710/year. Cornell College is $52,660/year. Compare net price after aid, not sticker price — especially for private schools and out-of-state publics.
Use College Decider's free comparison tool at /compare — add both schools to see tuition, acceptance rates, graduation outcomes, and more in one table.
Add both schools to our free side-by-side comparison tool — tuition, outcomes, and more.
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