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Simpson College and Cornell College are both private nonprofit institutions — Simpson College in Indianola, 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.
Indianola, IA · Private
Acceptance rate: 86.2%
Undergrad enrollment: 1,227
Tuition: $47,656/year
Student-faculty ratio: 12.0:1
Graduation rate: 63.3%
Top programs: Business and marketing, Health professions, Biological sciences
Best for: Students who want a private campus in Indianola, IA with published program strength in Business and marketing and Health professions.
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 | Simpson College | Cornell College |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rate | 86.2% | 79.9% |
| SAT range (middle 50%) |
| 1440 average |
| 1120–1285 |
| ACT range (middle 50%) | 31–33 | 23–30 |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 1,227 | 1,086 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $47,656/year | $52,660/year |
| Average net price after aid | $21,936 | $23,634 |
| Graduation rate | 63.3% | 61.8% |
| Median earnings (10 years) | $59,274 | $53,460 |
| Student-faculty ratio | 12.0:1 | 14.0:1 |
| Institution type | Private nonprofit | Private nonprofit |
| Location | Indianola, IA | Mount Vernon, IA |
| Largest program areas | Business and marketing, Health professions, Biological sciences | Biological sciences, Education, Business and marketing |
Cornell College is more selective (79.9% vs 86.2% acceptance rate). Simpson College has a lower average net price after grant aid ($21,936 vs $23,634). Simpson College reports the higher graduation rate (63.3% vs 61.8%). Simpson College is the larger undergraduate campus (1,227 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.
Common questions when choosing between Simpson College and Cornell College
Simpson College has an acceptance rate of 86.2%; Cornell College is around 79.9%. Selectivity is only one factor — GPA, essays, major, and residency (for publics) all change the odds.
Simpson College tuition is $47,656/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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