Cornell College vs. St. Cloud State University

Comparable Facts

Compare Cornell College in Mount Vernon, IA with Saint Cloud State University in Saint Cloud, MN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Saint Cloud State University is larger than Cornell College based on total student enrollment (10,732 students vs. 1,094 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Cornell College is located in Mount Vernon, IA (Distant Town setting); Saint Cloud State University is in Saint Cloud, MN (Small City setting).
• Cornell College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Saint Cloud State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Cornell College 14:1; Saint Cloud State University 18:1.

Cornell College vs. St. Cloud State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Cornell College or St. Cloud State University? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Saint Cloud State University than Cornell College ($14,735 vs. $25,220).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Saint Cloud State University are 10.6% lower than at Cornell College ($10,596 vs. $11,850).
• Cornell College is 414% more expensive for in-state tuition than St. Cloud State University (about $42,415 more per year; $52,660.00 vs. $10,245.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 414% higher at Cornell College than at Saint Cloud State University (about $42,415 more per year; $52,660.00 vs. $10,245.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Cornell College than at Saint Cloud State University (100% vs. 84%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Cornell College students is 484% larger than aid received by Saint Cloud State University students ($41,092 vs. $7,036).

Cornell College vs. St. Cloud State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Cornell College or St. Cloud State University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between St. Cloud State University and Cornell College.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Cornell College (1200) is 60 points higher than at St. Cloud State University (1140).
• Incoming Cornell College students have a 5 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (26 vs. 21 at St. Cloud State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Cornell College 1120/1285; Saint Cloud State University 1025/1260.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Cornell College 23/30; Saint Cloud State University 17/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Cornell College - Test optional; St. Cloud State University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: St. Cloud State University Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Cornell College students have a 0.13 point higher average high school GPA (3.53) than students at St. Cloud State University (3.4).
• St. Cloud State University has a higher acceptance rate (94.8%) than Cornell College (79.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 14.3% at Cornell College vs. 16.6% at St. Cloud State University.

Cornell College vs. St. Cloud State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Cornell College and St. Cloud State University? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Cornell College's six-year graduation rate (70%) is higher than Saint Cloud State University's (48%).
• Graduates from Saint Cloud State University earn a median of about $1,300 more per year than Cornell College graduates about ten years after starting college ($46,700 vs. $45,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Saint Cloud State University graduates have a $4,500 lower median loan debt than Cornell College graduates ($22,500 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, St. Cloud State University graduates have an estimated $47 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Cornell College graduates ($232 vs. $279).
• More Cornell College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former St. Cloud State University students, three years after graduation. (74% vs. 67%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.