Lake Forest College vs Cornell College
Nestled in the heart of the Midwest, Lake Forest College and Cornell College stand out as two exceptional liberal arts institutions, each offering a unique educational experience. While both colleges share a commitment to academic excellence and personalized learning, they differ in several key aspects. Lake Forest College, located in the affluent suburb of Chicago, boasts a higher acceptance rate and a more diverse student body, while Cornell College, situated in the charming town of Mount Vernon, Iowa, has a slightly higher graduation rate and a stronger focus on sustainability. To help you make an informed decision about your higher education journey, we've compiled a comprehensive comparison table that delves into the acceptance rates, popular majors, student body demographics, and graduation rates of these two esteemed institutions. Explore the table to discover which college aligns best with your academic aspirations and personal preferences.
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![]() Cornell College |
![]() Lake Forest College |
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Overview |
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Location | Mount Vernon, Iowa | Lake Forest, Illinois |
Campus setting | Town: Fringe | Suburb: Large |
College type | 4 year | 4 year |
Control/business model | Private (Non Profit) | Private (Non Profit) |
Calendar system | Semester | Semester |
Degrees offered | Undergraduate and Graduate | Undergraduate and Graduate |
Students retention rate | 78.0% | 87.0% |
![]() |
Yes | Yes |
Religious affiliation | Methodism | |
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Admission |
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Acceptance rate | 81.1% | 64.4% |
Application fees | $30 | $50 |
SAT range | 1155 - 1405 | 1130 - 1345 |
ACT range | 24 - 30 | 26 - 31 |
Students submitting SAT score | 28.0% | 26.0% |
Students submitting ACT score | 58.0% | 15.0% |
Total number of applicants | 2,836 | 4,358 |
Total number of admissions given out | 2,300 | 2,808 |
Admitted students who chose to enroll | 366 | 417 |
Yield rate | 15.9% | 14.9% |
Test scores (SAT/ACT) | N/A | N/A |
High school GPA | Required | Required |
Recommendation letters | Not required | Required |
High school transcript | Not required | Not required |
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL) | Not required | Required |
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Tuition and Fees |
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Sticker price | $62,735 | $66,400 |
Average net price | $22,667 | $25,126 |
Tuition | $47,100 | $50,100 |
Room & board |
Room/dormitory:
$4,868
Meal plan:
$5,688
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Room/dormitory:
$5,540
Meal plan:
$5,958
|
Available payment plans |
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Financial Aid |
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Students receiving financial aid
(Grants & scholarships) |
100.0%
Average amount $37,745 |
100.0%
Average amount $38,182 |
Students receiving federal student loan |
57.0%
Average amount $5,607 |
43.0%
Average amount $5,895 |
Students taking out private loans |
16.0%
Average amount $9,357 |
4.0%
Average amount $15,800 |
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Students and Campus |
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Undergraduate students |
1,046
Men 52.5% Women 47.5% |
1,661
Men 41.7% Women 58.3% |
Graduate students |
9
Men 33.3% Women 66.7% |
29
Men 34.5% Women 65.5% |
Racial/ethnic diversity |
Low
|
Low
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Out-of-state students | N/A | 45.4% |
International students | 3.0% | 15.7% |
Campus local/setting | Town: Fringe | Suburb: Large |
Dormitory capacity | 1,060 | 1,236 |
First year students are required to live on campus? | No | No |
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from | N/A | Illinois Arizona California Colorado Minnesota |
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Academics |
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Popular study areas |
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Students to faculty ratio | 12:1 | 12:1 |
Institutional accreditation | Higher Learning Commission | Higher Learning Commission |
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Outcome |
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Graduation rate | 63.8% | 73.0% |
Dropout rate | 10.9% | 4.8% |
Transferred out | 25.4% | 22.2% |
Alumni salary by major (Top 10) |
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Bachelor's Degrees)
Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
Computer Science (Bachelor's Degrees)
English Language and Literature, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology (Bachelor's Degrees)
Health and Physical Education/Fitness (Bachelor's Degrees)
Economics (Bachelor's Degrees)
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Finance and Financial Management Services (Bachelor's Degrees)
Communication and Media Studies (Bachelor's Degrees)
Business/Commerce, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
Political Science and Government (Bachelor's Degrees)
Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics (Bachelor's Degrees)
English Language and Literature, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
Natural Resources Conservation and Research (Bachelor's Degrees)
Biology, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
Neurobiology and Neurosciences (Bachelor's Degrees)
Mathematics (Bachelor's Degrees)
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