Financial aid for college
Turn your goals into reality—financial aid can help
Wondering what college will cost? We’re committed to making a high-quality liberal arts education accessible. 99% of our students receive financial aid, and every applicant is automatically considered for a merit scholarship—no extra steps needed.
Jose De La Torre, a first-generation story
Hear firsthand from Jose De La Torre about his journey to Cornell College and how our scholarships and financial aid packages helped him achieve his goals.
Learn more about your options to pay for college
Planning ahead makes a big difference. Whether you’re just starting your college search or narrowing down your list, understanding costs early can help ease the process. Cornell’s net price calculator gives you a quick estimate of your potential costs and financial aid—so you can start planning with confidence.
Students and families often have questions about financial aid, and we’re here to help.
Scholarships and awards
Cornell offers a range of renewable scholarships for first-year, transfer, and international students—including the Iowa Promise and National Academic Scholarships. No extra paperwork is needed; you’re automatically considered when you apply. You can also apply for scholarships tied to special interests like the arts, esports, cheer and dance, and mock trial.
99%
of Cornell students receive Cornell merit scholarships
$46,295
was the average financial aid and federal loan package for the fall 2025 entering class
34%
of the class received a Federal Pell Grant
Financial resources for every stage
No matter where you are in the financial aid process, our counselors can help. If you have any questions, reach out to us! Here's how many successful students approach the financial aid process:
- Complete your application for admission to Cornell College
- Apply for any talent scholarships from Cornell College that might be a good fit
- Complete the FAFSA to find out what Federal aid you qualify for
- Research and apply for outside scholarships at your school, in your community, or with national or global organizations
- Receive and review your Financial Aid Summary from Cornell
- Consider loan options to fill in any gap between aid and out of pocket costs
Have questions? We're here to help.
The Cornell College Office of Financial Assistance
Still have questions? Reach out to our financial assistance team and talk one-on-one with an expert. We’re dedicated to helping you access a high-quality liberal arts education that prepares you for wherever your career goals lead you.
