Apply to Cornell College

Where you find your focus—and your future.

Apply to Cornell College with no application fee, no required test scores, and automatic merit scholarship consideration. You'll take a different path with our One Course At A Time block plan, build meaningful relationships with professors, and gain the confidence to pursue your goals.

Why apply to Cornell?

No application fee
Test optional admission
Automatic merit scholarship consideration
Personalized admission review
One Course At A Time learning approach to education
Supportive community focused on your success

Start your application

What makes Cornell different?

One Course At A Time means just that—you take one course, and your professor teaches one course, instead of four or five classes simultaneously. You get to focus deeply on each subject, engage directly with your professor, and experience the material through hands-on learning activity.

Students choose Cornell because they want:

• Strong relationships with their professors.
• Personalized academic guidance from knowledgeable advisors.
• Opportunities to lead .
• Undergraduate research opportunities.
• A close-knit, residential community.
• An education that prepares them for careers and grad school.
• The block plan: it's not available at most schools and gives you the ability to craft your education and learn deeply.

Applying is easy

We've streamlined our college application to make it simple and straight-forward. In fact, it should take you 15 minutes or less to complete. And, you won't wait for months for an answer, we often give you your admission decision in two weeks or less.

Test optional means you have the choice

Cornell College has been test optional since 2017, because we decided test scores weren't the best indicator of success as a college student. You may apply with or without ACT or SAT scores. Your admission decision and scholarship eligibility are not dependent on submitting standardized test scores.

Scholarships and Financial Aid

A Cornell education is likely more affordable than you think.

When you submit your application you'll automatically be considered for an academic merit scholarship. Over 99% of Cornell students receive some form of financial assistance, and our financial aid team will help you explore scholarships, grants, loans and work-study opportunities available when you file your FAFSA.

Why students love this:

• No separate application for merit scholarships
• Automatic scholarship consideration
• Personalized financial aid support
• Multiple ways to help make college affordable.

Explore scholarships and financial aid

Frequently asked questions

Is Cornell test optional?

Yes. Cornell College is test optional. ACT and SAT scores can be submitted for first-year students or you may choose not to. Applications without test scores are given the same consideration as applicaitons with test scores.

Do I haved to complete an admission essay?

No. We do not require an admission essay for admission, though you may submit a writing sample with your application as extra materials.

Does Cornell have an application fee?

Cornell College does not charge an application fee for admission of domestic students. International students have an application fee of $50 USD.

Are scholarships available?

Yes. All applicants are automatically considered for merit scholarships when they apply.

What makes Cornell College unique?

Cornell's One Course At A Time calendar and Ingenuity curriculum allow students to build a modern liberal arts education block by block rather than juggling multiple classes simultaneously.

Can I transfer to Cornell?

Absolutely. Cornell welcomes transfer students and provides a dedicated transfer application process for fall and spring semesters.

Does Cornell welcome international students?

Yes. We appreciate the breadth of experience international students bring to our campus community. We have dedicated international student admission counselors to assist with the process.

Ready to take the next step?

It's a simple one. 

Apply today and receive a quick admission decision and automatic scholarship consideration. Your admission counselor is here to answer any questions you have along the way.

Choose your application

Apply as a first-year student Apply as a transfer student Apply as an international student