Residence Halls

Exterior of a residence hall on the campus of Cornell College in Mount Vernon, Iowa.

Discover your home away from home

You’ll find that our residence halls are more than rooms—they’re vibrant communities that are inclusive, caring, and supportive. You’ll be able to meet new friends, engage in group activities, and just hang out. Cornell offers many different living options for our students—from well-accommodated dorms to apartment-style residences. Want to live in a place that really makes you feel welcome? Cornell College is for you.

First-year living

As a first-year student, you will live in one of five residence halls. Interested in living with students who share your common interests? Ask to be part of one of our first-year themed living communities.

Exterior of Bowman-Carter Hall on the campus of Cornell College in Mount Vernon, Iowa. Bowman-Carter Hall, an all-female residence hall, is the closest residence hall to the hub of campus life at the Thomas Commons.

Bowman-Carter Hall

Bowman-Carter Hall is an all-female dorm open to first-year students, sophomores, juniors, and seniors. Historic Bowman-Carter Hall features towering ceilings, a refurbished formal lounge, and a kitchen on the first floor.

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Exterior of Dows Hall on the campus of Cornell College in Mount Vernon, Iowa.Dows Hall is one of three residence halls that form what is commonly known as  Tri-Hall, located south of Allee Chapel.

Dows Hall

Dows Hall features both single- and all-gender floors with A/C. It is also home to our STEM First Year Living Community. Dows Hall underwent a renovation to the sleeping rooms, bathrooms, lounge spaces, and kitchen.

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Exterior of the Pauley-Rorem Hall dormitory on the campus of Cornell College in Mount Vernon, Iowa.Pauley-Rorem Hall is on the west side of campus near Russell Hall.

Pauley-Rorem Hall

Pauley-Rorem Hall houses mostly first-year students and attracts a fair amount of athletes due to its proximity to the athletic facilities in addition to students who enjoy its game room lounge and has A/C. Into fitness? Pauley-Rorem Hall may be a great place for you to live, as it is home to our Fit and Active Themed Living Community.

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Exterior of the Pfeiffer Hall dormitory on the campus of Cornell College in Mount Vernon, Iowa.Pfeiffer Hall is one of the three halls that are part of the Tri-Hall area on the south side of campus.

Pfeiffer Hall

Pfeiffer Hall features open lounge areas, two kitchens, and other amenities that are designed to make you feel at home. This includes three separate bathrooms per floor which can cater to diverse gender preferences. Pfeiffer Hall houses all genders from all years.

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Exterior of the Tarr Hall dormitory on the campus of Cornell College in Mount Vernon, Iowa.Tarr Hall is one of three halls from the Tri-Hall area of campus south of Allee Chapel.

Tarr Hall

Tarr Hall features both single-gender and all-gender floors with A/C. Tarr Hall has several great study areas and even a performance stage for social events. This residence hall is also home to our Community Connections Themed Living Community.

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Upper-class living

As an upper-class student, you’ll have a wide range of choices, including suite- and apartment style living. You’ll also have the opportunity to engage in a Living and Learning Community (LLC) where you can dig deep into topics with students who share your interests.

Exterior of the Merner Hall dormitory on the campus of Cornell College in Mount Vernon, Iowa. Merner Hall, an upper-class residence hall, is across the street from the SAW, our wellness and athletic facility.

Merner Hall

Merner Hall features both single- and all-gender floors. Merner Hall’s large lounge area is the perfect place to hang out with friends. This hall is popular among athletes due to its close proximity to the athletic facilities.

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Exterior of the Olin Hall dormitory located on the campus of Cornell College in Mount Vernon, Iowa.Olin Hall is similar in shape and size as Merner Hall, across the street from the SAW.

Olin Hall

Olin Hall has both single-gender and all-gender floors. Historic Olin Hall features a large glass fishbowl-like lounge area and houses some of the largest double rooms on campus per square foot. This hall is popular among athletes due to its close proximity to the athletic facilities.

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Exterior of the Russell Hall dormitory on the campus of Cornell College in Mount Vernon, Iowa. Russell Hall is on the west side of campus near Pauley-Rorem Hall. 

Russell Hall

One of the newer dormitories at Cornell College, Russell Hall has all-gender floors and rooms. Russell Hall features a wide range of amenities, including a furnished living room in each suite, a full kitchen on each floor, and central air.

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Apartment options for upper-class students

Exterior of the 10th Avenue Apartments on the campus of Cornell College in Mount Vernon, Iowa. The 10th Avenue Apartments is situated near Smith Hall, south of the Hilltop campus. 

10th Avenue Apartments

A duplex-style building, the 10th Avenue Apartments are home to upper-class students of all genders. Each apartment features furnished bedrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, and central air conditioning

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Exterior of the Wilch Apartments on the campus of Cornell College. The Wilch Apartments is across the street from the Hilltop campus area on First St. 

Wilch Apartments

Converted into student housing in 2013, the Wilch Apartments welcome students of all genders. Featuring fully furnished bedrooms and full kitchens, the building has a mix of two-, three-, four-, and five-person apartments with A/C.

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