Cornell University
Cornell University is a private nonprofit university in Ithaca, NY ranked #37 nationally by EDsmart, earning an overall grade of A+, enrolling about 15,995 undergraduates, and with an acceptance rate near 8.8%. Students most often pursue Computer Science and Mathematics.
Academically, students benefit from a 9:1 student-faculty ratio, 98.4% first-year retention, and 95.4% six-year graduation. Peer cohorts and advising networks provide scaffolding that keeps newcomers anchored during demanding semesters.
Families typically invest $28,690, about $11,692 more than the national median. EDsmart calculates return on investment at -28.8%, roughly 108.8 points below typical outcomes. Six years after enrolling, alumni report median earnings of $87,830. That's about $44,142 higher than national results. It's a compelling fit for ambitious students who thrive in an elite, research-powered setting and students looking for meaningful faculty access.
Who is Cornell University Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
Cornell University graduates 95.4% of students within six years and keeps 98.4% of first-year students. Affordability earns a C compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use Cornell University's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $69,314 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,226 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $19,428 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $2,182 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $88,140 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 18.4% of Cornell University students receive Pell Grants — below the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Low-income families pay less than $1,776 annually, while high-income families pay $49,992. Use Cornell University's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $14,311/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $49,992/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $87,830
- 10-Year Median Earnings $87,830
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $13,000
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 87.5%
- Employment Rate 67.4%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Cornell University graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
Cornell University vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Cornell University's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Cornell University's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While Cornell University graduates earn $87,830 median, the -23.5% ROI suggests the investment may take longer to pay off. Consider your major choice and career goals when evaluating value.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading 730-770
- SAT Math 770-800
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite 33-35
- SAT & ACT Required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 15,995
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate 98.4%
- Graduation Rate 95.4%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 9:1
How to Get Into Cornell University
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Cornell University requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 8.8%, Cornell University is extremely selective. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
EDsmart Insight: With a 8.8% acceptance rate, Cornell University is extremely selective. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their class. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1500 and 1570 on the SAT.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Cornell University undergraduates. Computer Science, Biology, General, and Human Resources Management and Services draw the most students.
- Computer Science 9.3%
- Biology, General 6.9%
- Human Resources Management and Services 6.3%
- Hospitality Administration/Management 5.6%
- Agricultural Business and Management 4.5%
- Computer and Information Sciences, General 4.2%
See more majors
- Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Other 4.0%
- Economics 4.0%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Computer Science $219,827
- 2. Mathematics $162,763
- 3. Biomathematics, Bioinformatics, and Computational Biology $152,425
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Operations Research $151,071
- 5. Computer and Information Sciences, General $140,860
- 6. Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering $131,283
- 7. Agricultural Business and Management $130,690
- 8. Economics $129,667
- 9. Human Resources Management and Services $120,368
- 10. Chemical Engineering $118,510
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Law (Doctoral Degree) $273,248
- 2. Computer Science (Master's Degree) $224,974
- 3. Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degree) $212,807
Show additional graduate majors
- 4. Operations Research (Master's Degree) $205,185
- 5. Human Resources Management and Services (Master's Degree) $150,497
- 6. Systems Engineering (Master's Degree) $143,008
- 7. Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Master's Degree) $138,955
- 8. Health and Medical Administrative Services (Master's Degree) $138,115
- 9. Medicine (First Professional Degree) $135,907
- 10. Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Master's Degree) $133,541
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Computer Science grads earn $219,827—85% more than Chemical Engineering ($118,510). Graduate: Law programs lead with $273,248 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for Cornell University. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degree, 689 graduates)
- Computer Science (Bachelor's Degree, 396 graduates)
- Biology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 294 graduates)
- Computer Science (Master's Degree, 279 graduates)
- Human Resources Management and Services (Bachelor's Degree, 270 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (77 programs)▼
- Computer Science
- Biology, General
- Human Resources Management and Services
- Hospitality Administration/Management
- Agricultural Business and Management
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Other
- Economics
- Mechanical Engineering
- Political Science and Government
- Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
- Animal Sciences
- Mathematics
- Communication and Media Studies
- Operations Research
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Psychology, General
- Architectural Sciences and Technology
- Agriculture, General
- Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services
- Sociology
- Chemical Engineering
- Public Policy Analysis
- Chemistry
- Area Studies
- Physics
- History
- Biomedical/Medical Engineering
- Nutrition Sciences
- English Language and Literature, General
- Statistics
- Public Health
- Civil Engineering
- Biomathematics, Bioinformatics, and Computational Biology
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Food Science and Technology
- City/Urban, Community and Regional Planning
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Agricultural Engineering
- Plant Sciences
- Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
- Engineering Physics
- Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering
- Philosophy
- Apparel and Textiles
- Materials Engineering
- International Agriculture
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- Landscape Architecture
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Anthropology
- Visual and Performing Arts, Other
- Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Zoology/Animal Biology
- Music
- Engineering, General
- Astronomy and Astrophysics
- Archeology
- Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
- Science, Technology and Society
- Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology
- Religion/Religious Studies
- Social Sciences, Other
- Slavic, Baltic and Albanian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
- Germanic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Foods, Nutrition, and Related Services
- Film/Video and Photographic Arts
- Environmental Design
- Education, General
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Dance
- Culinary Arts and Related Services
- Community Organization and Advocacy
- Architecture
- Architectural History and Criticism
- Biological and Physical Sciences
Online Master's Degrees (95 programs)▼
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Computer Science
- Operations Research
- Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
- Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Systems Engineering
- Human Resources Management and Services
- Agricultural Business and Management
- Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management
- Biomedical/Medical Engineering
- Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
- Public Administration
- Mechanical Engineering
- Statistics
- Chemical Engineering
- Materials Engineering
- Engineering-Related Fields
- Civil Engineering
- Architectural Sciences and Technology
- Chemistry
- Health and Medical Administrative Services
- Physics
- City/Urban, Community and Regional Planning
- Landscape Architecture
- Real Estate
- Economics
- Food Science and Technology
- Research and Experimental Psychology
- Agricultural Engineering
- Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering
- English Language and Literature, General
- Engineering Physics
- Public Health
- Area Studies
- Astronomy and Astrophysics
- Political Science and Government
- Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
- International Agriculture
- Housing and Human Environments
- Applied Mathematics
- Applied Horticulture and Horticultural Business Services
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
- Plant Sciences
- Nutrition Sciences
- Hospitality Administration/Management
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Zoology/Animal Biology
- Philosophy
- Archeology
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Animal Sciences
- Sociology
- Social Sciences, Other
- Music
- Microbiological Sciences and Immunology
- History
- Historic Preservation and Conservation
- Science, Technology and Society
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Mathematics
- Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services
- Communication and Media Studies
- Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians
- Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology
- Design and Applied Arts
- Community Organization and Advocacy
- Anthropology
- Neurobiology and Neurosciences
- Medieval and Renaissance Studies
- Environmental Design
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Botany/Plant Biology
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
- Veterinary Biomedical and Clinical Sciences
- Public Policy Analysis
- Psychology, General
- Pharmacology and Toxicology
- Natural Resources Management and Policy
- Germanic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Genetics
- Engineering Mechanics
- Education, General
- East Asian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Biomathematics, Bioinformatics, and Computational Biology
- Biology, General
- Architecture and Related Services, Other
- Architecture
- Architectural History and Criticism
- Apparel and Textiles
- Agriculture, General
Online Doctoral Degrees (79 programs)▼
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Economics
- Computer Science
- Plant Sciences
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Biomedical/Medical Engineering
- Nutrition Sciences
- Engineering Physics
- Operations Research
- Genetics
- Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Materials Engineering
- Food Science and Technology
- Biology, General
- Agricultural Engineering
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Research and Experimental Psychology
- Botany/Plant Biology
- Sociology
- Microbiological Sciences and Immunology
- History
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Animal Sciences
- Statistics
- English Language and Literature, General
- Zoology/Animal Biology
- Neurobiology and Neurosciences
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Agricultural Business and Management
- Philosophy
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Music
- Human Resources Management and Services
- Communication and Media Studies
- City/Urban, Community and Regional Planning
- Biomathematics, Bioinformatics, and Computational Biology
- Astronomy and Astrophysics
- Applied Mathematics
- Mathematics
- East Asian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Civil Engineering
- Area Studies
- Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering
- Science, Technology and Society
- Political Science and Government
- Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians
- Community Organization and Advocacy
- Anthropology
- Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
- Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies
- Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services
- Hospitality Administration/Management
- Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
- Design and Applied Arts
- Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology
- Architectural History and Criticism
- Social Sciences, Other
- Medieval and Renaissance Studies
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Engineering Mechanics
- Education, General
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Veterinary Biomedical and Clinical Sciences
- Religion/Religious Studies
- Public Policy Analysis
- Psychology, General
- Pharmacology and Toxicology
- Nuclear Engineering
- Natural Resources Management and Policy
- Housing and Human Environments
- Germanic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Applied Horticulture and Horticultural Business Services
- Behavioral Sciences
Online Graduate/Professional Certificates (1 program)▼
- Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other
Online First Professional Degrees (2 programs)▼
- Law
- Veterinary Medicine
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 15,995
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 45.4%
- Female Students 54.6%
- Caucasian 31.0%
- Asian 26.8%
- Hispanic 13.2%
- Black 6.8%
- Pell Grant Recipients 18.4%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Cornell University's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Cornell University's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Cornell University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at nearly the same rate as higher-income students, indicating strong institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Cornell University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: Cornell University has a diverse student body, with 31.0% identifying as White. About 18.4% receive Pell Grants, below the national average of 38%, suggesting a wealthier student body or generous institutional aid.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Cornell University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at nearly the same rate as higher-income students, indicating strong institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Cornell University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Ranking #37 nationally, Cornell University combines competitive admissions with -23.5% ROI, positioning itself among America's stronger universities. The institution balances academic rigor with $87,830 in median post-graduation earnings.
Students complete degrees at 95.4% six-year rates, with 98.4% retention reflecting solid satisfaction. The $28,690 annual net price falls in the moderate range, though 419 institutions deliver comparable outcomes at lower costs.
Competitive Selective University: Cornell University's Market Position
A+ grade | #37 of 1942 | 98.1/100 on EDsmart's national index (0–100 vs. all ranked schools; not a raw point total)
Competitive Positioning: Cornell University occupies the competitive selective tier—not elite enough for automatic career advantages, but strong enough to provide quality education and reasonable outcomes. The -23.5% ROI reflects this middle ground: better than most, but not top-tier.
Value for Money: $28,690 annually produces $87,830 median earnings—a reasonable but not exceptional return. Students choosing Cornell University should evaluate whether the institution's specific programs, location, or campus culture justify costs versus higher-ROI alternatives.
Who Succeeds Here: Self-directed students who maximize campus resources (research, internships, networking) achieve outcomes rivaling higher-ranked schools. Students seeking specific programs or geographic locations find strong value. Those needing extensive hand-holding may struggle in larger university environments.
Final Assessment: Cornell University's #37 ranking and A+ grade reflect solid performance across metrics. With 419 schools offering better ROI, value-focused students should compare carefully. However, for students who fit the institution's culture and programs, outcomes justify investment.
Key Takeaways
- 95.4% six-year graduation rate sits 32.9 points above the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 98.4% first-year retention is 21.6 points above the national norm of 76.8%.
- -23.5% return on investment is 108.8 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $87,830 run about 101% higher than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $28,690 is roughly $8,672 higher than the national median of $20,018.
Helpfulness for Students
- 9:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 98.4% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 67.4% employment rate within three years sits 0.8 points below national outcomes.
- Average net price of $28,690 is about $8,672 higher than comparable schools, so scholarship planning is key.
- Pell participation at 18.4% trails the national share by 15.9 points, so equity work remains important.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
Located in Ithaca, NY, Cornell University operates as a private nonprofit university and receives a A+ from EDsmart. It stands at #37 among 1942 schools Completion earns A+, Support A, Career Outcomes A, and Affordability C.
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
About 98.4% of first-year students return, and roughly 95.4% finish within six years. The reported ROI is -23.5%, a figure families can weigh against cost and aid details above.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $28,690 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $88,140.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $59,450 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $13,000 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 18.4% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Graduates report median earnings of about $87,830 six years after entry. Compared with the national median, that's 101% higher.
Employment outcomes report about 67.4% of alumni working within three years.
The ROI comes in near -23.5%, which you can cross-check against your financial plan.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
8.8% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the Cornell University admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
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Contact Information
- Address Ithaca, NY 14853
- Website www.cornell.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationMiddle States Commission on Higher Education (MSACHE)
- Endowment$9.55B