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Ithaca , NY
Cornell University is a prestigious Ivy League institution located in Ithaca, New York. Established in 1865, Cornell is known for its rigorous academic programs, cutting-edge research, and commitment to public service. Offering over 100 undergraduate majors and more than 70 graduate fields of study, the university provides a diverse range of educational opportunities.
The university operates through seven undergraduate colleges, including the College of Arts and Sciences, College of Engineering, and the School of Hotel Administration, each offering specialized programs and degrees. Cornell's faculty is renowned for their expertise and dedication to teaching, with many professors being recipients of prestigious awards and grants. The university promotes a distinctive approach to education known as "any person, any study," which encourages students to explore their passions across disciplines and tailor their education according to their interests.
Research is a fundamental aspect of Cornell's identity, with the university being involved in extensive research initiatives, including interdisciplinary collaboration. The Cornell Research Division encompasses various cutting-edge projects in areas such as agriculture, engineering, medicine, and social sciences. Furthermore, Cornell is home to several research centers and institutes, fostering innovation and pushing the boundaries of knowledge.
Beyond academics, Cornell offers a vibrant campus life with numerous student organizations and clubs catering to a wide array of interests. The university's athletic teams, known as the Big Red, compete in NCAA Division I and take part in Ivy League competitions. Cornell's picturesque campus, nestled in the Finger Lakes region of New York, provides a rich environment for students to engage in intellectual pursuits, explore the outdoors, and enjoy a close-knit community. With its rich history, commitment to excellence, and emphasis on interdisciplinary learning, Cornell University stands as a renowned institution shaping the minds of future generations.
Cornell University is a private university located in Ithaca, NY. This school follows a semester-based calendar. It has an acceptance rate of 8%. The freshman retention rate at Cornell University is 98.1% and the six-year graduation rate is 96%.
For freshmen, the application deadline for this school is January 2. For transfer students, the application deadline is March 15.
Explore this school's profile to find out the most important things about Cornell University.
Quick Facts
16,128
Total Number of Undergraduate Students
$71,266
Tuition
9:1
Student to Faculty Ratio
96%
Graduation Rate
Admissions
If you know as much as possible about the school's criteria for admission, you can make a better judgment about your eligibility and boost your chances of getting accepted. Check out some relevant information about admission at Cornell University.
According to the most recent data, this school uses standardized test scores for admission and it admitted 5,516 in 2025. Cornell University has an official test-optional admission policy but takes into consideration standardized test scores for the candidates who choose to submit them. As far as admission difficulty is considered, based on data self-reported by the institution this school is one of the most difficult schools to get into. Having a long tradition of academic success and a dedication to encouraging intellectual curiosity, Cornell University provides an unmatched educational experience.
Test Scores
Out of the number of those who submitted test scores, the percentage of first-time, first-year degree-seeking students who submitted SAT scores was 44.9% and ACT scores 14.6%. 97.41% of the first-year students submitted SAT composite scores between 1,400 and 1,600 and 2.59% between 1,200 and 1,399. The percent of new students who submitted ACT Composite scores in the range between 30-36 was 96.9, 2.7 between 24-29 and 0.4 in the range between 18-23.
Deadlines
The closing date for applications to this school is January 2. For transfer students, note that the application deadline is March 15.
Retention Rate
The freshman retention rate is defined as the percentage of first-year students who return for their sophomore year at a college or university. Why is that metric important? Because it tells you if the majority of freshmen enjoyed their first year at a school enough to come back.
As reported in 2025, the freshman retention rate for Cornell University was 98.1%, which is an amazing retention rate only the most prestigious institutions achieve.
The graduation rate is another indicator to take into account. It provides valuable insight into the percentage of students who complete their studies within a designated timeframe. This academic institution has the six-year graduation rate of 96%, which is considered an above-average graduation rate.
Student Body
It is always challenging to figure out which school is best for you. Obtaining a better insight into a school's student body helps you learn more about its culture and life.
Main Student Body
The overall number of students enrolled at Cornell University in 2025 was 26,793.
That year, the school had an out-of-state student body percentage of 64. There was a total of 16,128 undergraduate students, including 1,172 international students. The school reported to have a total of 503 transfer students.
Student Population Gender Ratio
The student body is coeducational, with 12,245 male and 13,505 female full-time students in 2025. This school had 4,668 full-time graduate male and 4,769 full-time graduate female students at this school.
Student Population Diversity
Higer Education is committed to focusing on the diversity of its student population and improving students' sense of inclusion and belonging. In a diverse learning space, you will be exposed to people from different backgrounds, which promotes the feeling of inclusion and acceptance. Discover more about the many ethnic communities that go to this school.
In 2025, out of the total number of students enrolled at the institution, the number of students of Asian origin was 3,260, while the number of Black American students was 944. 1,770 students at this school identified as Hispanic/Latino and 729 as multirace. The school also had 20 students who identified as Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander, as well as 27 American Indian or Alaska Native students. There were also 718 students whose ethnicity is unknown.
Cost
Before sending an application to any college or university, the financial component should be taken into consideration. The latest information on the expenses that most students at this school incur are detailed below.
Tuition and Fees
Here are some numbers that can help you better understand the estimated tuition cost for this university.
Tuition fees per academic year for full-time domestic students were $71,266 in 2025. Since this is a private institution, tuition is the same for all the accepted students. Fees per academic year required of full-time students came to a total of $1,004 in 2025.
Books and Supplies
The estimated cost of books and supplies for a college or university should also be taken into consideration as another significant financial factor. The cost of books and supplies for full-time students of this school is estimated at about $1,216.
Boarding
Besides tuition, another cost to consider is the price of housing in the dorms and eating at the school cafeteria. What do schools typically charge for accommodation and meals?
The cost of room and board (on campus) per academic year at Cornell University was $20,574 in 2025. If you only wanted a dormitory room, it cost $13,246 for the 2025 academic year. The estimated expense of room-only (on campus) for commuters not living at home was also $13,246.
| Expense Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Tuition | $ 71,266 |
| Room and Board | $ 20,574 |
| Book and Supplies | $ 1,216 |
| Total Expense | $ 93,056 |
Financial Aid
Be it a grant, loan, scholarship, or work-study program, any type of financial aid can be a great deal for many students. Check out some recent data to get the info about need-based and non-need-based monetary aid you might get at Cornell University.
The most recent figures show that financial help was given to 1,656 freshmen. The average amount of financial aid given to students was $64,225.
Need-based
Financial aid that a student can receive if they are determined to have financial need and meet other eligibility requirements is known as need-based aid.
There were 7,316 students who received need-based financial aid of any kind. Need-based college-administered scholarship and grant aid at Cornell University is available to international students. The total number of students (including freshmen) who were determined to have financial need was 7,583. The amount of federal need-based scholarships/grants awarded to the students at this institution totaled $24,469,146, and state $7,702,933. The students of Cornell University received the -institutional need-based aid in the amount of $397,033,773, and external in the amount of $19,155,136.
Non-Need Based
Any financial aid given to a student who does not meet the requirements for need-based aid is considered non-need-based aid. Non-need-based student aid typicaly comes in a form of Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loans, Graduate PLUS Loans, Parent PLUS Loans, and the Teacher Education Access for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant.
The amount the students of this school received from external sources (e.g. Kiwanis, National Merit) was $1,561,357 USD.
Open Applications
Find open programs by choosing your preferred academic interest from the list below, and select your desired term start. Get started with your application process and find more information using the Apply button.
Majors
Faculty
9:1
Student to Faculty Ratio
Knowing more about a school's faculty can help you gauge the caliber of the education it can provide to you.
According to the most recent data, the student-faculty ratio at Cornell University was 9:1: that means 9 students per one teacher, which is considered a good ratio. This school has recently reported to have 2,330 faculty members. Out of that number, there were 1,355 men and 975 women.
Student Population Diversity Graph
Campus Life
It is not all about learning and grades at Cornell University: campus life is a crucial component of your educational experience. Check out some info about campus life at Cornell University.
Its campus is 745 acres in size.
Student Organizations
Involvement in student organizations can make your educational experience more dynamic and gratifying.
The number of student organizations and groups with open membership at this school is 750. That includes sororities and fraternities. The student organization that gathers the largest number of students is Outing Club, followed by Alpha Phi Omega and Sports Clubs. Other popular student organizations at this school are Cornell University Programming Board and Cornell Concert Commission.
If you are interested in music, you can join the Cornell University band or chorus. If acting is an interest of yours, there is a drama club you can join. For students looking to explore media and communication, Cornell University publishes its own newspaper and has its own radio station.
Student Services
At Cornell University, there are many amenities that make life on campus comfortable and safe.
There are 24-hour emergency phone and alarm devices. There are electronically operated dormitory entrances. There is a 24-hour security patrol. The late-night transport/escort service is available.
This school has a health clinic with personal/psychological counseling. In addition, other services like Veteran's Affairs and Women's Center are available to the students of Cornell University.
All in all, campus life at Cornell University is rich and vibrant and provides all you need for a comfortable stay.
Career Services
Having career services at a college or university can mean a great deal for your career planning, so find out what you can expect at Cornell University.
Career Counselling
At Cornell University, there is both group career counseling for all students and individual career counseling for all students. There are a job bank and job fairs. Job interviews are also available to students through the career center. There is campus employer recruitment for all the students. This school offers alumni networking opportunities, which could be a great asset for your future career.
Job Placement
Having an understanding of the anticipated earnings after completing your education can be important in evaluating if a certain institution is compatible with your professional goals.
The average base annual starting salary of the students who were employed within six months of graduation at this institution is 82,525 USD.
$82,525
Average Starting Salary After 6 Months of Graduation
FAQ
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Cornell University is located in Ithaca, NY.
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Cornell University offers need-based college-administered scholarship and grant aid to international students.
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According to the latest information, you would need to pay about 71,266 USD per academic year for Cornell University.
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This school uses standardized test scores for admission.
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The most recent data indicate that the acceptance rate for Cornell University is 8%.
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The most recent reported freshman retention rate for Cornell University is 98.1%.
Contact Information
Data Source: IPEDS and Peterson's Databases © 2023 Peterson's LLC All rights reserved. Portions of this content were co-written with OpenAI's GPT-3.5 model.
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Data Source: IPEDS and Peterson's Databases © 2023 Peterson's LLC All rights reserved.
Portions of this content were co-written with OpenAI's GPT-3.5 model.