Cornell University Overview

Cornell University is a four-year, full-time, more selective, lower transfer-in, higher education institution located in Ithaca, NY. It has an enrollment of 15,451 undergraduate students. The admissions acceptance rate is 8.69%.

The average annual cost of attendance after financial aid is $29,011. Tuition is $61,015.00 without financial aid.

Cornell University is a predominantly bachelor’s-degree granting school.

At Cornell University, 97.38% of students return after freshman year (national average: 68%).

Cornell University has a student-to-faculty ratio of 9 to 1.

Cornell University Website

Cornell University Admissions

For the incoming class in 2023, the acceptance rate was 8.69%.

SAT or ACT scores are considered but not required.

• The average SAT score was 1510.0 for the incoming class of 2023.
• The median ACT score was 34.0 for the incoming class to 2023.

Cornell University Cost

The average annual cost of attendance after financial aid is $29,011.

The average tuition is:

• $1,862, when family income is less than $30,000

• $1,953, when family income is between $30,001 and $48,000 

• $4,035, when family income is between $48,001 and $75,000

• $20,449, when family income is between $75,001 and $110,000

• $48,400, when family income is more than $110,000 

The average tuition shown here is based on the NET costs to students who receive financial aid. For the incoming class of 2023, 25.63% of students received a federal student loan and 17.37% of students received a Pell Grant.

Tuition is $61,015.00 without financial aid.

Cornell University Net Price Calculator

Cornell University Majors/Salaries

Cornell University has academic offerings within the core majors listed below.  

Please note that different schools classify majors differently, so it is best to view the school’s website to see the various programs it offers. See detailed information about the individual majors at Cornell University here.

Recent Graduate Salaries

(Average salaries of students from select majors two years after graduation)

• Agriculture, General. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $36,848
• Agricultural Business and Management. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $80,747
• International Agriculture. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $31,839
• Animal Sciences. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $29,685
• Food Science and Technology. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $52,733
• Plant Sciences. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $36,668
• Veterinary Medicine. (Doctoral Degree) – $72,274
• Natural Resources Conservation and Research. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $27,126
• Architecture. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $53,358
• Architecture. (Master’s Degree) – $60,546
• City/Urban, Community and Regional Planning. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $42,682
• City/Urban, Community and Regional Planning. (Master’s Degree) – $53,358
• Environmental Design. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $57,318
• Area Studies. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $44,170
• Communication and Media Studies. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $55,813
• Computer and Information Sciences, General. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $82,641
• Computer and Information Sciences, General. (Master’s Degree) – $90,856
• Computer Science. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $122,485
• Computer Science. (Master’s Degree) – $127,397
• Engineering, General. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $74,576
• Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering. (Master’s Degree) – $99,517
• Agricultural Engineering. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $51,690
• Biomedical/Medical Engineering. (Master’s Degree) – $71,015
• Chemical Engineering. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $83,351
• Chemical Engineering. (Master’s Degree) – $75,518
• Civil Engineering. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $73,321
• Civil Engineering. (Master’s Degree) – $73,446
• Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $92,277
• Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. (Master’s Degree) – $97,071
• Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $51,273
• Materials Engineering (Bachelor’s Degree) – $68,778
• Mechanical Engineering. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $74,687
• Mechanical Engineering. (Master’s Degree) – $84,251
• Systems Engineering. (Master’s Degree) – $94,408
• Operations Research. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $85,538
• Operations Research. (Master’s Degree) – $109,763
• Engineering-Related Fields. (Master’s Degree) – $84,653
• Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $41,193
• Law. (Doctoral Degree) – $172,867
• English Language and Literature, General. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $32,284
• Biology, General. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $27,784
• Biomathematics, Bioinformatics, and Computational Biology. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $70,176
• Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Other. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $38,505
• Mathematics. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $91,211
• Nutrition Sciences. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $25,774
• Philosophy. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $37,208
• Chemistry. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $26,353
• Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $25,194
• Physics. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $74,531
• Psychology, General. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $44,747
• Public Administration. (Master’s Degree) – $55,061
• Public Policy Analysis. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $57,318
• Anthropology. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $34,526
• Economics. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $69,948
• Political Science and Government. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $52,107
• Sociology. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $40,896
• Fine and Studio Arts. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $45,696
• Visual and Performing Arts, Other. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $27,439
• Health and Medical Administrative Services. (Master’s Degree) – $77,213
• Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. (Master’s Degree) – $111,926
• Medicine. (First Professional Degree) – $65,260
• Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other. (Post-baccalaureate Certificate) – $23,803
• Business Administration, Management and Operations. (Master’s Degree) – $145,332
• Hospitality Administration/Management. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $61,124
• Hospitality Administration/Management. (Master’s Degree) – $63,005
• Human Resources Management and Services. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $69,338
• Human Resources Management and Services. (Master’s Degree) – $101,072
• Real Estate. (Master’s Degree) – $108,649
• History. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $32,563

Cornell University Diversity

The racial diversity of students who received financial aid at Cornell University

• American Indian/Alaska Native: 0.28%
• Asian: 21.68%
• Black: 7.31%
• Hispanic: 14.79%
• Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander: 0.12%
• Non-resident alien: 9.75%
• Two or more races: 5.31%
• Unknown: 6.68%
• White: 34.08%

At Cornell University, 0.90% of undergraduate students are 25 years old, or older.

Cornell University Frequently Asked Questions

How is school spirit at Cornell University?

Cornell University has a strong culture of school spirit. Cornell is known for its passionate students, who are particularly engaged in sports and school events. The university has a fierce rivalry with Harvard, and many students get excited about the annual Harvard-Cornell football game. Another well-known tradition is the annual Dragon Day parade, where students participate in a spirited procession of a large dragon sculpture through campus. Cornellians also show pride in their school by donning the school colors of red and white, singing the school’s fight songs, and attending events on campus. Overall, there is a strong sense of pride and community among Cornell students, alumni, and faculty.

What are some popular extracurriculars at Cornell University?

Cornell University offers a variety of extracurricular activities that cater to diverse interests of its students. Here are some popular extracurriculars at Cornell University: 1. Cornell Outdoor Education – provides opportunities for students to participate in outdoor activities such as hiking, rock climbing, and kayaking. 2. Cornell University Sustainable Design – a student-run organization focused on promoting sustainable design solutions on campus and in the community. 3. Cornell University Mock Trial Association – a student-run organization that simulates a courtroom trial to help students gain knowledge about the legal system. 4. Cornell University Wind Ensembles – offers opportunities for students to showcase their musical talent by performing in various concerts. 5. Cornell University Dance Team – a student-run team that performs at various events and competitions. 6. The Cornell Daily Sun – allows students to gain experience in journalism by reporting on news and events related to the university community. 7. The Cornell Daily Grind – a student-run coffee shop that offers a space for students to study, work on projects, and socialize. 8. Big Red Bikes – a student-run program that provides bicycles for rent to students, faculty, and staff. These are just a few examples of the many extracurricular activities available at Cornell University.

How are the food choices at Cornell University?

Cornell University is known for its diverse and extensive food options. There are over 30 dining locations on campus, ranging from small cafes to large dining halls. Students have access to a variety of cuisines, such as Asian, Mediterranean, Italian, and American. The dining halls also offer many vegetarian and vegan options, as well as allergen-free choices. Additionally, there are several food trucks and specialty markets on campus that provide fresh and healthy options, as well as convenience items. Overall, students at Cornell have a wide range of choices when it comes to dining on campus.

Is there Greek life at Cornell University?

Yes, Greek life is a significant part of the social scene at Cornell University. About 30% of the undergraduate student body are members of one of the university’s over 60 fraternities and sororities. Greek life is overseen by the Office of Sorority and Fraternity Life, which promotes the values of leadership, scholarship, service, and community within the Greek community.

What is Cornell University known for?

Cornell University is a private Ivy League research university that is located in Ithaca, New York. It is one of the most prestigious universities in the world and is known for its outstanding academic programs in engineering, computer science, business, agriculture, and hospitality management. Cornell is also known for its beautiful campus, which features stunning architecture and natural surroundings including gorges and waterfalls. Additionally, Cornell has a reputation for being an innovative and forward-thinking institution, with many notable alumni who have made significant contributions to their respective fields.

What are the most popular school clubs at Cornell University?

Cornell University has a wide range of clubs and organizations that cater to a diverse range of interests. Some of the most popular school clubs at Cornell University include: 1. Cornell Outdoor Education: This club allows students to explore the natural environment through activities such as hiking, camping, and rock climbing. 2. The Cornell Daily Sun: Cornell’s student-run newspaper which covers a variety of topics including news, sports, and entertainment. 3. Cornell University Sustainable Design: The club focuses on sustainable design practices, and competitions such as the Solar Decathlon. 4. Cornell Political Union: This club holds weekly debates on current political issues, and brings in guest speakers to present their perspectives. 5. Cornell University DanceSport: The club offers dance lessons in many different styles, including ballroom, swing, Latin, and salsa. 6. CU AppDev: This club aims to explore the world of mobile app development, and provides opportunities for students to learn, create and publish their own apps. These are just a few examples of the many clubs and organizations available at Cornell University. There’s something for everyone, and students are encouraged to explore the wide variety of options!

Is the campus at Cornell University safe?

Yes, Cornell University is known for having a relatively safe campus. The university takes campus safety seriously and has a dedicated police department that provides 24-hour patrols and emergency response. Additionally, the university offers a variety of safety programs, including a campus-wide alert system and safety escort service. As with any campus, it’s important to take personal precautions to increase safety, such as being aware of your surroundings and reporting any suspicious activity.