Overview
Located in Ithaca, New York, Cornell University is known for its Ivy League member status and scenic campus. Notable alumni include Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Bill Nye, and Toni Morrison.
There are currently 15,935 undergraduates at Cornell and the school’s acceptance rate is 8%. The tuition at Cornell is $66,014.
University
City
Need Blind
SupplementalEssay
100% Need
Scholarships & Financial Aid
$88,140
$55,803
$32,337
Cost Breakdown
Estimated Cost:
$88,140The sticker price at Cornell is $88,140. This includes the cost of tuition and fees, room and board, books and supplies, and other miscellaneous expenses.
The cost of attendance can vary from year to year and will typically rise over your four years in college. That said, colleges will recalculate your financial aid every year to take price increases and changes in your financial situation into account.
College costs can look different for every student based on their financial situation. To get a more accurate picture of what tuition at Cornell would look like for you, try entering your financial information into their Net Price Calculator.
Cornell University Financial Aid
To apply for financial aid at Cornell you’ll need to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as well as the CSS Profile.
The FAFSA and CSS Profile use financial information from the prior, prior year. That means you can submit the forms even if you or your parents haven’t filed last year’s taxes.
The FAFSA code for Cornell is 002711 and the CSS Profile Code is 2098.
The FAFSA is completely free, while the CSS Profile charges a fee for each college you send it to. If you have demonstrated financial need, you may qualify for a CSS Profile fee waiver.
If you are looking for more information on how to complete the FAFSA or the CSS Profile, check out these resources:
Using State Grants at Cornell
If you are a New York State resident considering Cornell, be sure to investigate the TAP program. If you are attending a qualifying program and meet financial need requirements, you may receive thousands of dollars per year to put towards your education. Additionally, if you apply to a CUNY or SUNY school, you could be eligible for the Excelsior Scholarship, which would make your education tuition-free.
Apply to these scholarships due soon
See more New York scholarshipsCornell University’s 100% Need-Met Guarantee
Cornell meets 100% of admitted students’ financial need. Using the FAFSA and/or CSS Profile, they calculate your need and offer a combination of scholarships and federal loans to cover any costs you and your family cannot pay.
No Loan Policy at Cornell
Cornell is a no-loan school, which means that their financial aid packages offer students grants and scholarships in place of the federal loans that are typically part of a package. This means that their financial aid is more generous than most, and they help bridge the gap between cost and student need. Some no-loan schools offer this policy for all accepted students while others only extend it to students below a specific income level, or to in-state students. Be sure to check Cornell's website for details on their No-Loan policy.
Pell Grants at Cornell University
19% of students at Cornell University receive Pell Grants.
The federal government awards Pell Grants to undergraduate students who demonstrate financial need by filling out the FAFSA. Students with a bachelor’s or professional degree are not eligible. Pell Grants do not be repaid. If you receive a Pell Grant, the award amount should remain consistent at any college you gain admission to. You can learn more about Pell Grant eligibility here.
Outside Scholarships
Students can use outside scholarships to supplement their financial aid package at Cornell. Outside scholarships are awards offered by private and non-profit organizations separate from their college. To browse vetted, reliable outside scholarships, check out our popular lists:
Cornell University Financial Aid Resources
For more information about financial aid at Cornell, or for questions that are specific to your financial situation, we recommend that you reach out directly to the financial aid office!
Here’s how you can get in touch:
- Website: https://finaid.cornell.edu/
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone: 607-255-5145
Admissions
8%
34
Does Cornell have a supplemental essay?
Yes, Cornell University includes a supplemental essay in their application. Luckily, Scholarships360 has a free guide to help you answer Cornell's essay prompt and stand out in the application process.
Cornell Supplemental Essay Guide
Is Cornell test-optional?
Cornell University is test-optional, which means that applicants are permitted, but not required, to submit their standardized test scores. If you choose not to submit your scores, admissions officers will weigh your grades, extracurriculars, essays, and interviews more heavily. If you aren’t sure whether to submit your standardized test scores, Scholarships360’s guide on whether to submit your test scores to test-optional schools can help.
Can students submit their SAT or ACT Superscore to Cornell?
Yes, applicants can submit their SAT or ACT Superscore when they apply to Cornell University. You should be able to find your superscore for either test on your student portal. Keep in mind that some colleges only allow Superscores for one of the two tests, so be sure to check their website for exact details on the Superscore policy.
Early Decision I
Regular Decision
What is the application deadline at Cornell?
Students must apply by January 2 to enroll at Cornell during the fall semester. Remember that college applications involve many pieces, including essays, a transcript, letters of recommendation, and more. Be sure to start your application as soon as you can to make sure you have enough time to make it as compelling as possible.
At Cornell students also have the opportunity to apply Early Decision. In order to take advantage of this option, you’ll have to have your application in by November 1.
Is Cornell University need-blind?
Yes, Cornell University has need-blind admissions, which means they do not take financial need into account when they decide who to accept. If your FAFSA and/or CSS Profile indicate that you would need substantial financial aid, you will still be on equal footing with applicants who do not require any aid at all.
Academics
Student/Faculty Ratio
9:1
Graduation Rate
95%
Popular Majors
Percent of Students
Computer & Information Sciences
17%
17% of graduates
Business, Management, & Marketing
15%
15% of graduates
Engineering
14%
14% of graduates
Agriculture & Agriculture Operations
12%
12% of graduates
Biological & Biomedical Sciences
12%
12% of graduates
Social Sciences
7%
7% of graduates
Family & Consumer Sciences
3%
3% of graduates
Physical Sciences
3%
3% of graduates
Architecture
3%
3% of graduates
Mathematics
2%
2% of graduates
Natural Resources & Conservation
2%
2% of graduates
Communications & Journalism
2%
2% of graduates
Psychology
2%
2% of graduates
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies.
1%
1% of graduates
Visual & Performing Arts
1%
1% of graduates
Public Administration & Social Services
1%
1% of graduates
Health Professions & Related Programs
1%
1% of graduates
English Language & Literature
1%
1% of graduates
Languages & Literatures
1%
1% of graduates
Area, Ethnic, Cultural, & Gender Studies
1%
1% of graduates
Philosophy & Religious Studies
1%
1% of graduates
Student Body
Undergraduate Students
15,935
Pell Grant 18%
Part-Time Undergrad Students 1%
Undergrad Students Over 25 0%
Percent Male / Female 46% / 55%
Ethnic Diversity at Cornell
31% White
25% Asian / Pacific Islander
15% Hispanic
10% International / Non-Citizen
7% Black
6% Unknown
6% Multiracial
Student Outcomes
Graduate Income
$104,043
Median Debt $14,000
Debt 10 years after graduation $148
Graduation Rate 95%
What is the graduation rate at Cornell University?
95% of students who start at Cornell University finish their degree within six years of enrolling. This is 37% more than the national median. A higher graduation rate indicates that students have better experiences at an institution.
How much do graduates of Cornell University go on to earn?
The median income of students 10 years after starting at Cornell University is $104,043. This is $53,652 more than the national median.
This data is from the College Scorecard, which only surveys students from Cornell University who received federal financial aid.
Graduate earnings can vary widely based on many factors other than school choice. Major and career path are two important factors in how much a student goes on to earn. For more information, check out Scholarships360’s article on the average starting salary out of college.
How much do students at Cornell take out in loans?
Graduates of Cornell take out a median of $14,000 in federal student loans. This is $500 more than the national median. As you make decisions about your college loans, be sure to inform yourself on the advantages and disadvantages of each loan option. Scholarships360’s guide to navigating these different options is a great place to start.
Data Sources
We strive to provide users with the most up-to-date information and source data from publicly available sources, including the College Scorecard and directly from the colleges. College statistics can change throughout the year, but we do our best to update them as quickly as possible. If you see an error, feel free to contact us.
If you represent Cornell University and would like to make any corrections or supplement your college profile with additional information, you can fill out our free Premium Profile questionnaire here.
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