Ithaca, NY 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 15,676 undergraduates at Cornell and the school’s acceptance rate is 7%. The tuition at Cornell is $63,200.
University
City
Need Blind
SupplementalEssay
100% Need
Student Body
Undergraduate Students
15,676
Pell Grant 18%
Undergrad Students Over 25 1%
Part-Time Undergrad Students 0%
Percent Male / Female 46% / 54%
Ethnic Diversity at Cornell
33% White
24% Asian / Pacific Islander
15% Hispanic
10% International / Non-Citizen
7% Black
6% Unknown
5% Multiracial
Academics Snapshot
Student/Faculty Ratio
9:1
Graduation Rate
95%
Popular Majors
Percent of Students
Computer & Information Sciences
17%
17% of graduates
Business, Management, & Marketing
13%
13% of graduates
Engineering
13%
13% of graduates
Biological & Biomedical Sciences
13%
13% of graduates
Agriculture & Agriculture Operations
10%
10% of graduates
Social Sciences
8%
8% of graduates
Physical Sciences
3%
3% of graduates
Natural Resources & Conservation
3%
3% of graduates
Architecture
3%
3% of graduates
Family & Consumer Sciences
2%
2% of graduates
Communications & Journalism
2%
2% of graduates
Public Administration & Social Services
2%
2% of graduates
Mathematics
2%
2% of graduates
Psychology
2%
2% of graduates
Visual & Performing Arts
1%
1% of graduates
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies.
1%
1% of graduates
Area, Ethnic, Cultural, & Gender Studies
1%
1% of graduates
English Language & Literature
1%
1% of graduates
Languages & Literatures
1%
1% of graduates
History
1%
1% of graduates
Health Professions & Related Programs
1%
1% of graduates
Scholarships & Financial Aid Snapshot
$83,196
$53,545
$29,651
Cost Breakdown
Estimated Cost:
$83,196for the 2023-2024 Academic Year
The sticker price at Cornell is $83,196. This sticker price includes costs for tuition, books and supplies, room and board, and other miscellaneous expenses.
It’s also important to note that the cost of attendance can vary from year to year and typically it will rise over your four years in college. With that said, your financial aid will also be recalculated every year to take any price increases, as well as any 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.
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 scholarships
Cornell University Financial Aid
Students who are applying for financial aid at Cornell need to submit both the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (or FAFSA), as well as the CSS Profile.
The FAFSA uses financial information from the prior, prior year which means that you don’t need to wait for the year to end and can use last year’s financial information.
The FAFSA code for Cornell is 002711 and the CSS Profile Code is 2098.
It should be noted that while the FAFSA is free, the CSS Profile does require an application fee. However, students can qualify for a CSS Profile application fee waiver if the cost will present a financial hardship for the students’ family.
If you are looking for more information on how to complete the FAFSA or the CSS Profile, check out these resources:
Cornell University’s 100% Need-Met Guarantee
Cornell has committed to meeting 100% of applicants’ financial needs. They determine your financial need using the FAFSA and/or CSS Profile, and will ensure that your financial aid package covers any costs you 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
18% of students at Cornell University receive Pell Grants, which are awarded to undergraduate students with demonstrated financial need (students who have a bachelor’s or professional degree are not eligible). Pell Grants are awarded by the federal government and do not need to be repaid. To apply for a Pell Grant, students will need to submit their FAFSA. If you are awarded a Pell Grant, you’ll see it listed in your financial aid award letter if you are accepted to Cornell University.
You can learn more about Pell Grant eligibility here.
Outside Scholarships
Cornell students can also apply for outside scholarships to fund their education. Outside scholarships are awards that are offered by private and non-profit organizations. If you want to see what outside scholarships you are eligible for, check out these resources:
Cornell University Financial Aid Resources
If you are looking for more information about financial aid and scholarships at Cornell or have questions that are specific to your personal 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 Snapshot
7%
34
Does Cornell have a supplemental essay?
Yes, applicants to Cornell University will have to write a supplemental essay in order to complete their application. Luckily, we have a guide to help you through that 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 it does not require applicants to submit their SAT or ACT scores. That means that some students will submit their test scores and others will not. If you choose not to submit your ACT or SAT score, the admissions officers will weigh your grades, extracurricular activities, essays, and interviews more heavily. If you are not sure whether you should submit your standardized test scores, our guide on submitting 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
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.
Should I apply Regular or Early Decision to Cornell?
Applying to Cornell with Early Decision can be a great decision if you are 100% sure you want to go there. You’ll find out your admissions decision earlier than other students, and some data shows that you may help your admissions chances. However, you should keep in mind that Early Decision is binding. If you do get into the school, you won’t be able to change your mind later. If there is any doubt in your mind, you should apply Early Action or Regular Decision instead.
Read more: All you need to know about Early Action vs Early Decision
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.
Student Outcomes Snapshot
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 end up finishing 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?
10 years after starting school at Cornell University, the median earnings among students who received federal financial aid was $104,043. This is $53,652 more than the national median.
Earnings can vary widely based on many factors other than school choice. Your major and career path can cause substantial changes in your income down the line. For more information, check out our article on the average starting salary out of college.
How much do students at Cornell take out in loans?
Graduates of Cornell have to 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, it’s important to inform yourself on the advantages and disadvantages of each loan option. Our 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.
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