About Cornell University
Cornell attracts students who thrive under pressure across its diverse colleges spanning agriculture to engineering. The university enrolls 15,935 students in the small city of Ithaca, where Nobel Prize-winning author Toni Morrison and Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg once walked the same challenging academic paths. Cornell's acceptance rate of 7.47% reflects its selectivity, while incoming students average 1520 on the SAT. The institution's research focus drives everything from groundbreaking veterinary medicine to strong engineering programs.
Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $4,079 annually after aid, while those from wealthier families face the full $66,014 sticker price. Cornell graduates earn a median of $104,043 ten years out, making the typical debt load of $14,000 manageable with monthly payments of $148. The 95% graduation rate suggests most students successfully navigate the academic rigor to reach these strong earning outcomes.
Cornell's Big Red compete in 31 Division I sports as part of the Ivy League, giving 1,127 student-athletes a chance to balance top academics with competition. The 9:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personal attention despite the university's research intensity. Nearly 98% of students return after freshman year, indicating that those who can handle Cornell's demands typically stay and thrive.
Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $4,079 annually after aid, while those from wealthier families face the full $66,014 sticker price. Cornell graduates earn a median of $104,043 ten years out, making the typical debt load of $14,000 manageable with monthly payments of $148. The 95% graduation rate suggests most students successfully navigate the academic rigor to reach these strong earning outcomes.
Cornell's Big Red compete in 31 Division I sports as part of the Ivy League, giving 1,127 student-athletes a chance to balance top academics with competition. The 9:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personal attention despite the university's research intensity. Nearly 98% of students return after freshman year, indicating that those who can handle Cornell's demands typically stay and thrive.
Academics & Faculty
Cornell operates as a research university with strong academic breadth, housing everything from world-well-known agriculture and veterinary programs to top-tier engineering and business schools. The 9:1 student-faculty ratio ensures close mentorship despite the university's research focus. Students benefit from access to modern research opportunities while receiving personalized attention from faculty. The 95% four-year graduation rate reflects strong academic support systems that help students navigate Cornell's famously rigorous coursework. The university's unique structure combines private colleges with state-assisted programs, creating diverse academic pathways. Cornell's agricultural college pioneered sustainable farming practices, while its engineering program consistently ranks among the nation's best for innovation and industry connections.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 9:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 92.3%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 95.2%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 95.1%
- Retention Rate
- 97.8%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $104,043
- Carnegie Classification
- Doctoral University (R1)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Law. | Doctoral | $172,867 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $145,332 |
| Computer Science. | Master | $127,397 |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $122,485 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Master | $111,926 |
| Operations Research. | Master | $109,763 |
| Real Estate. | Master | $108,649 |
| Human Resources Management and Services. | Master | $101,072 |
| Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering. | Master | $99,517 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Master | $97,071 |
Campus Life
Cornell's campus sits in the Finger Lakes region, about 4.5 hours north of New York City. With housing capacity for 8,747 students and total enrollment of 15,935, roughly 55% of students live on campus. Winter temperatures regularly drop below freezing from December through March, so pack heavy coats for trudging between classes on the hilly campus.
The 9:1 student-faculty ratio means smaller classes despite being a major research university. Students often gather at Collegetown's cafes and bars just off campus. Cornell's gorges and waterfalls create stunning scenery, though they also contribute to the campus's reputation for academic intensity. The university's seven undergraduate colleges create distinct communities within the larger institution. Weekend activities range from hiking the gorge trails to attending Big Red hockey games. The semester system allows for winter break escape from Ithaca's harsh climate. With 31 varsity sports and over 1,000 student organizations, there's competition for everything from club spots to research positions.
The 9:1 student-faculty ratio means smaller classes despite being a major research university. Students often gather at Collegetown's cafes and bars just off campus. Cornell's gorges and waterfalls create stunning scenery, though they also contribute to the campus's reputation for academic intensity. The university's seven undergraduate colleges create distinct communities within the larger institution. Weekend activities range from hiking the gorge trails to attending Big Red hockey games. The semester system allows for winter break escape from Ithaca's harsh climate. With 31 varsity sports and over 1,000 student organizations, there's competition for everything from club spots to research positions.
- Setting
- City-Small
- Housing Capacity
- 8,747 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1865
Campus Safety (2023)
298 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dating Violence | 35 | 35 | 3 | 1 |
| Stalking | 41 | 20 | 3 | 0 |
| Rape | 28 | 25 | 0 | 0 |
| Arson | 16 | 14 | 0 | 0 |
| Fondling | 22 | 6 | 1 | 0 |
| Burglary | 16 | 8 | 0 | 0 |
| Domestic Violence | 8 | 8 | 2 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 15°–31°F
- July Avg
- 57°–79°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 37.3"
- Annual Snowfall
- 64.4"
Student Demographics
Students arrive in Ithaca from across the country, with two-thirds coming from outside New York. The student body reflects Cornell's status as both an Ivy League institution and a land-grant university with strong practical programs. Women slightly outnumber men, drawn to Cornell's diverse offerings from agriculture to engineering. The campus brings together one of the most ethnically diverse student populations in the Ivy League. About one in five students receives Pell Grants, reflecting Cornell's commitment to accessibility despite its top status. This mix creates a community that balances academic prestige with real-world focus.
- Men
- 45.5%
- Women
- 54.5%
- White
- 31.4%
- Black
- 7.5%
- Hispanic
- 14.6%
- Asian
- 25.1%
- In-State Students
- 34.4%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 18.2%
Location
Cornell sits in Ithaca, New York, about 250 miles northwest of New York City in the Finger Lakes region. The university dominates this classic college town of roughly 32,000 residents, where students make up nearly half the population during the academic year. Ithaca is famous for its dramatic gorges and waterfalls that cut through the campus and surrounding area. The setting combines small-town charm with intellectual energy, surrounded by rolling hills and Cayuga Lake. Winter brings heavy snow and long stretches below freezing, while summers offer hiking and lake activities. Students considering colleges in New York may also compare Cornell with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Ithaca, New York 14853
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $104,043
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $104,057
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $76,300
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 87.5%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $148/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $14,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Cornell University?
Cornell accepts just 7.47% of applicants, making it one of the most selective universities in the country. Admitted students typically score between 1470-1570 on the SAT with an average of 1520.
How much does Cornell University cost after financial aid?
Cornell costs $85,922 for total attendance, but the average net price drops to $32,337 after aid. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay only $4,079 on average, while those from higher-income families pay more.
What is Cornell University known for academically?
Cornell operates multiple specialized colleges including agriculture, engineering, and veterinary medicine within one university. The 9:1 student-faculty ratio ensures close academic attention across these diverse programs.
What are the career outcomes for Cornell University graduates?
Cornell graduates earn a median salary of $104,043 ten years after graduation with a strong 93.3% employment rate. The university maintains an impressive 95.1% six-year graduation rate, reflecting its academic rigor and student success.
Where is Cornell University located and what is campus life like?
Cornell sits in Ithaca, New York, a small college city that centers around the university. With 8,747 students living on campus out of 15,935 total enrollment, the residential experience is central to student life.
Does Cornell University compete in Division I athletics?
Cornell fields 31 varsity sports teams competing in the Ivy League conference as the Big Red. With 1,127 total athletes, sports play a significant role on campus despite the league's no athletic scholarship policy.
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