Overview
Cornell University is a extremely selective private four-year institution in Ithaca, New York. The school accepts 7.5% of applicants and enrolls 15,935 students.
Admission Statistics
- Acceptance Rate
- 7.5%
- Average SAT
- 1,520
- SAT Range (25th–75th)
- 1,470–1,570
- ACT Composite (avg)
- 34
- Total Enrollment
- 15,935
Your Chances by SAT Score
Your score is above the 75th percentile. You are a competitive applicant.
Your score falls within the middle 50% of admitted students.
Your score is below the 25th percentile. Other parts of your application will need to stand out.
Admission Guide
Cornell operates as seven undergraduate colleges within one university, and you must apply to a specific college that matches your academic interests. Each college has its own admissions committee, culture, and requirements, so your application strategy changes dramatically depending on whether you target the College of Arts and Sciences, Engineering, Agriculture and Life Sciences, or others.
The admissions committees care deeply about fit between your goals and what each college offers. Engineering wants to see genuine problem-solving experience, not just high math scores. Agriculture and Life Sciences looks for students who understand how science connects to real-world applications. Arts and Sciences seeks intellectual breadth across disciplines. Don't write generic essays about loving learning,connect your specific interests to the resources and philosophy of your chosen college.
You can reference Cornell's unique traditions like Dragon Day, when architecture students parade a giant dragon through campus, or the campus's gorges and waterfalls that create a distinctive physical environment unlike other Ivies. The Ithaca location means you experience true seasons and a college town atmosphere rather than urban campus life.
Cornell's land-grant mission makes it different from other Ivies,several colleges offer in-state tuition for New York residents, and the university maintains a commitment to practical, applied research alongside theoretical work. This shows up in programs like the School of Hotel Administration and the agricultural programs that have working farms on campus.
Don't assume Cornell is easier to get into because it has a higher acceptance rate than Harvard or Yale. Each college within Cornell is highly selective, and some programs like Computer Science or Business receive thousands of applications for limited spots.
The supplemental essays differ by college, so read the prompts carefully. Engineering asks about specific problems you want to solve, while Arts and Sciences wants to know about your intellectual interests beyond your intended major. Your essays should demonstrate knowledge of what makes your chosen college distinct, not just praise Cornell generally.
Early Decision provides a significant advantage, but only apply ED if Cornell is genuinely your top choice and you can afford it, since financial aid appeals become much harder after ED admission.
What It Costs If You Get In
- Average Net Price
- $32,337/yr
- Tuition (in-state)
- $66,014
- Students Receiving Aid
- 18%
After You Graduate
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 95.1%
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $104,043/yr
- Freshman Retention Rate
- 97.8%
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Cornell University require SAT or ACT scores for admission?
Cornell requires either SAT or ACT scores for most applicants. Some programs may have specific testing requirements, so check with your intended college within Cornell.
Does Cornell University offer Early Decision or Early Action?
Cornell offers Early Decision with a November 1 deadline. Early Decision is binding, meaning you must attend if accepted and the financial aid package is adequate.
Can you transfer to Cornell University from another college?
Cornell accepts transfer students for fall and spring semesters. Transfer applicants must complete at least one full-time semester at another college before applying.
What makes Cornell University's application process different from other Ivy League schools?
Cornell has multiple undergraduate colleges within the university, and you apply directly to a specific college. Each college may have different requirements and supplemental essays.