Cornell University
Cornell University is a private non-profit institution located in Ithaca, NY, offering 133 distinct degree programs across various fields of study. The institution maintains a strong graduation rate of 95.14%, demonstrating a commitment to student success and completion. Financial aid significantly reduces the cost of attendance, with the average net price after aid at $32,337.
Key Facts
- 2024 Undergraduate Tuition: $66,014
- 2024 Average Net Price: $32,337 After Financial Aid
- 2024 Acceptance Rate: 8.16% Highly Selective
- 2024 Enrolled Students: 15,935 N/A% Full-Time
- 2024 Graduation Rate: 95.14%
- Average SAT Score: 1520
Costs
Tuition Costs
$66,014
2024 Undergraduate Tuition
In 2024, the cost of tuition at Cornell University was $66,014.
Tuition comparison with similar institutions.
Average Net Price
$32,337
2024 Value
In 2024 Cornell University had an average net price — the price paid after factoring in grants and loans — of $32,337.
Average net price comparison with similar institutions.
Total Cost of Attendance
$129,348 Estimated 4-Year Total Cost
$32,337 Average Annual Net Price (after aid)
$264,056 4-Year Tuition
Costs include tuition and fees. Room & board, books, and other expenses are additional.
4-year total cost breakdown for Cornell University.
Financial Aid by Income Level
18.21% Undergraduates Receiving Financial Aid through Grants
24.07% Undergraduates Receiving Financial Aid through Loans
Financial aid distribution by income level.
Student Loan Default Rate
Not reported
3-year cohort default rate (College Scorecard)
The published 3-year cohort default rate for borrowers at Cornell University was not reported in the College Scorecard extract for this institution.
Cohort default rates account for borrowers who default in the first three years.
Admissions
Acceptance Rate
8.16% Acceptance Rate
This institution is extremely selective, accepting fewer than 1 in 10 applicants.
Acceptance rate compared to national average.
Test Scores
SAT Average: 1520
Average SAT and ACT scores for admitted students.
Academic Requirements
Estimated GPA Range: 3.9 - 4.0
Estimated Median GPA: 4.00
Note: GPA requirements are estimated based on admission selectivity and test scores. Actual requirements may vary.
Estimated GPA and test score ranges.
Enrollment
Full-Time vs Part-Time Enrollment
N/A% Full-Time Enrollment
The total enrollment at Cornell University in 2024 is 15,935 students.
Full-time vs part-time enrollment comparison.
Retention Rate over Time
N/A%
2024 Retention Rate
Retention rate measures the number of first-time students who began their studies the previous fall and returned to school the following fall.
Retention rate over time compared to similar institutions.
Graduates & Outcomes
Time to Complete
87.11% 100% Completion Time
95.14% 150% Completion Time
In 2024, 87.11% of students graduating from Cornell University completed their program within 100% "normal time".
Completion rates over time compared to similar institutions.
ROI & Programs
Financial value and program information for Cornell University.
Return on Investment
$14,000 Median Student Debt
$104,043 Median Annual Earnings (10 years)
13.46% Debt-to-Earnings Ratio
704.36% Return on Investment
1.3 years Estimated Payback Period
Financial value analysis for Cornell University.
Top Programs by Completions
10 Programs Reporting Data
Computer Science: 874 completions
CIP 52.0201: 543 completions
General Computer & Information Sciences: 420 completions
CIP 52.1002: 349 completions
CIP 52.0904: 337 completions
General Biological Sciences: 296 completions
CIP 52.1301: 286 completions
Mechanical Engineering: 272 completions
Electrical & Electronics Engineering: 255 completions
Other/Unknown Programs: 8,826 completions
Most popular programs at Cornell University.
Employment Outcomes
$87,830 Median Earnings (6 years after entry)
$97,098 Median Earnings (8 years after entry)
$104,043 Median Earnings (10 years after entry)
Earnings outcomes for Cornell University graduates.
About
Cornell University is a private non-profit institution located in Ithaca, NY, offering 133 distinct degree programs across various academic disciplines. The institution enrolls approximately 15,935 students. It is highly selective, with an admission rate of 8.16%. Average SAT scores for admitted students are 1520. The institution maintains a 95.14% graduation rate. Approximately 18.21% of students receive Pell Grants.
Institution Type
Private Non-profit
Location
Ithaca, NY 14853
Region: Mid East
Insights and Analysis
Exceptional Graduation Rate: With a 95.14% graduation rate, Cornell University demonstrates strong student retention and completion. This rate significantly exceeds the national average, indicating effective academic support and student services.
Strong Career Outcomes: Cornell University graduates report median earnings of $104,043 ten years after entry, placing them among the higher-earning college graduates nationally. This strong earnings potential reflects both the quality of education and the career opportunities available to graduates.
Diverse Program Offerings: With over 133 distinct degree programs, Cornell University provides students with a wide range of academic options. This diversity allows students to explore various fields and find programs that align with their interests and career goals.
Data Sources
This page uses data from the following sources:
- College Scorecard - U.S. Department of Education
- Institutional characteristics, costs, completion rates, and earnings data
- Data years: 2015-2024
- Source: collegescorecard.ed.gov
- Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS)
- Employment and wage data by occupation
- Latest data: May 2024
- Source: bls.gov/oes
- O*NET Online - U.S. Department of Labor
- Occupational skills, knowledge, abilities, and work activities
- Database version: 28.0 (August 2023)
- Source: onetcenter.org
- IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System) - National Center for Education Statistics
- Institutional data, completions, enrollment, and financial aid
- Data years: 2015-2024
- Source: nces.ed.gov/ipeds
- Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS)
- Demographic and workforce data
- Latest data: 2023 ACS 5-Year Estimates
- Source: census.gov/acs
Data Processing: All data has been processed, cleaned, and aggregated for presentation. Where specific data points are unavailable, estimates are based on available data and clearly marked.
Last Updated: Data reflects the most recent available information as of January 2025.
Methodology
Data for this profile is sourced from the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard dataset, which provides comprehensive information on institutions of higher education in the United States.
All financial figures are adjusted for inflation and represent the most recent available data. Graduation rates and completion times are calculated according to federal standards.