Cornell University is a private nonprofit university with an undergraduate enrollment of 15,995 students and a 9:1 student-to-faculty ratio. The institution has an 8.8% acceptance rate and a 95.3% six-year graduation rate. The cost of attendance is $92,150 annually, with 18.4% of students receiving Pell grants.
Cornell University is a highly selective private nonprofit with an 8.8% acceptance rate and 15,995 undergraduates. The university maintains a 9:1 student-to-faculty ratio and reports a 95.3% six-year graduation rate.
| Applied | Admitted | Rate | Enrolled | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Men | 32,718 | 2,459 | 7.5% | 1,642 |
| Women | 32,917 | 2,899 | 8.8% | 1,895 |
Cornell University admits 8.8% of applicants — a typical similar college admits 74%.
Each bar is the median of that group, with the number of schools in brackets. “Similar colleges” means the same control and the same predominant degree awarded. Groups of fewer than 15 schools are not shown.
Cornell's cost of attendance is $92,150 annually. With 18.4% of students receiving Pell grants and a substantial $10.2 billion endowment, the university serves low-income students while supporting affordability initiatives.
Graduates who borrowed carry a median monthly repayment of about $148.
After aid, Cornell University costs $28,690 a year — about 27% more than a typical similar college.
Each bar is the median of that group, with the number of schools in brackets. “Similar colleges” means the same control and the same predominant degree awarded. Groups of fewer than 15 schools are not shown.
Cornell University has a 95.3% six-year graduation rate and median earnings of $87,830 six years after enrollment and $104,043 ten years after enrollment.
| Major | Graduates |
|---|---|
| Computer Science | 467 |
| Labor and Industrial Relations | 286 |
| Hotel/Motel Administration/Management | 271 |
| Biology/Biological Sciences, General | 264 |
| Agricultural Economics | 243 |
| Information Technology | 206 |
| Mechanical Engineering | 152 |
| Econometrics and Quantitative Economics | 139 |
| Political Science and Government, General | 106 |
| Human Biology | 96 |
Median earnings eight years after entering Cornell University are $97,098, and 85% of former students earn more than $25,000 six years after entry.
Six years after entry, former Cornell University students earn $87,830 — 93% more than at a typical similar college.
Each bar is the median of that group, with the number of schools in brackets. “Similar colleges” means the same control and the same predominant degree awarded. Groups of fewer than 15 schools are not shown.
Cornell University is a private nonprofit institution with 15,995 undergraduates and competes in NCAA Division I-FCS athletics. The university maintains a 9:1 student-to-faculty ratio and achieves a 95.3% six-year graduation rate.
Average head coach salary by program gender.
1,127 of 15,784 undergraduates, counting each athlete once regardless of how many sports they play.
1 of 16,051 undergraduates study entirely at a distance, against 421 of 10,213 graduate students.
Cornell University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and operates its own medical school.
Cornell University spends $20,111 per student on research — about 3× a typical similar college.
Each bar is the median of that group, with the number of schools in brackets. “Similar colleges” means the same control and the same predominant degree awarded. Groups of fewer than 15 schools are not shown.
Cornell University is in Ithaca, NY, in what IPEDS classifies as a small city setting. The campus sits about 1 miles from the center of Ithaca. There are 2 other colleges within 25 miles, and Ithaca, NY is 1 miles away.
Tompkins County scores 6.5 out of 20 on the EPA National Walkability Index — below average walkable. The index is a county-wide average of block groups, so it describes the surrounding area rather than the campus itself.
Undergraduates make up about 37.9% of Ithaca's residents.
Every college that receives federal financial aid must publish its crime statistics each year under the Clery Act. These are the figures Cornell University reported for 2024.
Read these numbers carefully. A Clery figure counts reports, not incidents. A university with active reporting channels, a large campus police force and a teaching hospital will record more offenses than one where the same events go unreported — so a higher count is not evidence of a more dangerous campus, and a low count is not evidence of a safe one. In 2024, 833 campuses with more than 1,000 students reported no offenses at all. Use these figures to ask a college questions, not to rank one against another.
Separately, Cornell University reported 350 disciplinary referrals for weapons, drug and liquor law violations on campus. Referrals for alcohol violations are usually the largest category at residential colleges and reflect how a school handles student conduct internally.
Common questions about Cornell University admissions, costs, and outcomes.
Cornell has an acceptance rate of 8.8%, making it highly selective. This means the university receives many more applications than available spots, so strong academics and well-rounded profiles are essential for admission consideration.
The cost of attendance at Cornell is $92,150 per year. This comprehensive figure typically includes tuition, fees, room, board, and other expenses. Financial aid and scholarships may significantly reduce your actual out-of-pocket cost.
Yes, Cornell offers substantial financial aid. The university has an endowment of $10.2 billion and supports students across income levels. Approximately 18.4% of undergraduates receive Pell Grants, and the institution is committed to meeting demonstrated financial need.
Cornell's 6-year graduation rate is 95.3%, demonstrating strong student completion rates. The graduation rate for Pell Grant recipients is 92.4%, while non-Pell recipients graduate at 96.2%, showing Cornell's commitment to supporting all students.
Median earnings for Cornell graduates are $87,830 six years after enrollment and $104,043 ten years after enrollment. These strong earnings reflect the value of a Cornell degree and the career outcomes students achieve across various fields.
Cornell has 15,995 undergraduate students, making it a substantial research university. With a 9:1 student-to-faculty ratio, students benefit from meaningful interactions with professors while being part of a vibrant, diverse campus community.
Cornell's undergraduate population is 54.6% women and includes 15.4% first-generation students. Additionally, 18.4% receive Pell Grants, indicating economic diversity. This composition reflects Cornell's commitment to building an inclusive community.
Cornell is an NCAA Division I-FCS institution with significant athletic offerings and a $10.2 billion endowment supporting research and education. The combination of world-class academics, strong athletics, and substantial resources creates a distinctive residential university experience.
Cornell maintains a 9:1 student-to-faculty ratio, ensuring students have meaningful access to faculty mentorship and smaller class discussions. This ratio balances the benefits of a large research university with personalized educational experiences.
Yes, Cornell competes in NCAA Division I-FCS with an athletic program that generates $20.8 million in annual revenue. The university supports numerous varsity sports alongside club and intramural options, contributing to campus culture and student engagement.