Campus Vibe
Among the most selective in the Northeast — top graduate earnings
Cornell University is a private institution in Ithaca with particular strength in computer science and business. With an average SAT of 1520, the school attracts a competitive applicant pool.
A large campus of 15.9K undergraduates with a 9:1 student-faculty ratio. The urban location puts students at the center of city life.
95% of students graduate within four years, and graduates earn a median of $104,043 a decade after enrollment. Net price after aid averages $32,337.
Plan Your Visit
News & Alerts
Cornell University Launches New Data Science Minor
Starting Fall 2026, students can pursue an interdisciplinary data science minor combining CS, statistics, and domain courses.
Tuition Increase Announced for 2026-27
The board of trustees approved a 3.2% tuition increase for the upcoming academic year, in line with peer institutions.
Admissions
SAT Score Ranges
Average: 1520
ACT Score Range
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard / IPEDS.
Financial Aid
Cost & Financial Aid
Sticker Price
Net Price by Family Income
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Net price reflects most recent cohort of federally-aided undergraduates.
Debt & Aid Detail
Net Price Trend
Tuition Trend
Graduate w/ Zero Debt
75.9%
Avg Tuition Increase
3.2%/yr
Median Debt at Grad
$13,000
Campus Safety
Total Incidents (2024)
121
Peer Average
92
3-Year Trend
Emergency System
24/7 campus police department, blue-light phone network, emergency mass notification system
Incident Breakdown (2024)
Burglary
Aggravated Assault
Robbery
Motor Vehicle Theft
Sex Offenses
Arson
Drug Arrests
Liquor Arrests
Source: U.S. Department of Education Campus Safety & Security data (Clery Act, 2024 reporting year).
Academics
Programs (266)
Student Life
Student Satisfaction
Retention Rate
98%
- •98% first-year retention rate
- •Active student organizations
- •Engaged campus community
Mental Health Services
Counselor Ratio
1:350
24/7 Crisis Line
Yes
Free Sessions
12 per year
Avg Wait
5 days
Walk-in hours available weekdays
Disability Services
ADA-compliant campus with ongoing accessibility improvements
Dining
Rating
★★★★☆
Score
4/5
Meal Plan
$6,200/yr
Multiple dining halls with farm-to-table options
Student Body
Race & Ethnicity
Outcomes
Median Earnings After Graduation
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect federally-aided students 6 and 10 years after entry.
Rankings
More About This School
Varsity Sports
History & Fun Facts
- •The university was established as New York's land-grant institution following authorization by the New York State Legislature.
- •Ezra Cornell provided his farm in Ithaca, New York, as the initial campus site and contributed $500,000 as an initial endowment (equivalent to $12,769,000 in 2024).
- •White agreed to serve as the university's first president.
- •White oversaw the university's early development, including construction of its first two buildings, and traveled to recruit students and faculty.
- •The university was formally inaugurated on October 7, 1868, with 412 male students enrolling the following day.
Source: Wikipedia
Location & Lifestyle
Cost of Living
Housing and food costs are higher than national average