Sophia AlexanderCornell University is an Ivy League school, a top-tier research institution, and one of only three private land-grant universities in the U.S. Given its prestigious reputation, admissions here are highly competitive. Founded in 1865 in Ithaca, NY, Cornell has always been co-ed and nonsectarian. Over time, it has grown to include two medical campuses—one in New York City and another in Education City, Qatar. The university boasts 80 major fields of study, 30 dining spots offering everything from kosher and vegan to halal and locavore options, plus botanic gardens and the John Museum of Art.
Admissions
Key Admissions Stats
- Institution Type: Private, not-for-profit, coed
- Need Aware: May consider financial need in admissions decisions
- Level of Institution: 4-year
- Campus Setting: Small city
- Acceptance Rate: 7%
Admissions Requirements
- SAT: Not required
- ACT: Not required
- Transcript: Required
Important Deadlines
| Application Type | Application Deadline | Reply Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Early Decision | November 1 | — |
| Fall Regular Decision | January 2 | May 1 |
Admitted Student Stats
- In-State Students: 33%
- Out-of-State Students: 63%
- International Students: 14%
- Submitting ACT: 37%
- Submitting SAT: 37%
- Average ACT Composite: 35
- Average SAT Composite: 1487
Academics
Key Academic Stats
- Highest Degree Offered: Doctorate
- Total Students: 25,898
- Undergrads: 15,735
- Academic Calendar: Semester-based
- Class Sizes:
- 2-19 students: 91%
- 20-39 students: 4%
- 40-99 students: 3%
- 100+ students: 1%
- Graduation Rates:
- 4-year: 89% (National: 28%)
- 6-year: 95% (National: 52%)
- Student-Faculty Ratio: 9:1 (National: 21:1)
Tuition, Cost & Aid
Key Financial Stats
- Average Net Price: $27,522
- Tuition:
- In-State & Out-of-State: $66,014
- Additional Costs:
- Room & Board: $18,554
- Books & Supplies: $1,354
- Aid & Grants:
- 100% need met
- 18% of students receive gift aid
- Average aid per year: $54,219
- Average federal grant aid: $7,395
- Average institutional grant aid: $52,108
- Student Loans:
- 27% borrow loans
- Average loan per year: $8,309
- Average debt at graduation: $13,500
- Median monthly loan payment: $140
Campus Life
Key Campus Stats
- Student Gender:
- Male: 46% (National: 44%)
- Female: 54% (National: 56%)
- Student Organizations: 750
- Town Size: Small city
- LGBTQIA Resources: Yes
- On-Campus Women’s Center: Yes
- Housing:
- 52% of undergrads live on campus
- Freshmen not required to live on campus
- Athletics:
- Nickname: Big Red
- Colors: Carnelian red and white
- Association: NCAA
- Conference: Ivy League
- Campus Safety:
- 24/7 security patrol
- Emergency phones available
After Graduation
Post-Grad Stats
- Top 5 Cities Alumni Move To:
- New York, San Francisco, Ithaca, Boston, Washington
- Employed Within 6 Months: 70%
- Average Salary After 6 Years: $101,200
