About

About Cornell University

ivy league universityhighly selective admissionsstrong stem programslarge research universityco op programs

Cornell University is a private research university in Ithaca, NY, known for its ivy league university, highly selective admissions, and strong stem programs. With an acceptance rate of 7%, Cornell University is one of the most selective colleges in the United States, typically enrolling around 3,491 students each year. Cornell University is test optional; students who submit scores are typically admitted with SATs between 1510–1560, though many competitive applicants choose not to submit. Cornell University meets 100% of demonstrated financial need and has replaced loans with grants; for families earning under $75,000, the net cost is often $0.

Admissions

Cornell University acceptance rate and admitted student profile

one of the most selective colleges in the United States

7%
Overall Accept Rate
1535
Median Admitted SAT
SATSubmitted score range: 1510 – 1560 (test optional)

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Application Strategy

Strategy tips for applying to Cornell University

The first 2 tips apply to all applicants. Your personalized strategy requires your profile — build your free list to unlock it.

Essay Strategy
Cornell requires a college-specific supplemental essay, and admissions readers can immediately tell when students write a generic response. Research the specific faculty, labs, courses, or programs within your target college (like CALS, Engineering, or ILR) and name them directly in your essay to show you understand what makes that college distinct from the others at Cornell.
Application Strategy
You apply to a specific college within Cornell, not to the university as a whole, so choose carefully. Applying to the college that most naturally fits your academic goals gives your application internal consistency and makes your supplemental essay far more convincing to readers.

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Financial Aid & Cost

What Cornell University actually costs your family

Average net prices by income bracket from College Scorecard data.

Loan-free financial aid: Cornell University has replaced all loans with grants. For families earning under $75,000, the average net annual cost is $0. Cornell University's sticker price of ~$80k/year bears almost no resemblance to what most families pay.
Family IncomeSticker PriceEst. Net Cost / yr
0-30kOften $0~$80k/yr~$0 / yr
30k-48kOften $0~$80k/yr~$0 / yr
48k-75kOften $0~$80k/yr~$0 / yr
75k-110k~$80k/yr$14.3k
110k+~$80k/yr$50.0k

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Outcomes & Campus

Student outcomes and campus profile

95%
6-Year Graduation Rate
$88k
Median Earnings (6 yrs)
9:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
15,575
Undergrad Enrollment
Cornell University Acceptance Rate & Admissions | SpearMatch