Cornell University campus
Cornell University logo

Cornell University

Type 4 year, Private
Business Model Non Profit
Campus locale City: Small
Degrees offered Undergraduate and Graduate
Calendar system Semester
Student body size Large
Common app member Yes
Dormitory capacity 7,422
Student to faculty ratio 9 to 1
Acceptance rate 9%
Students retention rate 97%
On-time graduation rate 94%

Located in Ithaca, New York, Cornell is a private, non profit institution that offers undergraduate and graduate degrees. The college operates on a semester-based calendar system, providing students with structured academic terms.

The acceptance rate at Cornell is 9%, indicating that the institution is quite selective in its admissions process. This can be seen as a positive aspect for those seeking a competitive and academically rigorous environment.

Cornell University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, ensuring that the institution meets certain standards of quality and effectiveness. This accreditation also allows students to transfer credits to other accredited institutions if they choose to continue their education elsewhere.

With a students-to-faculty ratio of 9-to-1, Cornell emphasizes small class sizes, fostering a supportive and interactive learning environment.

Cornell boasts an impressive student retention rate of 97% , indicating that the majority of students choose to continue their education at the institution. This number surpasses both the state and national averages of 75% and 74%, respectively.


  • Accredited by: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
  • The institution provides on-campus housing

Acceptance Rate

Fall 2021 admitted students

8.7%

In-State Tuition & Fees

$61,015

Cost of attendance at Cornell University in 2022 for students from New York.

See how the college's in-state sticker price compares to 4 year Non Profit, private colleges in the state as well as nationally.

New York's average $8,212
National average $30,235

Out-of-State Tuition & Fees

$61,015

Cost of attendance at Cornell University in 2022 for the out-of-state and international students

See how the college's out-of-state sticker price compares to 4 year Non Profit, private colleges in the state as well as nationally.

New York's average $17,724
National average $30,238

Average Grant & Scholarships

In 2022, 50 of freshman students at Cornell University received on average $52,674 in grant and scholarships from the college, the state and/or the federal government. Below is detail stats of the aid provided to full-time, freshman students.

$52,674
Students Receiving Aid Average Amount Total Amount
Pell Grant 578 18% $5,234 $3,025,201
Other Federal Grant 578 18% $7,162 $4,139,522
State Grant/Scholarships 445 14% $3,540 $1,575,322
Institutional Grant/Scholarships 1,569 48% $50,341 $78,985,218
Total Grant & Scholarships 1,608 50% $52,674 $84,700,062

Graduation Rate

The following chart shows the graduation rate of Cornell University students who enrolled in 2015 and after. The stat covers all undergraduates registered as full-time students to study a 4-year bachelor's degree program for the first time.

The breakdown shows the graduation rate by race/ethnicity of US students. All international students are represented under one group.

As of August 31, 2021, the average graduation rate of Cornell University students is 94.1%. Female students graduated at a rate of 95.4%, whereas male students graduated at a rate of 92.7%.

94.1%

  • asian 96.1% 619 students
  • African American 89.7% 200 students
  • white 95.1% 1,130 students
  • unknown 94.4% 221 students
  • hawaiian 75.0% 3 students
  • hispanic 90.2% 394 students
  • International Students 95.8% 273 students
  • Mixed Race 95.1% 136 students

Sport Conferences

  • Football Ivy Group
  • Baseball Ivy Group
  • Basketball Ivy Group
  • Track and Cross Country Ivy Group

Athletic Associations

  • NCAA
    National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)

Service Offerings

Cornell University provides the following additional services to its students
  • Placement services for graduates
  • Academic/career counseling services
  • Employment services for students

Educational Offerings

Cornell University offers educational programs in the following categories. Check the programs section to learn more about specific programs that you are interested in.
  • Academic

Special Learning Opportunities

  • Study abroad
  • ROTC - Army
  • ROTC - Navy
  • ROTC - Air Force

Veteran Services

  • Member of Service-members Opportunity Colleges
  • Dedicated point of contact for support services for veterans, military service-members, and their families
  • Recognized student veteran organization
  • Yellow Ribbon Program (officially known as Post-9/11 GI Bill, Yellow Ribbon Program)

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