Overview
Cornell University is a private Ivy League research university located in Ithaca, New York. Founded in 1865 by Ezra Cornell and Andrew Dickson White, the university is a member of the Ivy League and one of the most prestigious higher education institutions in the world.

Academics
Cornell offers a wide range of academic programs at the undergraduate, graduate, and professional levels. The university is renowned for its strength in agriculture, engineering, business, and the social sciences.
- U.S. News & World Report: Ranks Cornell as the 14th best national university and the 7th best private university in the United States.
- Times Higher Education World University Rankings: Ranks Cornell as the 20th best university in the world.
- QS World University Rankings: Ranks Cornell as the 21st best university in the world.
Research
Cornell is a major research university with a strong emphasis on innovation and discovery. The university has been awarded over $1 billion in research grants from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the National Science Foundation (NSF), and other federal agencies.
- Research and Development Expenditures: Cornell invested $1.03 billion in research and development in fiscal year 2021.
- Patents: Cornell researchers have been awarded over 2,000 patents since 2000.
- Startups: Cornell has spun out over 100 startups since 2000.
Student Life
Cornell has a vibrant and diverse student body with over 25,000 students from all 50 states and over 120 countries. The university offers a wide range of student activities and organizations, including over 1,000 student clubs and organizations, 36 varsity sports teams, and a thriving arts and culture scene.
- Enrollment: Cornell has an undergraduate enrollment of 15,474 students and a graduate enrollment of 10,007 students.
- Student-Faculty Ratio: Cornell has a student-faculty ratio of 9:1.
- Clubs and Organizations: Cornell has over 1,000 student clubs and organizations.
- Varsity Sports: Cornell has 36 varsity sports teams.
- Arts and Culture: Cornell has a thriving arts and culture scene with over 100 performance spaces and over 1,000 student artists.
Career Prospects
Cornell graduates are highly sought after by employers around the world. The university’s strong academic reputation and extensive network of alumni provide students with excellent career opportunities.
- Starting Salaries: The median starting salary for Cornell graduates is $65,000.
- Employment Rate: 96% of Cornell graduates are employed or in graduate school within six months of graduation.
- Employer Satisfaction: Cornell graduates are highly rated by employers for their skills, knowledge, and work ethic.
Is Cornell a Good School for Me?
Cornell is a highly selective university with a rigorous academic program. The university is a good fit for students who are:
- Highly motivated and academically talented.
- Interested in a broad range of academic disciplines.
- Seeking a research-intensive university.
- Looking for a vibrant and diverse student life.
- Interested in pursuing a career in a competitive field.
How to Apply to Cornell
Cornell University uses the Common Application. The application deadline for early decision is November 1st and the deadline for regular decision is January 1st.
The following materials are required for application:
- Completed Common Application.
- Official high school transcript.
- SAT or ACT scores.
- Two letters of recommendation.
- Personal statement.
Additional Resources
FAQs
What is the acceptance rate at Cornell?
The acceptance rate at Cornell University is 10.5%.
What is the average GPA of Cornell students?
The average GPA of Cornell students is 4.0.
What is the SAT score range for Cornell students?
The middle 50% of SAT scores for Cornell students is 1450-1550.
What is the ACT score range for Cornell students?
The middle 50% of ACT scores for Cornell students is 33-35.
What is the cost of attending Cornell?
The total cost of attendance for Cornell University is $73,000 per year.
Is financial aid available at Cornell?
Yes, financial aid is available at Cornell University. The university offers a variety of scholarships, grants, and loans to help students pay for college.
What is the student-to-faculty ratio at Cornell?
The student-to-faculty ratio at Cornell University is 9:1.
What is the graduation rate at Cornell?
The six-year graduation rate at Cornell University is 96%.