Cornell University, a highly regarded institution, holds a position among top universities. It is a private research-based university but fulfills a public mission to contribute to all disciplines. Students can enroll in its 17 colleges and schools. The high competition makes it worth it to join Cornell University. With an acceptance rate of only 9%, gaining admission to Cornell is a significant achievement highlighting the university's rigorous standards. Cornell University began in 1865 and is present in Ithaca, New York. Its long history has produced a legacy for all its students and a strong alumni base. It also is a part of the State University of New York. The university offers around 77 UG and 54 PG and 74 PhD programs. Students from around the globe prefer this university owing to its reputation, academic prestige, peer group, and immense opportunities. Cornell University graduates can find great offers and will always have access to esteemed alumni networks. Cornell University hosts 16,128 UG students, 10,665 PG students, and a faculty of 2,864 members.
Tuition Fee & Cost of Living at Cornell University
Cornell University offers multiple courses to students on its different campuses. These courses have varying tuition fees. Refer to the table below for a detailed breakdown of the budget.
Budget Item | Endowed Colleges (USD/year) | State Contract College |
Tuition | 71,266 | 71,266 |
Student Activity Fee | 424 | 424 |
Health Fee | 580 | 580 |
Housing | 13,264 | 13,264 |
Food (board) | 7,328 | 7,328 |
Books and Supplies | 1,216 | 1,216 |
Personal Expenses | 2,208 | 2,208 |
Total | 96,268 | 96,268 |
Source: https://finaid.cornell.edu/cost-attend
Cornell University has over 100 academic departments. Many students opt for engineering, business, IT, and economics courses. The duration and cost of these programs may vary, so it is crucial to understand each program's expenses clearly.
* Tuition Fees are subject to change — might vary each year/intake
Cornell University offers several major options that provide excellent placement opportunities. Most students go for these popular majors at Cornell University.
The UG and PG students at Cornell University have several research opportunities. They can join studies across several institutions. Also, the institution offers summer programs that the students can join as per their courses. It helps them earn higher grades or GPA points as well. Learn more about the research opportunities at Cornell University:
Cornell University offers its students a vibrant campus life. They can not only engage in academic work but engage in several social activities. Students can find societies they like. Cornell University's global reputation attracts a diverse pool of students where one can learn and interact with different people. Living on this campus inspires students to work harder and strive for excellence.
The Cornell University campus, in the charming and close-knit town of Ithaca, offers many beautiful places and engaging activities. There are hundreds of groups and clubs as per the interests. Students can explore the Johnson Museum of Art. It is the perfect place for arts and history lovers. Additionally, the campus hosts various events, including concerts and festivals, organized by student groups.
The campus offers several sports and physical activities to the students. They can use these facilities personally or to compete in competitions. CFC fitness workshops, fitness centers, a gymnasium, and physical education classes exist. Students can participate in them and work on their health. Some of these sports activities are free, while others offer affordable prices to the students.
Cornell University has 60 societies for students. They can join as per their interest after interviewing with these different groups. They are based on professional, social, or community service acts. These societies help students get peer support. They build friendships that often last their lives as part of different societies.
Cornell University has around 1400 student-led groups. They work around singing, religion, project teams, social work, professional, honors, etc. The students can also start their own if they have any special interests.
Cornell University offers admissions in the fall and spring semesters. There are several UG and PG programs available for international students as well. They must adhere to the deadlines and send in their documents on time.
August is the usual time when the Common Application opens. The applicants should complete and submit all their applications and documents before November 1 for early decision. |
The International students should complete the financial aid applications by November 1. These are for early decisions. International applicants with regular decisions submit the same by January 2 and citizens can submit by February 15. |
The university may announce its decisions about its admission and financial aid by the middle of December. Regular decision applicants will hear the same by early April. |
Source: https://www.careerlauncher.com/study-abroad/universities/duke-university/
Aspirants for Cornell University should follow an application timeline to enroll. Read below to understand what follows:

Explore Cornell’s programs, eligibility, curriculum, and fees to shortlist the best-fit courses.
Evaluate colleges, departments, rankings, career outcomes, and funding opportunities.

Book exams like TOEFL, IELTS, GRE, or GMAT early to allow time for preparation and retakes.
Collect transcripts, mark sheets, and start coordinating with professors and managers for LORs.

Research Cornell-specific prompts and work on multiple drafts with feedback and revisions.
Upload all documents, verify details, pay fees, and submit applications well before deadlines.
|
TOEFL iBT |
iTEP |
Duolingo English Test |
IELTS |
PTE Academic |
Cambridge English Scale |
|
100 and above |
5.5 and above |
120 and above |
7.5 and above |
70 and above |
191 and above |
Below is the ranking of Cornell University based on several measures and institutions.
|
Source |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
2025 |
2026 |
|
QS World Ranking |
21 |
20 |
13 |
16 |
16 |
|
Times Higher Education |
22 |
20 |
20 |
20 |
18 |
|
US News |
17 |
NA |
NA |
16 |
12 |
2026 UNIVERSITY RANKING
2026 UNIVERSITY RANKING
2026 NATIONAL UNIVERSITY RANKING
Cornell University graduates get excellent packages with their college placements. You can expect to earn within the below-mentioned ranges after Cornell University.
|
Profile |
Salary Ranges (USD/year) |
|
Software Engineer |
87K - 168K |
|
Data Analyst |
53K - 93K |
|
Mechanical Engineer |
65K - 102K |
|
Human Resources (HR) Manager |
57K - 116K |
|
Process Engineer |
61K - 127K |
source: https://www.payscale.com/
Cornell University offers grants and scholarships. These are based on need. The university doesn't provide scholarships based on merit or for sports.
Students can opt for on-campus housing or explore options outside the campus. They can choose residency halls or apartments present on the campus. Read about these options below.
|
Residence Option |
Costs (USD/ year) |
|
Residence halls, West Campus Houses, Program Houses |
15,002 - 15,994 |
|
Cooperative Residences (Examples: |
3,725 - 4,495 (For Fall, single rate) |
|
Hasbrouck Graduate Student (single options) |
600 - 1,310 per month |
|
Hasbrouck Graduate Student (family options) |
1,440 - 1,425 per month |
Source: https://scl.cornell.edu/residential-life/housing/campus-living
Cornell University is present in Ithaca, New York. It is a small but beautiful town. The 2,300-acre campus is in the Finger Lake region of New York. The campus is also just minutes from Ithaca's various cafes, shops, and nightlife.
The applicant must score well on the standard tests like GMAT, GRE, TOEFL, etc. They must complete the application requirements and submit all the details on time to be considered for admission.
Cornell University has highly-rated management, law, medical, and engineering schools. Its veterinary and hotel administration courses also have high recognition.