Cornell University
Private college · Ithaca, NY · 15,995 undergraduates
Acceptance rate, SAT and ACT scores, cost, and financial aid
Acceptance rate
8.8%
Extremely selective
SAT (middle 50%)
1500–1570
ACT (middle 50%)
33–35
Average net price
$33,934
per year, after grants
Cost of attendance
$92,093
per year, before aid
Graduation rate
95%
within 6 years
These numbers haven't been checked against official data yet. Values marked changed a lot or disagree with another source. Costs, aid, and policies change every year — always confirm on the college's website before you decide.
How hard is it to get into Cornell University?
Cornell University accepts about 9 of every 100 applicants (8.8%), which makes it extremely selective. This number changed a lot in the latest data, so confirm it with the college.
The middle half of admitted students scored between 1500 and 1570 on the SAT. A score at or above 1570 puts you in the top quarter of admitted students; below 1500, your scores are below most.
On the ACT, the middle half scored 33–35.
The latest federal data says Cornell University is test-optional (scores are considered if you send them), but that data can lag a year or two and several colleges have changed their policies since. Confirm on Cornell University's admissions website before you decide whether to send scores.
How much does Cornell University cost?
The full cost of attendance — tuition, fees, housing, food, books, and other expenses — is about $92,093 a year before financial aid.
After grants and scholarships, students who get federal aid pay $33,934 a year on average. Your price depends on your family's income — use the college's net price calculator for an estimate.
Tuition and fees are $72,270 a year.
- Tuition & fees (in-state)$72,270
- Tuition & fees (out-of-state)$72,270
- Room & board$20,574
- Total cost of attendance$92,093
- Average net price after grants$33,934
Popular majors
Computer Science, Engineering, Business, Biology.
Cornell University FAQ
- What is Cornell University's acceptance rate?
- 8.8% — extremely selective.
- What SAT score do you need for Cornell University?
- Admitted students' middle 50% range is 1500–1570. Aim for 1570 or higher to be above most admitted students.
- What ACT score do you need for Cornell University?
- Admitted students' middle 50% range is 33–35.
- Is Cornell University test-optional?
- The latest federal data says Cornell University is test-optional (scores are considered if you send them), but that data can lag a year or two and several colleges have changed their policies since. Confirm on Cornell University's admissions website before you decide whether to send scores.
- How much does Cornell University cost?
- About $92,093 a year before aid; $33,934 on average after grants.
- What is Cornell University's FAFSA school code?
- 002711. Add it in the "Colleges" section of the FAFSA at studentaid.gov so Cornell University receives your information.
- What is Cornell University's graduation rate?
- 95% of students finish within six years.
Colleges similar to Cornell University
| College | Acceptance rate | SAT (middle 50%) | Avg. net price | Graduation rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barnard CollegeNew York, NY | 8.8% | 1470–1560 | $28,930 | 92% |
| The Juilliard SchoolNew York, NY | 9.2% | — | $41,799 | 91% |
| New York UniversityNew York, NY | 9.2% | 1480–1560 | $35,737 | 88% |
| Columbia UniversityNew York, NY | 4% | 1510–1580 | $15,370 | 95% |
| Hamilton CollegeClinton, NY | 14% | 1450–1550 | $25,793 | 90% |
| Colgate UniversityHamilton, NY | 14% | 1430–1540 | $29,409 | 89% |