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Cornell University

Ithaca, NY·Private·~9% acceptance

Cornell University is a private university based in Ithaca, NY. With an acceptance rate of about 9%, it is among the most selective schools in the United States. Students pay an average net price of about $28,690 per year after financial aid. About 95% of students graduate, and alumni earn a median of about $104,043 ten years after enrolling.

Average cost
$28,690/yr avg net price after aid
Full cost $88,140
Aid cuts ~$59,450/yr on average

Average across all aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual price depends on your family's income. Take the free Matchmaker for an estimate based on your numbers.

Deadlines
ED
Nov 1
EA
RD
Jan 2

ED and RD not confirmed with the college yet. Check their site before you rely on it.

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Your fit

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Admissions
GPA range3.54–4
SAT (middle 50%)1500–1570
ACT (middle 50%)33–35
Test policyRequired
Programs
Computer Science
Data Science / Statistics
Information Systems / IT
Mathematics
Physics
Chemistry
Biology
Environmental Science
Outcomes
95%
graduation rate
98%
freshman retention
$87,830
median earnings, 6yr
$104,043
median earnings, 10yr
How Cornell reads an application

What Cornell values

Very important
Course rigorApplication essaysRecommendationsExtracurricularsTalent / abilityCharacter / personal qualities
Important
Grades (GPA)Class rank
Also considered
Test scoresInterviewFirst-generation statusAlumni relation (legacy)Geographic residenceState residencyVolunteer workWork experience

From Cornell’s Common Data Set. Put your effort where it counts most.

What Cornell requires

Required
Course rigorRecommendationsApplication essaysTOEFL / English proficiency
Considered
Grades (GPA)Class rankCollege-prep programTest scoresDemonstration of competenciesWork experienceAlumni relation (legacy)Other test scores

From federal IPEDS data — what Cornell requires vs considers (not how heavily each is weighed).

Frequently asked questions
What is Cornell University's acceptance rate?
Cornell University admits about 9% of applicants.
How much does Cornell University cost?
At Cornell University, the average net price after aid is about $28,690 per year, and the full cost of attendance is about $88,140 per year before aid. Your actual price depends on your family's income. Take Blueprint's free Matchmaker for an estimate based on your numbers.
What SAT or ACT scores do you need for Cornell University?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1500–1570 on the SAT and 33–35 on the ACT.
What are Cornell University's application deadlines?
Cornell University's deadlines are Early Decision around Nov 1, Regular Decision around Jan 2. Always confirm exact dates on the school's official site.
What does Cornell University value most in applicants?
In its most recent Common Data Set, Cornell University rates Course rigor, Application essays, Recommendations, Extracurriculars, Talent / ability, and Character / personal qualities as "very important" in admissions decisions, and also weighs Grades (GPA) and Class rank. Take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see how your profile lines up.

See if Cornell University is a fit for you

Two free steps: find your best-fit majors with the Discovery quiz, then run the College Matchmaker for your real admission odds and net price at Cornell University, side by side with your other schools.