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Cornell University vs CUNY Hunter College

Cornell University is a private university in Ithaca, NY. CUNY Hunter College is a public college in New York, NY. Cornell University admits about 9% of applicants and CUNY Hunter College about 54%, making Cornell University the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $2,984 a year at CUNY Hunter College after aid, and about $28,690 at Cornell University. About 95% of students graduate at Cornell University, compared with 59% at CUNY Hunter College. Ten years after enrolling, Cornell University alumni earn a median of about $104,043, against $63,163 for CUNY Hunter College.

Cornell University

Ithaca, NY · Private

CUNY Hunter College

New York, NY · Public
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Ithaca, NY
New York, NY
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
15,995
16,289
Acceptance rate
9%
54%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.54–4
3.51–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1500–1570
1100–1420
ACT (middle 50%)
33–35
25–31
Test policy
Required
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$28,690
$2,984
Full cost / yr
$88,140
$13,905
In-state tuition
$69,314
$7,382
Out-of-state tuition
$69,314
$15,332
Application fee
$80
$65
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$1,776
$1,029
$30k - $48k
$4,070
$1,935
$48k - $75k
$6,796
$6,003
$75k - $110k
$14,311
$8,810
Over $110k
$49,992
$12,259
Outcomes
Graduation rate
95%
59%
Freshman retention
98%
78%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$87,830
$50,414
Median earnings (10 yr)
$104,043
$63,163
Median debt at graduation
$14,000
$11,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
18%
56%
First-generation students
15%
47%
International students
10%
5%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 1
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Jan 2
Feb 1

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is Cornell University or CUNY Hunter College harder to get into?
Cornell University is harder to get into. It admits about 9% of applicants, compared with 54% at CUNY Hunter College. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Cornell University or CUNY Hunter College?
CUNY Hunter College is cheaper on average. Students pay about $2,984 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $28,690 at Cornell University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at Cornell University and CUNY Hunter College?
Before aid, CUNY Hunter College costs about $13,905 a year and Cornell University about $88,140. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Cornell University or CUNY Hunter College?
CUNY Hunter College. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $1,029 there, against about $1,776 at Cornell University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Cornell University or CUNY Hunter College?
CUNY Hunter College is the larger of the two, with about 16,289 undergraduates against 15,995 at Cornell University.
Does Cornell University or CUNY Hunter College have a better graduation rate?
Cornell University has the higher graduation rate, at about 95% against 59% at CUNY Hunter College.
Do graduates of Cornell University or CUNY Hunter College earn more?
Cornell University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $104,043 ten years after enrolling, against about $63,163 for CUNY Hunter College. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Cornell University and CUNY Hunter College require SAT or ACT scores?
Cornell University requires SAT or ACT scores. CUNY Hunter College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Cornell University and CUNY Hunter College look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1500–1570 at Cornell University and 1100–1420 at CUNY Hunter College. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

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Which of these is the better fit for you?

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