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Cornell University vs Hamilton College

Cornell University is a private university in Ithaca, NY, and Hamilton College is a private college in Clinton, NY. Cornell University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 9% of applicants against 14% at Hamilton College. Cornell University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $28,690 a year against $28,985 at Hamilton College. About 95% of students graduate at Cornell University, compared with 91% at Hamilton College. Ten years after enrolling, Cornell University alumni earn a median of about $104,043, against $78,411 for Hamilton College.

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Cornell University

Ithaca, NY · Private

Hamilton College

Clinton, NY · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Ithaca, NY
Clinton, NY
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
15,995
2,030
Acceptance rate
9%
14%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.54–4
3.53–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1500–1570
1450–1550
ACT (middle 50%)
33–35
33–35
Test policy
Required
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$28,690
$28,985
Full cost / yr
$88,140
$84,230
In-state tuition
$69,314
$68,960
Out-of-state tuition
$69,314
$68,960
Application fee
$80
$65
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$1,776
$8,028
$30k - $48k
$4,070
$9,489
$48k - $75k
$6,796
$10,863
$75k - $110k
$14,311
$20,614
Over $110k
$49,992
$46,907
Outcomes
Graduation rate
95%
91%
Freshman retention
98%
95%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$87,830
$60,082
Median earnings (10 yr)
$104,043
$78,411
Median debt at graduation
$14,000
$17,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
18%
18%
First-generation students
15%
13%
International students
10%
8%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 1
Nov 15
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Jan 2
Jan 4

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 Hamilton College harder to get into?
Cornell University is harder to get into. It admits about 9% of applicants, compared with 14% at Hamilton 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 Hamilton College?
Cornell University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $28,690 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $28,985 at Hamilton College. 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 Hamilton College?
Before aid, Hamilton College costs about $84,230 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 Hamilton College?
Cornell University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $1,776 there, against about $8,028 at Hamilton College. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Cornell University or Hamilton College?
Cornell University is the larger of the two, with about 15,995 undergraduates against 2,030 at Hamilton College.
Does Cornell University or Hamilton College have a better graduation rate?
Cornell University has the higher graduation rate, at about 95% against 91% at Hamilton College.
Do graduates of Cornell University or Hamilton College earn more?
Cornell University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $104,043 ten years after enrolling, against about $78,411 for Hamilton College. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Cornell University and Hamilton College require SAT or ACT scores?
Cornell University requires SAT or ACT scores. Hamilton College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Cornell University and Hamilton College look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1500–1570 at Cornell University and 1450–1550 at Hamilton College. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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1 Discovery quiz: find your major2 Matchmaker: your odds + net price at every school