Skip to content

Cornell University vs New York University

Cornell University is a private university in Ithaca, NY. New York University is a private university in New York, NY. Both admit about 9% of applicants. Students pay an average of about $28,690 a year at Cornell University after aid, and about $37,050 at New York University. About 95% of students graduate at Cornell University, compared with 88% at New York University. Ten years after enrolling, Cornell University alumni earn a median of about $104,043, against $82,509 for New York University.

See which of these two fits you, and what each would actually cost you.

Start the free quiz

Cornell University

Ithaca, NY · Private

New York University

New York, NY · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Ithaca, NY
New York, NY
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
15,995
28,663
Acceptance rate
9%
9%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.54–4
3.54–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1500–1570
1480–1560
ACT (middle 50%)
33–35
34–35
Test policy
Required
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$28,690
$37,050
Full cost / yr
$88,140
$84,374
In-state tuition
$69,314
$62,796
Out-of-state tuition
$69,314
$62,796
Application fee
$80
$80
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$1,776
$16,977
$30k - $48k
$4,070
$14,017
$48k - $75k
$6,796
$16,862
$75k - $110k
$14,311
$32,766
Over $110k
$49,992
$66,876
Outcomes
Graduation rate
95%
88%
Freshman retention
98%
96%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$87,830
$64,543
Median earnings (10 yr)
$104,043
$82,509
Median debt at graduation
$14,000
$20,500
Student body
Pell grant recipients
18%
18%
First-generation students
15%
21%
International students
10%
26%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 1
Nov 1
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Jan 2
Jan 5

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 New York University harder to get into?
They are about equally selective: both admit around 9% of applicants. 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 New York University?
Cornell University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $28,690 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $37,050 at New York 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 New York University?
Before aid, New York University costs about $84,374 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 New York University?
Cornell University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $1,776 there, against about $16,977 at New York University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Cornell University or New York University?
New York University is the larger of the two, with about 28,663 undergraduates against 15,995 at Cornell University.
Does Cornell University or New York University have a better graduation rate?
Cornell University has the higher graduation rate, at about 95% against 88% at New York University.
Do graduates of Cornell University or New York University earn more?
Cornell University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $104,043 ten years after enrolling, against about $82,509 for New York University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Cornell University and New York University require SAT or ACT scores?
Cornell University requires SAT or ACT scores. New York University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Cornell University and New York University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1500–1570 at Cornell University and 1480–1560 at New York University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

These lists are a great start, but the one list that actually matters is yours. Blueprint builds it in two free steps.

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