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Cornell University vs Skidmore College

Cornell University is a private university in Ithaca, NY. Skidmore College is a private college in Saratoga Springs, NY. Cornell University admits about 9% of applicants and Skidmore College about 21%, making Cornell University the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $28,690 a year at Cornell University after aid, and about $32,297 at Skidmore College. About 95% of students graduate at Cornell University, compared with 82% at Skidmore College. Ten years after enrolling, Cornell University alumni earn a median of about $104,043, against $69,363 for Skidmore College.

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Cornell University

Ithaca, NY · Private

Skidmore College

Saratoga Springs, NY · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Ithaca, NY
Saratoga Springs, NY
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
15,995
2,694
Acceptance rate
9%
21%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.54–4
3.53–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1500–1570
1340–1480
ACT (middle 50%)
33–35
31–33
Test policy
Required
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$28,690
$32,297
Full cost / yr
$88,140
$85,270
In-state tuition
$69,314
$67,290
Out-of-state tuition
$69,314
$67,290
Application fee
$80
$65
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$1,776
$9,932
$30k - $48k
$4,070
$11,454
$48k - $75k
$6,796
$15,855
$75k - $110k
$14,311
$22,438
Over $110k
$49,992
$45,136
Outcomes
Graduation rate
95%
82%
Freshman retention
98%
90%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$87,830
$46,923
Median earnings (10 yr)
$104,043
$69,363
Median debt at graduation
$14,000
$19,500
Student body
Pell grant recipients
18%
13%
First-generation students
15%
15%
International students
10%
7%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 1
Nov 1
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Jan 2
Jan 8

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 Skidmore College harder to get into?
Cornell University is harder to get into. It admits about 9% of applicants, compared with 21% at Skidmore 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 Skidmore College?
Cornell University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $28,690 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $32,297 at Skidmore 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 Skidmore College?
Before aid, Skidmore College costs about $85,270 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 Skidmore College?
Cornell University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $1,776 there, against about $9,932 at Skidmore College. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Cornell University or Skidmore College?
Cornell University is the larger of the two, with about 15,995 undergraduates against 2,694 at Skidmore College.
Does Cornell University or Skidmore College have a better graduation rate?
Cornell University has the higher graduation rate, at about 95% against 82% at Skidmore College.
Do graduates of Cornell University or Skidmore College earn more?
Cornell University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $104,043 ten years after enrolling, against about $69,363 for Skidmore College. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Cornell University and Skidmore College require SAT or ACT scores?
Cornell University requires SAT or ACT scores. Skidmore College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Cornell University and Skidmore College look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1500–1570 at Cornell University and 1340–1480 at Skidmore 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