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Cornell University vs United States Military Academy

Cornell University is a private university in Ithaca, NY. United States Military Academy is a public university in West Point, NY. Cornell University admits about 9% of applicants and United States Military Academy about 12%, making Cornell University the harder of the two to get into. About 95% of students graduate at Cornell University, compared with 86% at United States Military Academy.

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Cornell University

Ithaca, NY · Private

United States Military Academy

West Point, NY · Public
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Ithaca, NY
West Point, NY
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
15,995
4,408
Acceptance rate
9%
12%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.54–4
3.45–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1500–1570
1200–1430
ACT (middle 50%)
33–35
27–33
Test policy
Required
Required
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$28,690
Not reported
Full cost / yr
$88,140
Not reported
In-state tuition
$69,314
Not reported
Out-of-state tuition
$69,314
Not reported
Application fee
$80
Not reported
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$1,776
Not reported
$30k - $48k
$4,070
Not reported
$48k - $75k
$6,796
Not reported
$75k - $110k
$14,311
Not reported
Over $110k
$49,992
Not reported
Outcomes
Graduation rate
95%
86%
Freshman retention
98%
95%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$87,830
Not reported
Median earnings (10 yr)
$104,043
Not reported
Median debt at graduation
$14,000
Not reported
Student body
Pell grant recipients
18%
Not reported
First-generation students
15%
Not reported
International students
10%
1%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 1
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Jan 2
Jan 31

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 United States Military Academy harder to get into?
Cornell University is harder to get into. It admits about 9% of applicants, compared with 12% at United States Military Academy. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is bigger, Cornell University or United States Military Academy?
Cornell University is the larger of the two, with about 15,995 undergraduates against 4,408 at United States Military Academy.
Does Cornell University or United States Military Academy have a better graduation rate?
Cornell University has the higher graduation rate, at about 95% against 86% at United States Military Academy.
Do Cornell University and United States Military Academy require SAT or ACT scores?
Cornell University requires SAT or ACT scores. United States Military Academy requires SAT or ACT scores.
What SAT scores do Cornell University and United States Military Academy look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1500–1570 at Cornell University and 1200–1430 at United States Military Academy. 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