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Cornell University
Private UniversityUnited StatesWorld #16

Cornell University

United States

2/yr

Avg. tuition

88,150/yr

Living (Bachelors)

88,150/yr

Living (Masters)

89+programs

Courses

About

Cornell University is a private Ivy League research university in Ithaca, New York. Founded in 1865 by Ezra Cornell and Andrew Dickson White, Cornell was founded on the principle of "any person, any study." This motto reflects Cornell's commitment to providing a high-quality education to all students, regardless of their background or circumstances. Cornell University has an enrollment of 21,000+ students and a student-to-faculty ratio of 9:1.

What is the Acceptance Rate of Cornell University?

The acceptance rate of Cornell University is 8%, indicating that approximately 8 out of every 100 applicants are admitted. In other words, this indicates that the university's selection policy is highly competitive, giving highly qualified applicants a chance of admission to Cornell University.

Cornell University world ranking is at #13, and it has 7 colleges and schools offering more than 100 undergraduate and graduate degree programs. The university is home to world-renowned faculty and researchers, and its students have gone on to achieve great things in various fields. Cornell University faculty have received several awards including Ford Senior FellowshipsMacArthur Fellows Program - Multiple Fields, and John Simon Guggenheim Fellow - Arts.

Cornell has a beautiful campus, located in the Finger Lakes region of New York. The campus is home to over 300 buildings, including several historic landmarks. The university offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, including sports, clubs, and student organizations. Cornell is also home to many cultural attractions, including museums, theatres, and art galleries.

What is the Annual Tuition fee at Cornell University?

Cornell University annual tuition fee is $68,380 (INR 57,00,871) for international students.

Top Reasons to Study in the Cornell University

There are several reasons to choose Cornell University, here are some:

  • Cornell University is the only Ivy League university to offer a land-grant mission.
  • It is the first American university to admit women and African Americans.
  • Cornell University has a strong commitment to public service.
  • It is home to world-renowned faculty and researchers.
  • Cornell University has a beautiful campus located in the Finger Lakes region of New York.

Also Read: Cheap NY universities guide.

Admissions

Avg acceptance rate (Bachelors)

8%

Application Fee

$80 - $200


How to Apply at Cornell University

Cornell University Admissions for international students, who wish to pursue undergraduate or graduate degrees require multiple steps, such as:

  • Checking the deadlines

Before applying, go through the deadlines for various programs. Missing deadlines can severely affect your chances of getting into Cornell. The undergraduate deadlines for Cornell University admissions are closed for the 2023 session. However, some graduate program applications are still on, which you can check here

  • Meet the eligibility requirements

Cornell University is an Ivy League institution and has very strict eligibility criteria for all students. If you are planning to apply:

  • You must have completed a rigorous secondary school education.
  • You must have a GPA of 3.8 or above.
  • You must have taken the SAT or ACT standardized tests.
  • You must also submit letters of recommendation and a personal statement.

Gather the required materials: 

  • School forms transcripts, and school reports.
  • English proficiency scores (TOEFL).
  • Standardized test scores.
  • Cornell writing supplements.
  • Two Letters of recommendation from teachers.
  • Counsellor’s letter of recommendation.
  • Program-wise additional materials.
  • Pay the application fee of $80 - $105 (INR 6,636 - 8,710)

Documents Required to Apply to Cornell University

Documents needed to apply to the Cornell University as an international student:

Undergraduate Admissions:

Category

Admission Requirements

Application

Common Application

Application Fee

80 USD (6,530 INR)

Average GPA

GPA of 3.5 or higher

English proficiency requirements

TOEFL iBT: 100 | IELTS: 7.5 

Standardized Test Scores

Not Required but Recommended. SAT: 1400–1560 | ACT: 33–35

Additional requirements

2 Academic LOR | Statement of purpose | Interview (by Invitation) | Portfolios | Midyear School Report

Postgraduate Admissions:

Category

Admission Requirements

Application

Common Application

Application Fee

PG: 105 USD (8,574 INR) | MBA: 200 USD (16,330 INR)

Average GPA 

GPA of 4.07 on a 4.0 scale (97-100%)

English proficiency requirements

TOEFL iBT: 77 IELTS: 7.0

Standardized Test Scores

GMAT Range: 660-760 | GRE Quant: 160 and GRE Verbal: 153

Additional Requirements

SOP | Academic and professional LOR | Resume


Exams Accepted By Cornell University

Cornell University accepts the following test scores from international students:

  • TOEFL
  • IELTS
  • DUOLINGO
  • SAT
  • ACT
  • GRE 

Fulfilling these admission requirements will bring you a step closer to your dream of studying at Cornell University.


Campus Life

Number of campuses the university has
1

Campus locations
New York

View on Google Earth


Transportation in the city

There are many ways to get around Ithaca, New York. Here are some of the most popular options:

  • Public transportation

Tompkins County Consolidated Transit (TCAT) provides bus service throughout the city and county. The fare is $1.50 for a single ride or $30 for a monthly pass.

  • Taxis and ride-hailing services

Several taxi companies and ride-hailing services are operating in Ithaca, such as J. Harris Transportation, 607togo.com, and Gadabout Transportation Services.

  • Bicycling

Ithaca is a very bike-friendly city, with many dedicated bike lanes and trails. You can rent a bike from Ithaca Bike Rental, which is located at Stewart Park.

  • Walking

The downtown area of Ithaca is very walkable, and there are many sidewalks and crosswalks.


Services offered by the university

Cornell University offers a wide range of services to its students. Here are some of the most notable ones:

  • Academic services

Cornell provides academic services to support students' learning, including tutoring, writing support, and career counselling.

  • Financial aid

Cornell offers a variety of financial aid programs to help students afford their education, through loans and scholarships.

  • Career services

Cornell's Career Services department assists students and alumni with career planning, job search, and interview preparation.

  • Health services

Cornell's Health Services provides comprehensive medical care to students, faculty, and staff, including primary care, mental health services, and urgent care.

  • IT services

Cornell's IT department offers services to help students, faculty, and staff stay connected and productive, including email, cloud storage, and IT support.

  • Transportation services

Cornell offers transportation services to students, faculty, and staff, including buses, shuttles, and bike rentals.

All these are some basic services provided by Cornell University. However, there are also some special services offered for international students, the disabled, and individuals belonging to the LGBTQ+ community.


Student life at Cornell University

Let us look at the factors that contribute to the vibrancy of the student life at Cornell University:

  • Sports

Cornell University is a member of the Ivy League, and its sports teams compete in Division I. The most popular sports at Cornell are football, basketball, hockey, and lacrosse.

  • Performing arts

Cornell University has a vibrant performing arts scene, with over 30 student organizations dedicated to theatre, music, dance, and more. The Cornell University Opera Company, Cornell University Symphony Orchestra, and Cornell University Dancers are just a few of the many performing groups on campus.

  • Outdoor activities

Cornell University is located in the beautiful Finger Lakes region of New York, and there are endless opportunities for outdoor recreation. Students can go hiking, camping, kayaking, and fishing in the nearby gorges and lakes.

  • Community service

Cornell University students are encouraged to get involved in community service. There are many opportunities to volunteer in Ithaca and the surrounding area, and many student organizations focus on community service.

These are just a few factors that make Cornell University’s student life so happening. If you go there, you will feel involved and get various opportunities to shine as an individual.


On campus accomodation at Cornell University

Cornell University offers a variety of on-campus housing options for all students. The Cornell University fees may or may not include these expenses:

Undergraduate Students

  • Residence halls

Cornell has over 20 residence halls, which offer several room types and amenities. Some residence halls are themed or have special programs, such as the Residential College in the Arts and Sciences (RCAs) or the Residential College in Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences (RICAS).

  • Cooperatives

Cornell has 10 cooperative houses, which are student-run organizations providing housing, meals, and social activities. Cooperatives are a great option for students who want to be more involved in the Cornell community.

  • Special housing options

Cornell also offers a few special housing options for students with disabilities, students interested in sustainability, or students who want to live in a single room.

Graduate Students

  • Apartments

Cornell has several apartment complexes that are located near campus, offering various room types and amenities, and they are a good option for students who want more privacy and space.

  • Houses

Cornell also has several houses that are available for graduate students. These houses are usually larger than apartments, and they can accommodate families or groups of students.

With these on-campus accommodation options for students, Cornell ensures that all international students feel at home, make friends, and live comfortably.

Faculty

University Faculty Stats

Some statistics of Cornell University's faculty:

  • A total of 3,967 faculty members, including 2,647 full-time faculty and 1,320 part-time or adjunct faculty.
  • The average faculty member has 15 years of experience.
  • The faculty is 53% male and 47% female.
  • International faculty make up 29% of the total faculty.
  • The faculty holds 1,784 doctorate degrees.

Career Opportunities

Internship opportunities at Cornell University

Cornell University offers various internship and part-time job opportunities for students, available in a wide range of fields, including business, engineering, science, humanities, and social sciences. Here are some examples:

  • Business

Marketing internship at a Fortune 500 company, financial analyst internship at an investment bank, consulting internship at a management consulting firm.

  • Engineering

Software engineering internship at a tech company, mechanical engineering internship at a manufacturing company, civil engineering internship at a construction firm.

  • Science

Research internship at a university lab, data science internship at a tech company, environmental science internship at a government agency.

  • Humanities

Museum studies internship, library studies internship, education internship.

  • Social sciences

Public policy internship, social work internship, non-profit internship.

Working can be crucial if you are an international student, and with the opportunities that Cornell University offers, you are sure to find some paid internships or part-time jobs on campus or in the surrounding area.


Placement of Cornell University

Placement: Cornell University graduates have excellent job placement outcomes. In 2022, 96% of the graduating class had full-time job offers within three months of graduation. The top three industries for Cornell graduates are:

  • Financial services
  • Consulting
  • Technology

Hiring Companies: The top employers for Cornell University graduates:

  • Amazon
  • Bain & Company
  • Bank of America
  • Boston Consulting Group
  • Citi
  • Corning
  • Credit Suisse
  • Ernst & Young
  • Goldman Sachs
  • Guggenheim
  • Jefferies
  • JP Morgan
  • McKinsey & Company
  • Microsoft
  • PwC
  • Wells Fargo

Salaries: The average base salary for Cornell University graduates was $155,048, which is an increase of 11% from the previous year.

Popular Courses · 89

Last updated August 14, 2026

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