Quick Summary
Based in Ithaca, United States, Cornell University is a private/statutory (land-grant) with roots dating back to 1865. Ranked #16 globally by QS World University Rankings 2026, it enrolls 25898 students including 25% from outside United States. Known for strengths in Agriculture & Forestry, Veterinary Science, Hospitality & Leisure Management, it maintains an acceptance rate of 7.3%.
01
Institutional Profile
Who they are
Cornell offers an Ivy League education with the breadth of a world-class research university, combining elite academics with a unique land-grant mission.
Subject Strengths
Agriculture & ForestryVeterinary ScienceHospitality & Leisure ManagementArchitectureEngineering and TechnologyBiological SciencesPhysics & Astronomy
Founded1865
TypePrivate/Statutory (Land-grant)
Total Students25898
Intl Students25%
Faculty Ratio9
CampusRural
Campus Size2,300 acres
Affiliated HospitalsWeill Cornell Medical Center,NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital,Hospital for Special Surgery
AccreditationMiddle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
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Global Standing
Three independent ranking systems
QS World 2026
#16
Quacquarelli Symonds
Times Higher Ed
#20
THE World University
ARWU Shanghai
#12
Academic Ranking
03
Academics & Research
What you can study
Undergraduate,Graduate,Professional,Doctoral,Continuing Education
Programs
Physics,Economics,Chemistry,History,English Language and Literature,Applied Mathematics,Computer Science
PhD Programs
eCornell Certificate Programs,Executive MBA Americas,Master of Engineering in Systems Engineering
Online Programs
Cornell Center for Materials Research,Cornell Lab of Ornithology,Cornell Tech,Cornell Center for Astrophysics and Planetary Science
Research Centers
Very High
Research Output
Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
Accreditation
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Admissions Brief
What it takes to get in
Entry Requirements
Acceptance Rate7.3%
IELTS7.5
TOEFL100
Min GPA3.9
GREOptional (Varies by program)
GMATRequired for MBA
SATTest-Optional/Test-Blind (Varies by college)
ACTTest-Optional/Test-Blind (Varies by college)
Key Dates
FALLApplication Deadline · January 2
SPRINGApplication Deadline · October 15
MAR-APRDecisions Released
Required Documents
TranscriptsSOPEnglish ScoresLORsPassport
Insider Tip
Cornell is unique for its 'Any Person, Any Study' motto. Applicants should demonstrate how they fit into a specific college (e.g., Arts & Sciences vs. Engineering) as each college handles its own admissions process.
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Cost Ledger
Annual estimate
UG Tuition
$65,996/yr
per year · USD
Living Cost
$22,000/yr
per year · USD
PG Tuition
$62,456/yr
per year · USD
Application Fee
$80
one time · USD
Total Estimated Annual Cost
$92,150/yr
tuition + living + essentials · USD
Scholarships AvailableAvailable
Avg Scholarship$54,000
Financial AidNeed-blind for U.S. citizens/eligible non-citizens; Meets 100% of demonstrated need for all admitted students.
Work-StudyAvailable
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Featured & Popular Programs
A sample from Undergraduate,Graduate,Professional,Doctoral,Continuing Education programs total
| Program | Level | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Science | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
| Hotel Administration | MASTER | 1-2 YRS |
| Agricultural Sciences | PHD | 3-5 YRS |
| Biology | MBA | 12-24 MO |
| Mechanical Engineering | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
| Industrial and Labor Relations | MASTER | 1-2 YRS |
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Career Outcomes
Where graduates land
$87,000
Average Salary After Graduation
94%
Employment Rate
Internship PlacementStrong career services and recruitment through Handshake and alumni networks.
Industry Connections
GoogleGoldman SachsMicrosoftAmazonJ.P. MorganMarriott International
Notable Alumni
Ruth Bader Ginsburg,Toni Morrison,Bill Nye,Christopher Reeve,E.B. White
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Campus & Student Life
Life beyond lectures
Housing
On-campus available
Sports Facilities
Schoellkopf Field,Lynah Rink,Newman Arena,Friedman Coaching Center
Student Clubs
1000
Library Resources
Cornell University Library system with 8 million+ printed volumes and 18 locations.
Exchange Programs
Cornell Abroad offers programs in over 40 countries.
Summer Programs
Cornell SC Johnson Summer Session,Pre-college Summer Program,Cornell Adult University