Overview
Founded in 1865 by Ezra Cornell and Andrew Dickson White, Cornell University was established on the progressive principle of 'any person, any study,' making it distinctive among Ivy League schools as both a private university and New York's land-grant institution. This unique status gives Cornell a hybrid public-private structure, with several state-supported contract colleges alongside its privately endowed schools. Cornell has built a reputation as one of the world's leading research universities, excelling across an unusually broad range of disciplines including agriculture, engineering, hospitality management, veterinary medicine, law, and the liberal arts.
At a Glance
| Type | Private |
| Location | Ithaca, New York |
| Founded | 1865 |
| Total students | 25,900 |
| Student–faculty ratio | 9:1 |
| Acceptance rate | 7% |
| Graduation rate | 95% |
| Average starting salary | $85,000 |
Tuition & Costs (estimates)
| In-state tuition | $47,700 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $66,000 |
| Room & board | $17,800 |
| Average financial aid | $52,000 |
| Students receiving aid | 48% |
Admissions
| SAT range | 1470-1560 |
| ACT range | 33-35 |
| Average GPA | 4.0 |
| Regular deadline | January 2 |
Top Programs
- Engineering
- Hotel Administration
- Agriculture & Life Sciences
- Architecture
- Industrial & Labor Relations
- Business (Dyson)
Figures are estimates for exploration — verify current costs, deadlines, and requirements on the university's official website.