Cornell University
Campus Identity
Cornell University is a large private nonprofit university in Ithaca, NY. Approximately 15,995 students are enrolled. Admissions are highly selective with a 9% acceptance rate. The campus sits on Cayuga Lake, just 1 mile from the water. Ski resorts are within 18 miles of campus. Greek life is active on campus. CollegeCove's campus safety score is 42/100 (Less Safe), based on U.S. Department of Education Clery Act data.
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At a Glance
Cornell University is a large private nonprofit university in Ithaca, NY. Approximately 15,995 students are enrolled. Admissions are highly selective with a 9% acceptance rate. The campus sits on Cayuga Lake, just 1 mile from the water. Ski resorts are within 18 miles of campus. Greek life is active on campus. CollegeCove's campus safety score is 42/100 (Less Safe), based on U.S. Department of Education Clery Act data.
SAT Scores (25th–75th Percentile)
SAT Evidence-Based Reading
SAT Math
Campus Lifestyle
Cornell University is a 20,000+, urban school with NCAA D1 athletics and an active Greek scene. The campus is 18 miles from Greek Peak Mountain Resort.
Athletics
NCAA D1
The Ivy League
Greek Life
Active Organizations
Fraternities & sororities present
School Size & Setting
20,000+
Urban setting
Weather
Cold Climate
39°F avg school-year
Nearby Ski Resorts
Cornell University students have access to 3 ski resorts within driving distance. The closest is Greek Peak Mountain Resort, 18 miles away with 8 lifts and 220 skiable acres. All are within 32 miles of campus.
New York
New York
New York
Lake Life Campus
Cayuga Lake is less than a mile from campus, making it a true lake-life school, giving Cornell University students access to boating, swimming, and waterfront recreation.
Cayuga Lake
Lake access within 1.2 miles
Average Monthly Temperature
1991–2020 Climate Normals · Ithaca, NY
Ithaca has a cool climate, with winters averaging 23°F in Jan and summers peaking around 69°F in Jul.
Station: ITHACA CORNELL UNIVERSITY · Source: NOAA NCEI
On Campus Safety Score
2021–2023 U.S. Dept. of Education Campus Safety and Security data normalized per 1,000 students
Cornell University in NY earns a composite safety score of 42/100, rated Less Safe among U.S. colleges.
On Campus Safety data from the U.S. Dept. of Education Clery Act Database, normalized per 1,000 enrolled students. Higher scores indicate a safer environment. Review detailed data on the U.S. Dept. of Education Campus Safety and Security website.
Cost Breakdown
2024-25 academic year. Tuition: College Scorecard. Fees and room & board: IPEDS/NCES.
| Cost Item | Annual Cost |
|---|---|
| Tuition | $69,314 |
| Fees | $729 |
| Room & Board | $19,428 |
| Total Estimated Cost | $89,471 |
What students actually pay after grants and scholarships. Source: College Scorecard.
Fields of Study
270 programs offered
Most Popular Programs
Bar width proportional to graduates per year. Earnings = median 4 years after graduation.
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect graduates working and not enrolled full-time. Data suppressed (shown as —) for programs with fewer than 30 graduates. Most recent available year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Cornell University located?
Cornell University is located in Ithaca, NY. The main campus address is 300 Day Hall, Ithaca, NY. It is a private institution offering 4-year degree programs.
What is the acceptance rate at Cornell University?
Cornell University has an acceptance rate of 9%, making it extremely selective. Out of 62,993 applicants, 5,516 were admitted in the most recent year. 15,995 students enrolled.
What ACT score do you need for Cornell University?
The middle 50% of enrolled students at Cornell University scored between 33 and 35 on the ACT, with a median of 34. About 13% of enrolled students submitted ACT scores. Scoring in this range will put you within the typical range, though admissions decisions consider many factors.
How much does it cost to attend Cornell University?
For the 2024-25 academic year, Cornell University charges $69,314/year in tuition. Including room and board ($19,428/year), the total estimated cost is approximately $61,015/year. The average net price after grants and scholarships is $28,690/year — what students actually pay. Use Cornell University's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
What is the application fee for Cornell University?
The undergraduate application fee at Cornell University is $80. Check the admissions website for fee waiver eligibility.
Does Cornell University have college sports?
Yes — Cornell University competes at the NCAA D1 level in the The Ivy League. As a Division I program, they compete at the highest level of college athletics, which often includes scholarships and nationally broadcast games.
Is Cornell University the right fit for me?
Whether Cornell University is right for you depends on your academic goals, budget, lifestyle preferences, and career aspirations. Key factors to consider: admissions selectivity (9% admit rate), avg net price ($28,690/year after aid), campus culture in Ithaca, and available programs. Use CollegeCove's compare tool to weigh Cornell University against similar schools side-by-side.
Tuition: College Scorecard (2024-25). Fees, room & board, and other data: IPEDS/NCES 2024. Always verify with Cornell University directly for the most current information.
Quick Facts
- Type
- Private
- Location
- Ithaca, NY
- Size
- 20,000+
- Degrees Offered
- Bachelor's, Master's, Doctoral
- Land Grant
- Yes
- NCAA
- NCAA D1
- Conference
- The Ivy League
- School Year Weather
- Cold · 39°F avg
- App Fee
- $80
- On Campus Safety Score
- 42/100
- Nearest Airport
- Ithaca, NY (ITH) · 3 mialso ELM (29 mi), BGM (31 mi)
Location
Ithaca, NY