It’s a long journey, but the view can’t be beat. That’s a saying that can apply to Cornell University in more ways than one. This Ivy League school is known for the intensity and drive of its students, which can feel like a lot of pressure, but also pushes them hard to succeed. The beautiful cliff-top campus is also a great place for hiking — the trail may not be a simple path, but it’s worth it at the top, where you can see for miles.

Cornell: The Basics

Public

Private

Liberal Arts

Research University

Affiliation: Secular (nonreligious)

The Location (Ithaca, NY):

The gorges are gorgeous! Located in the town of Ithaca in the mountains of upstate New York, Cornell’s campus is known for its awe-inspiring natural surroundings. However, the town itself offers plenty of enticing attractions, from vintage boutiques a short walk from campus to tasty vegetarian food at the famous Moosewood Restaurant.

The Numbers

Admission Rate

 10%

Average High School GPA

 3.90

Preferred Standardized Test 

 Either; a majority of students submit the SAT

Average SAT Score 

 750-800 Math, 700-760 ERW

Average ACT Score 

 33-35

Accepts ACT Superscore?

 Yes

Application Deadline

 November 1

Accepts Common App?

 Yes

Tuition (Annual)

 $40,382 in state/contract; $60,286 out of state/endowed

Enrollment

 15,503 undergraduates

Average Class Size

 <20

You’d Make a Great Big Red Bear If:

  • You’re a host with the most. Cornell’s world-famous hospitality school, the School of Hotel Administration, is considered the world’s best institution to study hospitality management, with its on-campus hotel earning a AAA four-diamond award.
  • You’re an animal lover! Cornell’s School of Agriculture and Life Sciences offers students a hands-on education, with its dairy cows even supporting an on-campus, student-run ice cream parlor. Yum!
  • You love to travel. Cornell’s main campus is in Ithaca, but it has satellite campuses with a variety of specialties in New York City, Las Vegas, Brussels, Belgium, and even Qatar!

Fun Fact(s):

Technically, Cornell University is neither a public nor a private institution — it’s both! Some colleges within the university, including the Agricultural School and the School of Industrial and Labor Relations, have a contract with the State of New York, allowing New York residents to pay in-state tuition to attend. A pretty good deal if you’re a New Yorker!

Famous Alumni:

Carl Sagan:
Scientist

Toni Morrison:
Author

Bill Nye:
“The Science Guy”

Anthony Fauci:
Immunologist

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