Cornell University

At a glance

Admission rate

8.8%

Total (middle 50%)

1500–1570

Undergraduates

15,995

Setting

City: Small

Source: U.S. Department of Education, College Scorecard - Most Recent Institution-Level Data

Test policy

Test required Applicants must send an SAT or ACT score.

First-year applicants are required to submit SAT or ACT scores when applying to Cornell (the requirement was announced for fall 2026 entry onward; the page does not name the current term). No international exemption or waiver is mentioned; non-native English speakers must also submit an English proficiency score. (Verified on the official admissions website on 2026-11-06.)

Policy source: admissions.cornell.edu

SAT scores

Total (middle 50%)

1500–1570

Reading and Writing

730–770

Math

770–800

Average total

1535

ACT composite (middle 50%)

33–35

The middle 50%: a quarter of admitted students who sent scores scored below the first number, a quarter above the second. The total adds up the two sections' ranges, so it's approximate.

Source: U.S. Department of Education, College Scorecard - Most Recent Institution-Level Data

Admissions

Accepts

Common AppCommon Application, then the Cornell Applicant Portal; $85 fee, with waiver if applying for financial aid.

Application fee

$85

Phone

(607) 255-2000

Admissions email

engage@admissions.cornell.edu

Source: School's page (admissions.cornell.edu), checked November 6, 2026

Cost

Tuition

$72,270per year

Average net price

$33,934What students who get federal aid pay on average after grants and scholarships, per year.

Source: U.S. Department of Education, College Scorecard - Most Recent Institution-Level Data

Outcomes

Graduation rate

95%

First-year retention

98%

Median earnings 10 years after entry

$113,531

Source: U.S. Department of Education, College Scorecard - Most Recent Institution-Level Data

Degrees and programs

Degree levels: bachelor, post-baccalaureate certificate, master, doctoral, first professional, graduate certificate

Source: U.S. Department of Education, College Scorecard - Most Recent Data by Field of Study