Cornell University

Cornell University ranking continues to place it among the world’s top institutions, reflecting its academic excellence, research strength, and global reputation. In the latest results, Cornell University QS ranking 2026 stands at 16th, while the Times Higher Education (THE) ranking places it at 20th. 

These excellent rankings solidify its position as a leader in higher education, making it a top choice for students, especially those seeking a world-class education with a global perspective. 

To know more, have a look at Cornell University Rankings over the past five years: 

Ranking Body	2022	2023	2024	2025	2026
QS World University Rankings	21	20	13	16	16
Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings	22	20	20	20	TBA
U.S. News Best Global Universities rankings	19	19	19	16	16

This trend provides a rich, data-driven view of Cornell University ranking across major global platforms, proving its consistent position among the top-tier universities. 

In addition to overall rankings, Cornell University QS ranking by subject provides valuable insights into the performance of specific programs. This helps students choose the right Cornell University degrees aligned with global recognition. 

Top Course-wise Ranking 2025

Cornell's Veterinary Science program is ranked 3rd globally in the QS subject ranking, reflecting its strong research output and academic reputation. Similarly, the Computer Science program holds the 16th position, & Social Sciences at 19th, highlighting the university's strength in interdisciplinary studies and research.  

Below are some of the most popular Cornell University subject rankings for 2025:

Subject	Ranking Body	Rank 2025
Veterinary Science	QS Rankings	3
Engineering & Tech	QS Rankings	30
Life Sciences	THE Rankings	18
Social Sciences	THE Rankings	19
Agricultural Sciences	U.S. News Rankings	12
Arts and Humanities	U.S. News Rankings	66

These rankings highlight Cornell University's consistent excellence across a range of disciplines. 

Want to know if Cornell University is the right fit for your science subjects? Take a look at Cornell University's Rankings 2025 to see how it compares globally and within your field! 

After reviewing the rankings, let's understand the admission requirements for students.

Cornell University's student population is over 26,000, averaging 23,791 over the past 11 years. Undergraduates make up 61.1%, while graduates represent 38.9%. In the last decade, undergraduate enrollment grew by 1,769, and graduate enrollment increased by 2,816, reflecting the rising demand for Cornell University degrees. 

As a highly selective Ivy League school, with a competitive Cornell University acceptance rate, preparing for Cornell University admissions well in advance is crucial. Applicants should plan for standardized tests such as the SAT or ACT, maintain a strong GPA, and meet specific program requirements to maximize their chances of success. 

Below is a breakdown of Cornell University admission requirements and upcoming deadlines for Cornell University: 

Academic Qualifications

Cornell University admissions are designed to attract students who demonstrate academic excellence, intellectual curiosity, and a strong foundation in their chosen fields. While exact criteria may vary across colleges and programs, the general expectations for international applicants pursuing Cornell University degrees are as follows:

Requirement	Undergraduate Applicants	Graduate Applicants
Curriculum	Completion of a rigorous secondary school curriculum (English, math, science, foreign language)	A U.S. bachelor's degree or international equivalent
International Credentials	Equivalent international degree required for non-U.S. students	International transcripts required from every institution attended
Standardized Testing	SAT/ACT is test-recommended and optional for Fall 2025 applicants	Some programs may require GRE/GMAT scores

Language Proficiency

International applicants, including those from India, must demonstrate English language proficiency through IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE tests. Students who have completed previous education in English may be eligible for a waiver. 

Here are the English language requirements for Cornell University admissions:

Requirement	Undergraduate Applicants	Graduate Applicants
TOEFL/IELTS	Required for non-native english speakers unless exempted by specific conditions (e.g., prior education in English)	Required for non-native english speakers unless exempted
Minimum Scores	TOEFL iBT: 100 IELTS: 7.0 overall	TOEFL iBT: 100, with at least 25 in each section IELTS: 7.0 overall, with no individual score below 6.5

Note: Competitive scores may vary depending on the number of applications received.

Competitive Exams 

Cornell has updated its policy to test-recommended and score-free for students applying to enroll for fall 2025. While for graduate applicants, some programs may require GRE/GMAT scores. 

Here are the test requirements for Cornell University admissions: 

Requirement	Undergraduate Applicants	Graduate Applicants
SAT / ACT	Test-recommended and optional for Fall 2025 applicants	Not applicable
AP / IB / A-Level Exams	Students can self-report AP, IB, or A-Level scores in the Common Application	Not applicable
GRE/GMAT	Not required unless specified by the program	Some programs (e.g., engineering, business) require the GRE or GMAT

Note: Requirements vary with programs. Competitive scores also may vary depending on the number of applications received. 

Visa Requirements

International students admitted through Cornell University admissions are required to obtain an F-1 visa to study in the United States. The F-1 visa is non-immigrant; students must maintain full-time student status while studying. 

Cornell issues an I-20 form upon acceptance, which is required to apply for an F-1 student visa. Here is a quick documents checklist for the visa application process:

Required Document	Details
Form I-20	After admission is confirmed, the university issues a Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status.  This form is required to apply for the F-1 visa. You will need to provide proof of financial support to receive this form.
Valid Passport	Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your planned stay. Ensure it is up to date before applying.
Visa Application (DS-160)	Complete the DS-160 and online visa applications to obtain the student visa.  This form requires a recent passport-sized photograph.
Visa Fee	Pay the SEVIS fee (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System), currently $350 (INR 30L) for F-1 visa applicants.
Financial Proof	Provide evidence of funds to show you can support yourself during your stay. This may include bank statements, affidavits, or letters from sponsors.
Academic Transcripts	Official transcripts from your previous institutions may be required for the visa process.
English Proficiency Test Scores	If applicable, provide TOEFL or IELTS scores to demonstrate proficiency in English.

Now, let's understand the available intakes and deadlines at Cornell University!

Application Deadline and Intakes

Cornell University admissions process offers two undergraduate application pathways: Early Decision (ED), a binding option where accepted students must commit to attending, and Regular Decision (RD), a non-binding process that allows students to consider other schools. 

Notably, the Cornell University acceptance rate for Early Decision applicants is 21.4%, which is much higher than the overall rate of 8.6%. For students confident about making Cornell their top choice, ED provides a stronger chance of admission. 

Here are the key Cornell University application deadlines for the upcoming intakes:

Admission Plan	Application Deadline	Admission Decision Release	Financial Aid Deadline (International)
Early Decision	November 1, 2025	Mid-December 2025	November 1, 2025
Regular Decision	January 2, 2026	Early April 2026	January 2, 2026

With the requirements and deadlines covered, let's check out the programs you can study at Cornell University.

Cornell University provides a comprehensive array of academic programs across various disciplines. With nearly 80 undergraduate majors, 122 minors, and over 100 graduate and professional programs, students can explore a wide range of subjects. 

Below is a brief overview of some notable Cornell University courses: 

Degree Level	Course Name
Graduate and Professional Programs	Electrical Engineering Operations Research Agribusiness Natural Resources Environment
Undergraduate Majors	Agricultural Sciences Animal Science Biomedical Engineering Chemical Engineering Civil Engineering
Undergraduate Minors	Actuarial Science Aerospace Engineering Africana Studies American Indian and Indigenous Studies American Sign Language

After exploring some popular courses at Cornell University, let's check out the tuition fees for these programs. 

Cornell University fees vary by college and residency status. The Office of the Bursar at Cornell University issues monthly e-billing statements, with fall tuition billed in July and spring tuition in January. Tuition and fees must be paid by the due date to avoid enrollment holds and finance charges.  

Understanding Cornell University cost is crucial for budgeting and accessing scholarships such as the Cornell University Tata Scholarship. 

Below is a breakdown of the general Cornell University fees for a clearer picture of the financial management & commitment required, especially for those from India who are planning their educational finances:

Category	Annual Tuition Fees (USD)	Annual Tuition Fees (INR)
Undergraduate Programs	$71,266	61L
Graduate Tier 1 Programs (M.Eng, M.P.S., M.M.H, M.S.))	$71,266	61L
Graduate Tier 2 Programs (M.H.A., M.P.A., M.P.H., M.F.S.)	$46,658	40L
Executive M.P.A. and Executive M.H.A.	$89,536	76.6L

Note: 

• Rates are based on data as of March 31, 2025, and are subject to modification.
• International students should also be aware of visa requirements and potential additional fees associated with their status.
• The exchange rates used are based on current market rates.

Apart from tuition, students also need to cover costs for housing, food, and books. Here's a breakdown of the overall expenses at Cornell University.

The cost of studying at Cornell University varies significantly depending on the student's program and residency status. As an Ivy League institution, Cornell University fees reflects its high academic standards and resources. However, the university provides various financial aid options, including the Cornell University Tata Scholarship, to make education more accessible. 

• The tuition fees for undergraduate students in Cornell's endowed colleges (such as the College of Arts and Sciences, the College of Engineering, and the Hotel School) are $71,266 (INR 61L) per year.  
• For students in contract colleges, the tuition varies depending on whether the student is a New York state resident or a non-resident.  
• New York residents in contract colleges pay $48,010 (INR 41.1L), while non-residents pay the same as endowed colleges: $71,266 (INR 61L). The difference in tuition rates is due to state funding for New York residents attending contract colleges. 
• All students must pay a mandatory fee of $1,004 (INR 86K) per semester across all colleges. These Cornell University fees help cover the cost of various student services, including health services, student activities, and academic support. 

In addition to Cornell University fees billed directly by the university, other necessary expenses, such as transportation, school supplies, and living costs, are part overall Cornell University cost. 

Let's explore them. 

Ithaca has an extensive public transportation system that is free for students with a valid Cornell ID. This significantly reduces transportation costs for students who don't own a car. For students who prefer to drive, parking can be costly, with fees for on-campus parking ranging from $400 (INR 34.2K) to $1,000 (INR 85.6K) per year. 

Ultimately, these costs depend on your lifestyle choices, including food & accommodation in the USA. Here are the additional expenses to consider: 

Expense Category	Annual Estimated Costs (USD)	Annual Estimated Costs (INR)
Housing	$13,246	11.3L
Food	$7,328	6.2L
Books & Course Materials	$1,216	1.04L
Personal Expenses	$2,208	1.8L
Transportation	$615.6	52.7K

Note: The currency conversions are based on the current exchange rate.

Cornell offers scholarships, such as the Cornell Grant, to help reduce tuition costs. Students can also explore external options for additional support. Let's explore these available options.   

Cornell University meets 100% of the demonstrated financial needs of eligible undergraduates, offering aid through grants, work-study, and low/no-interest loans. Aid typically excludes loans for families earning up to $75,000 (INR 64.2L), focusing on grants and work-study. 

Scholarships play a crucial role in reducing the economic burden, and Cornell University scholarships offer a variety of internal and external options for both undergraduate and graduate students.  

Below, let’s break down the available Cornell University scholarships to help you plan your educational expenses. 

Internal Scholarships at Cornell University

Cornell University offers internal scholarships, such as Cornell Grants, to make education more accessible.

It covers a significant portion of tuition and expenses, particularly important as Cornell's tuition is higher than private universities in the U.S.

Here are some key internal Cornell University scholarships:

Scholarship Type	Name	Eligibility & Benefits
Need-Based Aid	Cornell Grants	Eligibility: U.S. citizens & permanent residents Benefits: Covers full demonstrated financial need; no repayment required
Need-Based Gift Aid	Endowed Scholarships	Eligibility: Eligible for Cornell Grants; specific criteria set by donors Benefits: Provides additional funds on top of Cornell Grants
Residential Scholarship	Telluride Association Scholarships	Eligibility: Students apply and are accepted into the Telluride Association Benefits: Provides room and board at Telluride House, a stipend
Merit-Based Scholarship	Meinig Family Cornell National Scholars Program	Eligibility: First-year students with exceptional academic achievement Benefits: Covers full tuition, provides a stipend, and funds summer internships

Note: Amounts vary based on individual academic records and other eligibility factors. 

In addition to Cornell University scholarships, you can explore financial aid opportunities provided by government programs and trusts, such as the TATA scholarship. Let's take a closer look. 

External Scholarships for Cornell University

Cornell encourages students to seek external opportunities and report these to the financial aid office so that they can adjust their aid package accordingly. One of the most prestigious options is the Cornell University Tata Scholarship, specifically for Indians admitted to the university. 

Below are some valuable external scholarship options for international students:

Scholarship Type	Name	Eligibility & Benefits
Need-Based Aid	Tata Scholarship for Indian Students	Eligibility: Indian students admitted to Cornell with financial need Benefits: Covers full finances for the duration of the UG program
Partial Funding	Education Future International Scholarship	Eligibility: Indian nationals pursuing UG studies abroad Benefits: Provides funding from INR 2L to INR 10 lakhs
Partial Funding	Higher Education Scholarship Test (HEST) 2025	Eligibility: Indians pursuing UG abroad (excluding MBBS) Benefits: Funding up to INR 3L per student
Merit-Based Scholarship	U.S. Bank Scholarship Program	Eligibility: Legal residents of the U.S. and the District of Columbia Benefits: Awards ranging from INR 2.1L to INR 17L

Prospective students should explore both internal and external scholarship options early in their application process. 

Placement outcomes are a strong indicator of both academic quality and employer trust. Let’s take a look at the placement rates at Cornell University. 

Cornell University maintains a strong reputation for equipping students with the skills, knowledge, and professional connections needed to excel in their careers.  

Its graduates' impressive employment rates, competitive salaries, and notable career outcomes reflect these efforts. Here's a quick snapshot of these results: 

• Employment Rate: Approximately 64% of the Class of 2024 reported securing full-time employment within six months of graduation. 
• Graduate School Enrollment: Around 31% of graduates from the Class of 2024 pursued further education immediately after completing their undergraduate degrees. 
• Job Offer Acceptance: Among those seeking employment, 89% accepted job offers within four months of graduation.  
• Internship Placement: The Operations Research and Information Engineering (ORIE) department reported a 100% placement rate for summer internships, with 64% being paid positions. 
• Salary Insights: Graduates from the Nolan School of Hotel Administration received an average base salary of $81,609 (INR 69.8L), with U.S. work-authorized graduates earning slightly more at $82,134 (INR 70.3L). 
• Industry Distribution: Among the Nolan School graduates, 42% entered management consulting, 35% joined financial services, and 11% pursued careers in technology. 
• Regional Employment Trends: 55% of the Nolan School graduates remained in the Northeast U.S., 16% moved to the West Coast, and 9% to the Midwest. 
• Law School Employment: Cornell Law School graduates have a strong employment record, with 92% securing full-time, long-term, JD-required employment within ten months of graduation. 
• Big Law Placement: Cornell Law School placed over 69% of graduates in large law firms with over 250 attorneys, ranking fourth among the best law colleges in the US. 

These statistics highlight Cornell University's dedication to ensuring its graduates are well-prepared for the workforce or further academic pursuits. 

Let's look at some of the top recruiters who are hiring graduates from Cornell University. 

Top Recruiters at Cornell University

The top industries hiring Cornell graduates include business finance, consulting, technology, healthcare, and engineering, reflecting the university's diverse academic offerings and the broad applicability of its graduates' skills. 

The university's strategic location in Ithaca, New York, and the solid Cornell University notable alumni network enhance its appeal to recruiters seeking skilled talent. 

Below are some of the key employers that frequently recruit Cornell graduates:

• Financial Services & Consulting Firms: Companies like Goldman Sachs, J.P. Morgan Chase & Co., Morgan Stanley, Bank of America Merrill Lynch, Citigroup, and PwC are among the top employers in this sector.
• Technology & E-Commerce Giants: Amazon, Google, Microsoft, and Apple actively recruit Cornell students, especially from the College of Engineering and Computing and Information Science.
• Healthcare & Research Institutions: Weill Cornell Medicine and other healthcare organizations frequently hire graduates from Cornell's College of Human Ecology and the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.
• Hospitality & Real Estate: The Nolan School of Hotel Administration maintains strong ties with the hospitality industry, with top employers including Marriott International, Hilton Worldwide, and Hyatt Hotels Corporation.
• Legal & Public Policy: Cornell Law School graduates are highly sought after by law firms such as Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom, Kirkland & Ellis, and Latham & Watkins, as well as government agencies and NGOs.
• Engineering & Manufacturing: General Electric, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, and General Motors are prominent employers recruiting from Cornell's College of Engineering, particularly for roles in research and development.
• Retail & Consumer Goods: Companies like Procter & Gamble, Unilever, and Johnson & Johnson actively seek Cornell graduates for positions in marketing, supply chain management, and product development.
• Government & Non-Profit Organizations: Agencies such as the Federal Reserve, U.S. Department of State, and various international organizations recruit Cornell alumni for roles in policy analysis, economics, and international relations.

Cornell’s career services and resources play a crucial role in helping students secure internships and full-time employment. Let's explore these in more detail. 

Internship and Co-op Opportunities

Cornell University's centralized career services have facilitated over 352 corporate events, and 117 companies have conducted on-campus interviews, providing students with numerous internship and full-time employment opportunities.  

These initiatives bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world application. While co-op programs are more prevalent in engineering disciplines, internships are widely accessible across various colleges within the university. 

They provide various resources, such as,

• Engineering Co-op Program: Offers full-time industry experience for engineering students after completing two semesters, with paid, engineering-related work recognized by Cornell.
• CALS Internship Programs: Provides environmental sustainability and biological research internships, such as the CBFS Internship Program, with academic credit and hands-on experience.
• REU Programs: Encourage participation in National Science Foundation-funded research projects, offering students exposure to advanced research methodologies across various scientific fields.

For better decision-making, it's essential to understand how Cornell University performs across different parameters compared to other universities. Let's take a look at its performance.

 

Choosing a university for higher studies is a big decision, and to make the right choice, it's essential to compare it with similar institutions. 

Let's compare Cornell to similar schools, such as Yale University and Princeton University, to get a clearer picture.

Parameter	Cornell University	Princeton University	Yale University
QS World University Ranking	#16	#22	#23
Acceptance Rate	8%	4%	5%
Annual Tuition Fees	$69,314 (INR 59.3L)	$62,400 (INR 53.4L)	$67,250 (INR 57.5L)
Popular Courses	Business, Management, Marketing, and Agricultural	Computer and Information Sciences, Social Science, and Biomedical Sciences	Mathematics, Statistics, and Multi / Interdisciplinary Studies
Median Salary 6 Years After Graduation	$87,830 (INR 75.21L)	$87,815 (INR 75.20L)	$81,765 (INR 70L)

Now that you have a better understanding of how Cornell University compares to similar universities, let's explore the unique features of the university’s campus.

Cornell University campus operates through multiple locations beyond its central Ithaca location, each serving distinct academic and research purposes. The campuses, from Ithaca to New York City and Qatar, are strategically positioned to offer specialized programs and encourage global collaborations. 

Let's look at the Cornell University campuses.

1. Ithaca Campus (Main Campus)

The leading campus in Ithaca houses 16 colleges and schools. It is renowned for its historic architecture, scenic views, and commitment to sustainability, including initiatives like net carbon neutrality by 2035.

• Engineering Quadrangle: Home to Bill & Melinda Gates Hall, a LEED Gold-certified building that supports cutting-edge research in engineering and technology.
• Cornell Botanic Gardens: Spanning 2,800 acres, these gardens play a key role in environmental education and biodiversity research.
• The Cornell Dairy Bar: Produces over 200,000 gallons of milk annually, serving ice cream made from Cornell's cows, offering hands-on learning for students in food science.

2. Cornell Tech (New York City)

Cornell Tech is located on Roosevelt Island and is dedicated to tech innovation, business, and law education. It was founded in 2011 in partnership with the Technion–Israel Institute of Technology and is key to Cornell's role in NYC's thriving tech ecosystem.

• The Bloomberg Center: A LEED Platinum-certified building that houses research in AI and cybersecurity.
• The Jacobs Technion-Cornell Institute: Offers interdisciplinary graduate programs in entrepreneurship and digital technology.
• Urban Tech Hub: Launched in 2023, it focuses on solving urban challenges with a focus on smart cities and sustainability.

3. Weill Cornell Medicine – Qatar

Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar (WCM-Q), established in 2004, offers U.S.-based medical training in Doha, Qatar, blending an American curriculum with regional healthcare needs, particularly in Middle Eastern health contexts.

• Infectious Disease Research: Focuses on MERS-CoV and other regional health issues that contribute to vaccine development.
• M.D. Program: Offers a curriculum that mirrors Weill Cornell in NYC but incorporates local healthcare challenges.
• Sustainable Architecture: funded by the Qatar government with $750 million for its construction, the campus features energy-efficient buildings aligned with Qatar's environmental goals.

Now, let's take a look at the Cornell University student life. 

With over 1,000 registered student organizations, including academic clubs, cultural groups, service organizations, and recreational clubs, Cornell University provides ample avenues to make the most of your university experience. 

Here's an in-depth look at what makes Cornell University student life, both enriching and unique: 

• Cornell's student organizations encompass cultural, academic, professional, and recreational interests. It allows students to connect with peers, develop leadership skills, and engage in meaningful extracurricular activities. 
• Notably, the university hosts over 70 fraternities and sororities, with approximately 33% of male students and 24% of female students participating.  
• Cornell is home to Alpha Phi Alpha, the first African American fraternity founded in 1906, and Lambda Upsilon Lambda and Lambda Pi Chi, the first Latino fraternities and sororities established in the Ivy League schools. 
• Cornell is known for its prestigious secret societies, such as Quill and Dagger and Sphinx Head, which have been integral to the university's traditions since the late 19th century. 
• The student body of Cornell University comprises individuals from all 50 U.S. states and over 130 countries, reflecting its global reach and commitment to diversity. 
• The university supports various cultural centers, including the Asian & Asian American Center, the Latino Living Center, and the LGBT Resource Center, which offer resources to help students from diverse backgrounds. 
• Cornell hosts various annual events that unite the campus community, including Slope Day, a traditional end-of-year celebration, and Dragon Day, a long-standing tradition where architecture students parade a dragon through campus. 
• The university celebrates cultural diversity through events such as the International Food Festival and the Lunar New Year Celebration, showcasing the rich cultural tapestry of its student body. 

The university also provides state-of-the-art facilities, including fitness centers, dining halls with diverse food options, and recreational spaces, to enhance the student experience. 

Cornell University's alumni have made significant contributions across various diverse fields. Let’s learn about them ahead! 

Cornell University has produced an impressive roster of alumni of over 3 lakh networks who have shaped the world across various fields, including science, politics, business, literature, and the arts. 

Let's take a look at some of the Cornell University notable alumni.

Alumni Name	Field of Work	Notable Contribution
Barbara McClintock	Genetics, Medicine	Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine (1983) for discovering "jumping genes" (transposons), revolutionizing genetics.
Robert C. Baker	Food Science	Invented the chicken nugget, significantly impacting the fast-food industry and global cuisine.
Toni Morrison	Literature	Nobel Laureate in Literature for works such as Beloved and Song of Solomon, focusing on African American experiences.
Ratan Tata	Business, Leadership	Chairman Emeritus of Tata Sons led the Tata Group's global expansion and acquisitions.
Irene Rosenfeld	Business	Former CEO of Mondelez International, overseeing brands like Oreo and Cadbury.
Tsai Ing-wen	Politics, Leadership	First female President of Taiwan, serving from 2016 to 2024, advocating for democracy and international relations.
Janet Reno	Law, Politics	First female U.S. Attorney General, serving from 1993 to 2001, focusing on justice and civil rights.
Christopher Reeve	Entertainment, Advocacy	Famous for portraying Superman, he became a prominent advocate for spinal cord injury research after an accident.
Bill Nye	Science, Media	Known as "Bill Nye the Science Guy", he popularized science education through television.
Carl Sagan	Astronomy, Academia	Renowned astronomer and science communicator, creator of the Cosmos TV series.

This shows the global impact and interdisciplinary opportunities available at Cornell University. The Cornell University notable alumni network is a testament to the institution's commitment to cultivating leaders who make significant contributions to society.​

The campus of Cornell University in Ithaca, New York, is simply breathtaking. The campus, which the gorgeous Finger Lakes surround, offers breathtaking natural beauty with its gorges, waterfalls, and rich vegetation. The university's architectural diversity includes old red-brick structures and brand-new, cutting-edge facilities, creating an eye-catching atmosphere for students and visitors.

Many different dorms and residence halls on campus can accommodate a range of preferences and needs. These residences support a sense of community among students by offering a comfortable living environment and being well-maintained. Cornell's dedication to housing allows students to live and learn in a welcoming and stimulating environment while attending this esteemed university.