Cornell University

Why Study at Cornell?

"Any Study"

Cornell offers unparalleled academic breadth, from classic Ivy League liberal arts to specialized programs in Agriculture, Hotel Administration, and Industrial Labor Relations.

Gorges Campus

Located in the Finger Lakes region, the campus is famous for its natural beauty, featuring two massive gorges, waterfalls, and a botanic garden right on campus.

Cornell Tech

In addition to Ithaca, Cornell has a futuristic technology campus on Roosevelt Island in New York City, bridging academia and the tech industry.

Hotel School

The Nolan School of Hotel Administration is widely considered the #1 hospitality business school in the world, combining business theory with premium service practice.

Top Engineering

Cornell Engineering is consistently ranked as the best engineering program in the Ivy League, known for its rigorous curriculum and "Project Teams."

Diverse Community

True to its motto, Cornell has a long history of inclusion. It was one of the first US universities to admit women and students of color.

Popular Programs

Computer Science

Cutting-edge CS across two colleges

Engineering

Civil, Mech, Bio, & Aerospace (Top Ivy)

Hotel Administration

The world's premier hospitality degree

Architecture

Ranked #1 undergraduate architecture program

Agriculture (CALS)

Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability

Industrial Labor Relations

The "ILR" School - unique focus on work/policy

Applied Economics

AEM: Undergraduate business major

Biology

Massive range of specializations

Information Science

Focus on UX, data, and human systems

Animal Science

Leading pre-vet program in the US

MBA

Johnson Graduate School of Management

Law (JD)

Cornell Law School (Strong corporate law)

Cornell Tech (NYC)

MEng in CS, Connective Media, Health Tech

Medicine (MD)

Weill Cornell Medicine (NYC Campus)

MEng Engineering

1-year professional master's degree

Real Estate (MPS)

Baker Program in Real Estate

Veterinary Medicine (DVM)

Ranked #1 or #2 globally

MSc Applied Econ

Applied Economics and Management

Public Administration

CIPA: Cornell Institute for Public Affairs

PhD

Doctoral research across 80+ fields

Scholarships & Financial Aid

Need-Blind (US)

Cornell is need-blind for US citizens and permanent residents. Admission decisions are made without regard to your ability to pay.

100% Need Met

Cornell commits to meeting 100% of demonstrated financial need for all admitted students (including international students) through grants and work-study.

International Aid

Admission is "need-aware" for international students. Financial aid is competitive but generous for those admitted, covering full demonstrated need.

Tata Scholarship

A specific $25M endowment to support undergraduate students from India. Ensures financial need is not a barrier for top Indian applicants.

Grant-Based Aid

For families with income <$60k, Cornell ensures $0 parent contribution and no loans. For <$100k, reduced loans or loan-free packages.

Contract Colleges

NYS residents get significantly reduced tuition rates if they attend one of Cornell's state-contract colleges (CALS, Human Ecology, ILR, Vet).

A Campus Like No Other

McGraw Tower

The iconic 173-foot clock tower overlooking Cayuga Lake. Its 21 chimes are played daily by student "chimesmasters."

Cascadilla Gorge

One of two massive gorges running directly through campus. Walking to class often means crossing a bridge over a waterfall.

Cornell Plantations

Now the Botanic Gardens—over 4,000 acres of landscaped gardens and natural areas surrounding the campus.

Dining

Consistently ranked in the top 3 US universities for food. From dairy bar ice cream (made on campus) to global cuisines.

Milstein Hall

The striking modern home of the Architecture program, featuring a cantilevered design by OMA/Rem Koolhaas.

Duffield Hall

One of the country's most advanced facilities for nanotechnology research and fabrication.

Research & Innovation

Synchrotron

Cornell hosts CHESS (Cornell High Energy Synchrotron Source), a high-intensity X-ray source used for physics and biology research.

Sustainability

The Atkinson Center for Sustainability is a global leader in energy, environment, and economic development research.

Vet Medicine

The Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine is world-renowned, driving breakthroughs in animal and human health.

Robotics

Cornell students and faculty build world-champion autonomous underwater vehicles and innovative soft robots.

Nanotech

A powerhouse in nanoscale science, providing open-access facilities to researchers from around the world.

Ornithology

The Cornell Lab of Ornithology is the world's leading authority on birds and biodiversity conservation.

Entry Requirements

Undergraduate Requirements

College Specific: You apply to one specific college (e.g., Engineering vs. Arts & Sciences). Admission criteria vary by college.
Standardized Tests: REQUIRED. Cornell reinstated the SAT/ACT requirement for Fall 2026 entry.
Academic Rigor: High GPA with the most rigorous classes (AP/IB). Math/Science focus is key for Engineering/CALS.
Essays: The "Why Cornell?" essay is crucial. It must be specific to the college you are applying to.
English Proficiency: TOEFL (100+) or IELTS (7.5+) for non-native speakers.
Portfolio/Interview: Required for Architecture (portfolio+interview) and Hotel School (interview recommended).
Recommendations: 2 teachers + 1 counselor.

Graduate Requirements

Bachelor's Degree: From an accredited institution with strong academic standing.
GRE/GMAT: Required for many programs (e.g., Econ, Engineering), optional for others. Check dept.
Statement of Purpose: Focused on research interests (for PhD) or professional goals (for Masters).
English Proficiency: Strict minimums. TOEFL (Speaking 22+, Reading 20+, Listening 15+, Writing 20+).
References: 2-3 letters of recommendation.
Writing Sample: Required for Humanities/Social Sciences applications.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Cornell college should I apply to?

This is the most important decision. You must choose the one that fits your major. Engineering is best for tech; Arts & Sciences for pure sciences/humanities; CALS for environment/biology; Hotel for hospitality; Dyson for business.

Is Cornell safe?

Yes. Ithaca is a college town and generally very safe. Cornell has its own police department and extensive "Blue Light" safety system. However, the gorges can be dangerous—stay on marked trails.

What is the acceptance rate?

Overall, it is around 7-8%. However, this varies significantly by college. The Hotel School and Dyson School are often more selective than CALS or Human Ecology.

How cold does it get?

Ithaca winters are long and snowy. Temperatures frequently drop below freezing from December to March. Bring a heavy coat and good boots! However, the campus is beautiful in the snow.

26,000+

61

8

2,300