In short
Cornell University is a prestigious Ivy League research institution in Ithaca, New York, founded in 1865. It offers over 4,000 courses across 100+ departments and meets 100% of demonstrated financial need for all admitted students.
Key facts
- Type
- Private
- Founded
- 1865
- Students
- 16,128
- International students
- 5,300
- Acceptance rate
- 9%
- Tuition (intl)
- €54–63k/yr
- Languages
- EN
- Location
- Ithaca, United States
Cornell University is a prestigious Ivy League research university founded in 1865 in Ithaca, New York. As a land-grant institution, Cornell uniquely combines Ivy League rigor with a broad public mission — offering more than 4,000 courses across 100+ departments in fields from engineering and agriculture to architecture, law, and the liberal arts. Ranked consistently among the top 20 universities in the world, Cornell is known for its research output, distinguished faculty, and exceptional alumni network spanning every professional sector.
Why study here
- Ivy League prestige and a land-grant mission — Cornell uniquely combines elite academia with a broad, practical scope across agriculture, engineering, arts, law, and medicine.
- Meets 100% of demonstrated financial need for all admitted students, with average aid packages exceeding $50,000/year — making Cornell more affordable than its sticker price suggests.
- Access to Cornell Tech in New York City, one of the world's premier graduate campuses for technology innovation and entrepreneurship.
- 4,000+ courses across 100+ departments with true freedom to explore across schools — unique among Ivy League schools.
- A campus ranked among the most beautiful in the US, set amid gorges, waterfalls, and the natural scenery of the Finger Lakes region.
Student life
Life as a Cornellian centers around a supportive on-campus community with access to world-class facilities, dining, and recreation. Cornell has over 1,000 registered student organizations, 36 varsity athletic teams (NCAA Division I, Big Red), and a thriving Greek life with 60+ fraternities and sororities. The campus gorges and natural surroundings are iconic — students hike, swim, and explore the Finger Lakes throughout the year. Ithaca itself offers an eclectic college-town atmosphere with independent restaurants, music venues, farmers markets, and a famously active arts scene.
Fees
International~54,000-63,000 EUR/year depending on college and program
Home~$64,000/year tuition (same for US and international undergrads — Cornell does not differentiate by residency)
Living~$18,000-22,000 EUR/year for housing, dining, books, and personal expenses in Ithaca, NY
Cornell meets 100% of demonstrated financial need for all admitted students. Average financial aid package is over $50,000/year. About 46% of undergraduates receive need-based grant aid.
Admissions
Academic RecordRigorous high school curriculum with strong grades; most admitted students rank in top 10% of their class
Standardized TestsSAT/ACT optional (test-optional policy in effect); strong scores strengthen applications
EssaysCommon App essay plus Cornell-specific supplemental essays required for each college
RecommendationsTwo teacher recommendations and one school counselor recommendation required
Graduate AdmissionsVary by graduate field; GRE often required; TOEFL/IELTS required for non-native English speakers
TOEFL iBT100 minimum recommended (no official cutoff; competitive applicants score 110+)
IELTS7.0 minimum recommended
Duolingo English Test120 minimum recommended
Rankings
QS World University Rankings 202516
Times Higher Education World University Rankings 202524
US News Best National Universities 202514
Shanghai ARWU World University Rankings13
University scholarships
Cornell Need-Based GrantMeets 100% of demonstrated financial need; average package over $50,000/year
Cornell Tradition Fellowship$5,000–$7,500/year for students who work part-time and have financial need
Meinig Family Cornell National ScholarsFull scholarship for exceptional US students with significant financial need
Graduate Fellowships and AssistantshipsFull tuition plus living stipend for PhD students in most fields (~$30,000+/year)
Accreditation
Regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE). ABET accreditation for engineering programs. AACSB for business. ABA for Cornell Law School. LCME for Weill Cornell Medicine.
For international students
United StatesStudent visa & funds
International students primarily enter on the F-1 visa, which requires enrolment at a SEVP-certified institution. Before the visa interview the school issues a Form I-20 — a certificate of eligibility — for which a Designated School Official must verify documented funds covering tuition, living expenses and travel for the first year, plus a reliable source for subsequent years. The financial evidence must be specific and from an identified source.
Working while you study
F-1 students may work on campus up to 20 hours per week while classes are in session and full-time during official breaks, with no separate authorization needed. Off-campus work is generally not permitted in the first academic year. After one academic year in good standing, students may use Curricular Practical Training (CPT) for paid work that is an integral part of the curriculum, authorized by the school; other off-campus work requires an approved Employment Authorization Document from USCIS.
After you graduate
After completing a degree, F-1 students may apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT) — up to 12 months of work authorization in a related field — by filing Form I-765 and receiving an EAD before starting work. Graduates of a degree on the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List may apply for a 24-month STEM OPT extension, for up to 36 months total. The extension requires an E-Verify employer and a qualifying STEM degree earned within the previous ten years.
English tests
- IELTSUG 6.0–6.5; PG 6.5–7.0; top-tier programs 7.0–7.5
- TOEFL iBTUG 80–100; PG 90–110; selective research universities 100+
- PTE AcademicUG 50–60; PG 55–70; highly selective programs 65+
Main intakes
AugustJanuary
Typical living cost
€1,420/month
Approximate all-in student budget; major cities run higher.
SourcesStudy in the States — Students and the Form I-20 · Study in the States — Financial ability · USCIS — Students and employment · USCIS — Optional Practical Training (OPT) for F-1 students · USCIS — STEM OPT extension · LeapScholar — Minimum IELTS scores for USA universities · Mastersportal — Student living costs in the USA (2025–2026)
Programs
a selectionCornell University · United States
Building Diverse Talent Pools
This online course focuses on creating more inclusive hiring processes by building diverse talent pools. It defines diversity and inclusion within the context of recruitment and explores how to establish inclusive talent pipelines. You will learn to enhance recruitment messaging to attract a broader range of candidates and identify and address biases in initial screening stages. The course also covers methods for measuring the effectiveness of diversity-focused recruitment strategies, aiming to broaden talent pools and increase opportunities for marginalized candidates.
Certificate
Level
—
Tuition
2 mo
Duration
Cornell University · United States
Design Technology (M.S.)
The Master of Science in Design Technology program at Cornell offers a multidisciplinary approach to design and computation. With approximately 48 students, the program fosters innovation and transdisciplinary study, encouraging research that bridges science and design. Students work on projects ranging from digital tools and responsive materials to the built environment. The program is STEM-designated, making international graduates eligible for an extended F-1 visa for work in the U.S. The program provides two distinct tracks. The Thesis Research track, based in Ithaca, requires students to develop a comprehensive research plan and form a special committee by the end of their first year. The Studio Professional track, located at Cornell Tech in New York City for the second year, focuses on collaborative studio projects, including Product Studio and options like Startup, BigCo, or PiTech Studio in the spring.
Master's
Level
—
Tuition
24 mo
Duration
Cornell University · United States
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Sociology
Cornell University's Ph.D. program in Sociology is designed for students seeking advanced research training and a career in academia or research. The program focuses on developing deep theoretical knowledge and rigorous methodological skills. Admission to the Ph.D. program is highly competitive and applications are not accepted every year. The program structure involves coursework, comprehensive examinations, and the completion of a dissertation. Key milestones include completing core coursework and proseminars, forming a special committee, passing the A Exam for admission to candidacy, defending a dissertation proposal, and finally, the B Exam, which is the dissertation defense. Students have the option to complete a Master's thesis as part of their Ph.D. program or as a terminal degree.
PhD
Level
—
Tuition
60 mo
Duration
Cornell University · United States
Doctor of Philosophy in Public Policy
Cornell University offers a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Public Policy designed to train the next generation of research scholars. The program focuses on critical national and international public policy issues, providing advanced training in empirical methods, a chosen disciplinary area, and interdisciplinary approaches. Students benefit from the resources of a world-renowned Ivy League institution within a close-knit and supportive community. Graduates gain the skills necessary to shape and evaluate policy in diverse settings, including academic positions and leadership roles in public and private sectors.
PhD
Level
—
Tuition
—
Duration
Cornell University · United States
Economics
The Ph.D. program in Economics at Cornell University offers advanced study and research opportunities across a wide range of economic specializations. Doctoral candidates are required to select a major field and at least two minor subjects, with a core option in basic analytical economics. The program emphasizes a strong foundation in mathematics and econometrics, with qualifying examinations in microeconomics and macroeconomics typically completed within the first year of study. Students pursuing this field may also find related interests in agricultural economics and management.
PhD
Level
—
Tuition
—
Duration
Cornell University · United States
Executive Presence Certificate Program
This 15-week online certificate program focuses on developing your executive presence, a crucial skill for effective leadership. You'll learn to enhance your ability to connect with others, communicate with confidence, and make a strong impact in various professional settings. Through practical exercises and feedback, you will refine your public speaking abilities and build self-assurance. The program utilizes a 'learn by doing' approach, incorporating video submissions of your presentations for constructive critique from peers and experts, including Cornell Theatre Professor David Feldshuh. The focus is on developing core skills and analytical tools for continuous improvement throughout your career. Participants also gain access to the Leadership Symposium, a series of live, interactive virtual sessions with Cornell faculty and experts exploring current leadership challenges. Additionally, a 6-month subscription to AI Workshops is included, offering live, faculty-led sessions on cutting-edge AI topics.
Certificate
Level
€3k
Tuition
15 mo
Duration
Scholarships
for United States
full fundingDuke University
Karsh International Scholarship Program
Open to international (non-U.S. citizen, non-permanent-resident) high school students applying for first-year undergraduate admission to Duke University. Candidates must demonstrate financial need through Duke's need-based aid process, show interdisciplinary academic curiosity, and have a record of community engagement. There is no separate scholarship form; international applicants who indicate they are applying for financial aid are automatically considered for the Karsh award.
full
Funding
€320k
Max
Jan 2, 2027
Deadline
full fundingUniversity of Miami (with the Stamps Family Charitable Foundation)
University of Miami Stamps Scholarship
Open to high school seniors, both domestic (U.S.) and international, applying for first-year undergraduate admission to the University of Miami through Early Decision I or Early Action. Applicants are automatically considered with no separate scholarship form; they must submit all first-year admission requirements and demonstrate strong academic achievement, leadership, and community involvement. Semi-finalists complete a Zoom interview.
full
Funding
€260k
Max
Nov 1, 2026
Deadline
full fundingQuestBridge
QuestBridge National College Match Scholarship
Open to high-achieving US high school seniors from low-income backgrounds who are US citizens, permanent residents, or students studying in the US regardless of citizenship. Competitive applicants typically earn mostly A's in challenging courses, rank in the top 5-10% of their class, and have strong standardised test results (SAT/PSAT above 1310 or ACT above 28), though each application is read in context. Applicants must demonstrate strong writing, intellectual curiosity and determination through essays and recommendations. Matched students must attend a partner college as a binding-early-decision commitment.
full
Funding
€185k
Max
Sep 26, 2026
Deadline
full fundingArgonne National Laboratory
Maria Goeppert Mayer Fellowship at Argonne National Laboratory
Open to early-career scientists and engineers of all nationalities who hold a PhD awarded within the last three years at the time of application, or who will complete the PhD before the fellowship start date. Research interests must align with Argonne's mission areas. U.S. citizenship is required for national-security-related projects (Detection of Imaging Signatures).
full
Funding
€130k
Max
Oct 1, 2026
Deadline
partial fundingBoustany Foundation / Harvard Business School
Boustany MBA Harvard Scholarship
Open to candidates of any nationality (priority to those of Lebanese descent) who have received an offer of admission to the Harvard MBA programme and have a strong academic background.
partial
Funding
€100k
Max
May 31, 2027
Deadline
full fundingStanford University
Knight-Hennessy Scholars
Open to citizens of any country who earned their first/bachelor's degree within the last ~7 years (or will by the Stanford start) and who apply for and gain admission to a full-time Stanford graduate program. Selection seeks independence of thought, purposeful leadership, and a civic mindset.
full
Funding
€90k
Max
Oct 8, 2026
Deadline
Frequently asked questions
What is the tuition and living cost for international students at Cornell University?
+
Tuition for international undergraduate students is approximately $64,000 USD per year, with variations depending on the specific college and program. Estimated annual living expenses, including housing, dining, books, and personal costs in Ithaca, NY, range from $18,000 to $22,000 EUR.
Does Cornell University offer financial aid to international students?
+
Yes, Cornell University meets 100% of demonstrated financial need for all admitted students, including international undergraduates. The average financial aid package exceeds $50,000 per year, and about 46% of undergraduates receive need-based grant aid.
What are the English language proficiency requirements for international applicants?
+
Cornell recommends a minimum TOEFL iBT score of 100, IELTS score of 7.0, or a Duolingo English Test score of 120. While there isn't an official cutoff, competitive applicants often score higher on these standardized tests.
How many courses and departments are available at Cornell?
+
Cornell University offers a wide academic breadth with over 4,000 courses available across more than 100 departments. This allows students significant freedom to explore various fields of study.
What is unique about Cornell's academic offerings?
+
Cornell uniquely combines Ivy League rigor with a broad public mission as a land-grant institution. It offers extensive programs in fields ranging from engineering and agriculture to architecture, law, and the liberal arts, with the flexibility for students to explore across different schools.
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