Cornell vs. U of R

Comparable Facts

Compare Cornell University in Ithaca, NY with University of Rochester in Rochester, NY on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Cornell University is larger than U of R based on total student enrollment (26,793 students vs. 11,946 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Cornell University is located in Ithaca, NY (Small City setting); University of Rochester is in Rochester, NY (Midsize City setting).
• Cornell University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Rochester is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Cornell University 9:1; University of Rochester 9:1.

Cornell vs. U of R Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Cornell or U of R? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Cornell University than U of R ($26,361 vs. $40,462).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Cornell University are 1.8% lower than at University of Rochester ($19,428 vs. $19,792).
• Cornell University is 3.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than U of R (about $2,234 more per year; $69,314.00 vs. $67,080.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 3.3% higher at Cornell than at University of Rochester (about $2,234 more per year; $69,314.00 vs. $67,080.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Rochester than at Cornell University (72% vs. 48%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Cornell University students is 35.8% larger than aid received by University of Rochester students ($61,779 vs. $45,500).

Cornell vs. U of R Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Cornell or U of R? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between U of R and Cornell.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Cornell University (1540) is 60 points higher than at U of R (1480).
• Incoming Cornell students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (34 vs. 32 at U of R).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Cornell University 1500/1570; University of Rochester 1410/1540.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Cornell University 33/35; University of Rochester 31/34.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Cornell - Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional); U of R - Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional).
• Typical fall application deadline: Cornell Jan 2, 2027; U of R Jan 5, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Cornell students have a 0.15 point higher average high school GPA (3.9) than students at U of R (3.75).
• U of R has a higher acceptance rate (40.1%) than Cornell (8.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 63.9% at Cornell vs. 15.4% at U of R.

Cornell vs. U of R Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Cornell and U of R? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Cornell University's six-year graduation rate (93%) is higher than University of Rochester's (83%).
• Graduates from Cornell University earn a median of about $27,400 more per year than U of R graduates about ten years after starting college ($98,400 vs. $71,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Cornell University graduates have a $12,500 lower median loan debt than U of R graduates ($12,000 vs. $24,500).
• Among borrowers, Cornell graduates have an estimated $129 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than U of R graduates ($124 vs. $253).
• More Cornell graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former U of R students, three years after graduation. (87% vs. 79%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.