UChicago vs. Cornell

Comparable Facts

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

Cornell University is larger than UChicago based on total student enrollment (26,793 students vs. 18,566 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Chicago is located in Chicago, IL (Large City setting); Cornell University is in Ithaca, NY (Small City setting).
• University of Chicago is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Cornell University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Chicago 5:1; Cornell University 9:1.

UChicago vs. Cornell Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, UChicago or Cornell? 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 UChicago ($26,361 vs. $28,060).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Cornell University are 3.4% lower than at University of Chicago ($19,428 vs. $20,109).
• University of Chicago is 1.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Cornell (about $1,348 more per year; $70,662.00 vs. $69,314.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 1.9% higher at UChicago than at Cornell University (about $1,348 more per year; $70,662.00 vs. $69,314.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Cornell University than at University of Chicago (48% vs. 47%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Chicago students is 0.8% larger than aid received by Cornell University students ($62,300 vs. $61,779).

UChicago vs. Cornell Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, UChicago or Cornell? 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 Cornell and UChicago.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Chicago (1550) is 10 points higher than at Cornell (1540).
• Incoming UChicago students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 34) as students at Cornell (34).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Chicago 1510/1580; Cornell University 1500/1570.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Chicago 34/35; Cornell University 33/35.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: UChicago - Test optional; Cornell - Required.
• Typical fall application deadline: Cornell Jan 2, 2027.
• Accepted freshman UChicago students have a 0.05 point higher average high school GPA (3.95) than students at Cornell (3.9).
• Cornell has a higher acceptance rate (8.8%) than UChicago (4.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 88.3% at UChicago vs. 63.9% at Cornell.

UChicago vs. Cornell Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for UChicago and Cornell? 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 Chicago's (92%).
• Graduates from University of Chicago earn a median of about $100 more per year than Cornell graduates about ten years after starting college ($98,500 vs. $98,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Cornell University graduates have a $2,500 lower median loan debt than UChicago graduates ($12,000 vs. $14,500).
• Among borrowers, Cornell graduates have an estimated $25 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than UChicago graduates ($124 vs. $149).
• More Cornell graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former UChicago students, three years after graduation. (87% vs. 86%)

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.