Washington College vs. Cornell

Comparable Facts

Compare Washington College in Chestertown, MD with Cornell University in Ithaca, NY on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Cornell University is larger than Washington College based on total student enrollment (26,793 students vs. 923 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Washington College is located in Chestertown, MD (Distant Town setting); Cornell University is in Ithaca, NY (Small City setting).
• Washington College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Cornell University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Washington College 8:1; Cornell University 9:1.

Washington College vs. Cornell Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Washington College 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 Washington College ($26,361 vs. $29,830).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Washington College are 6.1% lower than at Cornell University ($18,250 vs. $19,428).
• Cornell University is 25.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Washington College (about $13,988 more per year; $69,314.00 vs. $55,326.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 25.3% higher at Cornell than at Washington College (about $13,988 more per year; $69,314.00 vs. $55,326.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Washington College than at Cornell University (100% vs. 48%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Cornell University students is 42.1% larger than aid received by Washington College students ($61,779 vs. $43,485).

Washington College vs. Cornell Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Washington College 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 Washington College.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Cornell University (1540) is 270 points higher than at Washington College (1270).
• Incoming Cornell students have a 5 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (34 vs. 29 at Washington College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Washington College 1140/1390; Cornell University 1500/1570.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Washington College 27/31; Cornell University 33/35.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Washington College - Test optional; Cornell - Required.
• Typical fall application deadline: Washington College Feb 15, 2027; Cornell Jan 2, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Cornell students have a 0.19 point higher average high school GPA (3.9) than students at Washington College (3.71).
• Washington College has a higher acceptance rate (56.9%) than Cornell (8.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.5% at Washington College vs. 63.9% at Cornell.

Washington College vs. Cornell Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Washington College 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 Washington College's (75%).
• Graduates from Cornell University earn a median of about $47,600 more per year than Washington College graduates about ten years after starting college ($98,400 vs. $50,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Cornell University graduates have a $12,250 lower median loan debt than Washington College graduates ($12,000 vs. $24,250).
• Among borrowers, Cornell graduates have an estimated $126 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Washington College graduates ($124 vs. $250).
• More Cornell graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Washington College students, three years after graduation. (87% vs. 85%)

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.