Cornell University is a top choice for students looking to study abroad in USA. As a member of the Ivy League, Cornell is globally recognized for its academic excellence, diverse courses, and cutting-edge research. It is located in Ithaca, New York, and offers programs across multiple disciplines, including engineering, business, law, agriculture, and medicine.
Many international students face challenges such as understanding the admission process, tuition costs, scholarships, and choosing the right course. This guide provides detailed information about Cornell University, helping students make an informed decision about their education in the USA.
Overview of Cornell University
Cornell University was founded in 1865 and has 14 colleges and schools, offering programs in a wide range of subjects. It is known for combining theoretical learning with hands-on experience, making it one of the best choices for students pursuing higher education in the USA.
Key Facts About Cornell University
| Feature | Details |
| Location | Ithaca, New York, USA |
| Established | 1865 |
| University Type | Private, Ivy League |
| Total Enrollment | ~25,000 students |
| International Students | 5,000+ from 120+ countries |
| Campus Size | 2,300 acres |
| Popular Fields of Study | Engineering, Business, Law, Medicine, Agriculture, Hospitality |
| QS World University Ranking (2024) | #13 |
| Student-Faculty Ratio | 9:1 |
| Research Budget | $1 billion+ per year |
Cornell offers a unique mix of liberal arts and specialized professional studies, making it an ideal choice for students interested in multidisciplinary education.
Cornell University Acceptance Rate
Admission to Cornell is highly competitive, with an acceptance rate below 10%. International students face higher competition due to limited spots for non-U.S. applicants.
Cornell University Acceptance Rate Over the Years
| Year | Applications Received | Students Accepted | Acceptance Rate |
| 2021 | 67,380 | 5,852 | 8.7% |
| 2022 | 71,164 | 5,147 | 7.2% |
| 2023 | 68,147 | 5,330 | 7.8% |
| 2024 (Projected) | 70,000+ | ~5,300 | ~7.5% |
Cornell University Admission Requirements for International Students
| Admission Criteria | Required Scores/Details |
| GPA Requirement | 3.9+ on a 4.0 scale |
| SAT Score | 1500+ (out of 1600) |
| ACT Score | 34+ |
| TOEFL Score | 100+ |
| IELTS Score | 7.5+ |
| Letters of Recommendation | Minimum 2 from teachers/employers |
| Extracurricular Activities | Research, leadership roles, internships |
A strong academic profile, a compelling personal statement, and a well-rounded extracurricular background significantly improve the chances of securing admission.
Cornell University Global Rankings
Cornell is among the top-ranked universities globally due to its academic reputation, research contributions, and strong alumni network.
Cornell University Rankings (2024)
| Ranking System | Rank |
| QS World University Rankings | #13 |
| Times Higher Education (THE) | #20 |
| U.S. News & World Report (USA) | #9 |
| Best Global Universities (U.S. News) | #8 |
Cornell consistently ranks in the top 10 for Engineering, Business, Law, and Veterinary Sciences, making it one of the most sought-after institutions in the USA.
Cornell University Tuition Fees and Living Costs
Cornell’s tuition fees are high, but international students can apply for scholarships and financial aid to manage costs.
Cornell University Tuition Fees (2024-25)
| Program Type | Annual Tuition Fees (USD) |
| Undergraduate Programs | $64,000 – $72,000 |
| Graduate Programs | $50,000 – $80,000 |
| MBA (Johnson Business School) | $84,000 |
| Doctoral (PhD) Programs | $40,000 – $60,000 |
Estimated Cost of Living in Ithaca, New York
| Expense | Monthly Cost (USD) | Annual Cost (USD) |
| On-campus Accommodation | $1,500 – $3,000 | $18,000 – $36,000 |
| Off-campus Housing | $1,200 – $2,500 | $14,400 – $30,000 |
| Food & Groceries | $350 – $600 | $4,200 – $7,200 |
| Transport (Public Transit) | $80 – $150 | $960 – $1,800 |
| Health Insurance | – | $2,900 |
| Books & Supplies | – | $1,500 |
International students can reduce costs by choosing affordable student housing, using student discounts, and applying for part-time jobs.
Popular Courses at Cornell University
Cornell offers more than 80 undergraduate majors and 100+ graduate programs in various fields.
Top Undergraduate Programs
| Program | Duration |
| Computer Science | 4 years |
| Mechanical Engineering | 4 years |
| Hotel Management | 4 years |
| Political Science | 4 years |
| Biomedical Sciences | 4 years |
Top Graduate Programs
| Program | Duration |
| MBA (Johnson Business School) | 2 years |
| Master’s in Artificial Intelligence | 2 years |
| Master’s in Law (LLM) | 1 year |
| Master’s in Public Policy | 2 years |
| Master’s in Veterinary Science | 2 years |
Cornell is known for hands-on learning, innovative research, and strong career placement programs.
Scholarships and Financial Aid for International Students
Cornell offers need-based financial aid and merit scholarships to help students cover tuition costs.
Cornell Scholarships for International Students
| Scholarship Name | Eligibility | Amount |
| Cornell International Financial Aid | Need-based | Varies |
| Tata Scholarship | Indian students | Full tuition |
| Knight-Hennessy Scholars | All nationalities | Full tuition + stipend |
| Fulbright Scholarship | Graduate students | Full tuition + living expenses |
Applying for multiple scholarships can significantly reduce the financial burden of studying abroad.
How to Apply to Cornell University?
International students must apply through the Common Application (undergraduate) or Cornell’s official portal (graduate programs).
Step-by-Step Application Process
Choose Your Program – Explore courses on Cornell’s official website.
Check Eligibility – Ensure you meet GPA, test scores, and English proficiency requirements.
Prepare Required Documents:
- Academic transcripts
- English test scores (TOEFL, IELTS)
- Personal Statement & Resume
- Recommendation Letters
- Submit the Application – Apply before the Early Decision (Nov 1) or Regular Decision (Jan 2) deadlines.
- Attend an Interview (if required) – Some programs may require additional assessments.
- Wait for Admission Decision – Offers are released between March and April.
Conclusion
Cornell University is a top-ranked Ivy League institution offering exceptional academic programs, career opportunities, and research facilities. However, it has a high tuition cost and a competitive admission process, making it essential for students to plan carefully, secure scholarships, and prepare strong applications.
For students looking to study in the USA, Cornell provides world-class education with access to top industries and global networks. If you are ready to start your journey, begin your application today.