Connecticut vs Cornell — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Cornell is the more selective of the two (8.8% vs 52.4% acceptance). Cornell ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#301-400 vs #12). Cornell graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($104K vs $74K). Connecticut has lower sticker-price tuition ($43,712 vs $69,314 per year).
Both universities have complete, comparable data in canonical — the choice should come down to fit (campus culture, major, aid package) alongside the differences visible in the numbers below.
Choose Connecticut for: lower tuition.
Choose Cornell for: a higher world ranking, higher selectivity, higher graduate earnings.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Cornell is more selective (8.8% vs 52.4% acceptance); Cornell has a higher median SAT (1535 vs 1348).
Cornell graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($104K vs $74K); Cornell has a higher 6-year graduation rate (95.4% vs 83.3%).
Connecticut has lower sticker-price tuition ($43,712 vs $69,314); Cornell offers a larger average aid package ($62,257 vs $21,535).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Connecticut | Cornell |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #301-400 | #12 |
| Rank · THE | — | #20 |
| Acceptance rate | 52.4% | 8.8% |
| Yield rate | 15.4% | 66% |
| Median SAT | 1348 | 1535 |
| Avg. GPA | — | — |
| Number of applications | 55,479 | 67,846 |
| International students | 11% | 26% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $74K | $104K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $66K | $101K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $109K | $166K |
| Graduation rate | 83.3% | 95.4% |
| Retention rate | 92% | 97.8% |
| Median debt | $21,500 | $14,000 |
| Tuition · year | $43,712 | $69,314 |
| Avg. aid package | $21,535 | $62,257 |
| % of need met | 61.6% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $28,506 | $27,244 |
| Application fee | $80 | — |
| Enrollment | 28,306 | 19,027 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Connecticut or Cornell?
It's harder to get into Cornell. Connecticut accepts 52.4% of applicants, while Cornell accepts 8.8%.
Do Connecticut or Cornell graduates earn more?
Cornell graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $104K vs $74K.
How much is tuition at Connecticut vs Cornell?
Sticker-price tuition is $43,712 per year at Connecticut and $69,314 per year at Cornell.
What SAT score do you need for Connecticut or Cornell?
The median admitted SAT score is 1348 at Connecticut and 1535 at Cornell; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Connecticut or Cornell?
Cornell ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #301-400 for Connecticut vs #12 for Cornell.
Which university offers more financial aid — Connecticut or Cornell?
The average aid package is $21,535 at Connecticut and $62,257 at Cornell.
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