Cornell vs Emory — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Cornell is the more selective of the two (8.8% vs 10.7% acceptance). Cornell ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#12 vs #101-150). Cornell graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($104K vs $80K). Emory has lower sticker-price tuition ($64,280 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 Cornell for: a higher world ranking, higher selectivity, higher graduate earnings.
Choose Emory for: lower tuition, a larger aid package, lower graduate debt.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Cornell is more selective (8.8% vs 10.7% acceptance); Cornell has a higher median SAT (1535 vs 1520).
Cornell graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($104K vs $80K); Cornell has a higher 6-year graduation rate (95.4% vs 91.1%).
Emory has lower sticker-price tuition ($64,280 vs $69,314); Emory offers a larger average aid package ($67,329 vs $62,257).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Cornell | Emory |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #12 | #101-150 |
| Rank · THE | #20 | — |
| Acceptance rate | 8.8% | 10.7% |
| Yield rate | 66% | 40.4% |
| Median SAT | 1535 | 1520 |
| Avg. GPA | — | 3.80 |
| Number of applications | 67,846 | 34,614 |
| International students | 26% | 19% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $104K | $80K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $101K | $84K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $166K | $120K |
| Graduation rate | 95.4% | 91.1% |
| Retention rate | 97.8% | 96% |
| Median debt | $14,000 | $18,250 |
| Tuition · year | $69,314 | $64,280 |
| Avg. aid package | $62,257 | $67,329 |
| % of need met | 100% | 99.9% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $27,244 | $24,562 |
| Application fee | — | $75 |
| Enrollment | 19,027 | 15,179 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Cornell or Emory?
It's harder to get into Cornell. Cornell accepts 8.8% of applicants, while Emory accepts 10.7%.
Do Cornell or Emory graduates earn more?
Cornell graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $104K vs $80K.
How much is tuition at Cornell vs Emory?
Sticker-price tuition is $69,314 per year at Cornell and $64,280 per year at Emory.
What SAT score do you need for Cornell or Emory?
The median admitted SAT score is 1535 at Cornell and 1520 at Emory; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Cornell or Emory?
Cornell ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #12 for Cornell vs #101-150 for Emory.
Which university offers more financial aid — Cornell or Emory?
The average aid package is $62,257 at Cornell and $67,329 at Emory.
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