Cornell vs Illinois urbana-champaign — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Cornell is the more selective of the two (8.8% vs 42.4% acceptance). Cornell ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#12 vs #55). Cornell graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($104K vs $81K). Illinois urbana-champaign has lower sticker-price tuition ($35,124 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 Illinois urbana-champaign for: lower tuition, 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 42.4% acceptance); Cornell has a higher median SAT (1535 vs 1440).
Cornell graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($104K vs $81K); Cornell has a higher 6-year graduation rate (95.4% vs 85.1%).
Illinois urbana-champaign has lower sticker-price tuition ($35,124 vs $69,314); Cornell offers a larger average aid package ($62,257 vs $23,217).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Cornell | Illinois urbana-champaign |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #12 | #55 |
| Rank · THE | #20 | #46 |
| Acceptance rate | 8.8% | 42.4% |
| Yield rate | 66% | 28.8% |
| Median SAT | 1535 | 1440 |
| Avg. GPA | — | — |
| Number of applications | 67,846 | 73,742 |
| International students | 26% | 25% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $104K | $81K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $101K | $71K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $166K | $117K |
| Graduation rate | 95.4% | 85.1% |
| Retention rate | 97.8% | 94.8% |
| Median debt | $14,000 | $19,500 |
| Tuition · year | $69,314 | $35,124 |
| Avg. aid package | $62,257 | $23,217 |
| % of need met | 100% | 0.8% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $27,244 | $22,395 |
| Application fee | — | $50 |
| Enrollment | 19,027 | 59,238 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Cornell or Illinois urbana-champaign?
It's harder to get into Cornell. Cornell accepts 8.8% of applicants, while Illinois urbana-champaign accepts 42.4%.
Do Cornell or Illinois urbana-champaign graduates earn more?
Cornell graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $104K vs $81K.
How much is tuition at Cornell vs Illinois urbana-champaign?
Sticker-price tuition is $69,314 per year at Cornell and $35,124 per year at Illinois urbana-champaign.
What SAT score do you need for Cornell or Illinois urbana-champaign?
The median admitted SAT score is 1535 at Cornell and 1440 at Illinois urbana-champaign; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Cornell or Illinois urbana-champaign?
Cornell ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #12 for Cornell vs #55 for Illinois urbana-champaign.
Which university offers more financial aid — Cornell or Illinois urbana-champaign?
The average aid package is $62,257 at Cornell and $23,217 at Illinois urbana-champaign.
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