Cornell vs Iowa state — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Cornell is the more selective of the two (8.8% vs 88.7% acceptance). Cornell ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#12 vs #501-600). Cornell graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($104K vs $63K). Iowa state has lower sticker-price tuition ($28,881 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 Iowa state for: lower tuition.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Cornell is more selective (8.8% vs 88.7% acceptance); Cornell has a higher median SAT (1535 vs 1204).
Cornell graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($104K vs $63K); Cornell has a higher 6-year graduation rate (95.4% vs 75.3%).
Iowa state has lower sticker-price tuition ($28,881 vs $69,314); Cornell offers a larger average aid package ($62,257 vs $15,665).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Cornell | Iowa state |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #12 | #501-600 |
| Rank · THE | #20 | — |
| Acceptance rate | 8.8% | 88.7% |
| Yield rate | 66% | 28.8% |
| Median SAT | 1535 | 1204 |
| Avg. GPA | — | 3.80 |
| Number of applications | 67,846 | 23,095 |
| International students | 26% | 8% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $104K | $63K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $101K | $56K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $166K | $90K |
| Graduation rate | 95.4% | 75.3% |
| Retention rate | 97.8% | 87.6% |
| Median debt | $14,000 | $22,869 |
| Tuition · year | $69,314 | $28,881 |
| Avg. aid package | $62,257 | $15,665 |
| % of need met | 100% | 78% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $27,244 | $29,475 |
| Application fee | — | $40 |
| Enrollment | 19,027 | 30,432 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Cornell or Iowa state?
It's harder to get into Cornell. Cornell accepts 8.8% of applicants, while Iowa state accepts 88.7%.
Do Cornell or Iowa state graduates earn more?
Cornell graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $104K vs $63K.
How much is tuition at Cornell vs Iowa state?
Sticker-price tuition is $69,314 per year at Cornell and $28,881 per year at Iowa state.
What SAT score do you need for Cornell or Iowa state?
The median admitted SAT score is 1535 at Cornell and 1204 at Iowa state; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Cornell or Iowa state?
Cornell ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #12 for Cornell vs #501-600 for Iowa state.
Which university offers more financial aid — Cornell or Iowa state?
The average aid package is $62,257 at Cornell and $15,665 at Iowa state.
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