Cornell vs Kansas state — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Cornell is the more selective of the two (8.8% vs 81.7% 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 $57K). Kansas state has lower sticker-price tuition ($28,568 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 Kansas state 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 81.7% acceptance); Cornell has a higher median SAT (1535 vs 1151).
Cornell graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($104K vs $57K); Cornell has a higher 6-year graduation rate (95.4% vs 71.1%).
Kansas state has lower sticker-price tuition ($28,568 vs $69,314); Cornell offers a larger average aid package ($62,257 vs $15,968).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Cornell | Kansas state |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #12 | #501-600 |
| Rank · THE | #20 | — |
| Acceptance rate | 8.8% | 81.7% |
| Yield rate | 66% | 27.5% |
| Median SAT | 1535 | 1151 |
| Avg. GPA | — | 3.80 |
| Number of applications | 67,846 | 15,432 |
| International students | 26% | 5% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $104K | $57K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $101K | $52K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $166K | $83K |
| Graduation rate | 95.4% | 71.1% |
| Retention rate | 97.8% | 85.6% |
| Median debt | $14,000 | $21,250 |
| Tuition · year | $69,314 | $28,568 |
| Avg. aid package | $62,257 | $15,968 |
| % of need met | 100% | 77% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $27,244 | $25,179 |
| Application fee | — | $40 |
| Enrollment | 19,027 | 20,295 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Cornell or Kansas state?
It's harder to get into Cornell. Cornell accepts 8.8% of applicants, while Kansas state accepts 81.7%.
Do Cornell or Kansas state graduates earn more?
Cornell graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $104K vs $57K.
How much is tuition at Cornell vs Kansas state?
Sticker-price tuition is $69,314 per year at Cornell and $28,568 per year at Kansas state.
What SAT score do you need for Cornell or Kansas state?
The median admitted SAT score is 1535 at Cornell and 1151 at Kansas state; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Cornell or Kansas state?
Cornell ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #12 for Cornell vs #501-600 for Kansas state.
Which university offers more financial aid — Cornell or Kansas state?
The average aid package is $62,257 at Cornell and $15,968 at Kansas state.
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