Cornell vs Northwestern — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Northwestern is the more selective of the two (7.7% vs 8.8% acceptance). Cornell ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#12 vs #33). Cornell graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($104K vs $89K). Northwestern has lower sticker-price tuition ($68,322 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 graduate earnings, a higher graduation rate.
Choose Northwestern for: higher selectivity, higher retention, lower tuition.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Northwestern is more selective (7.7% vs 8.8% acceptance); Cornell has a higher median SAT (1535 vs 1533).
Cornell graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($104K vs $89K); Cornell has a higher 6-year graduation rate (95.4% vs 95.1%).
Northwestern has lower sticker-price tuition ($68,322 vs $69,314); Northwestern offers a larger average aid package ($68,110 vs $62,257).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Cornell | Northwestern |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #12 | #33 |
| Rank · THE | #20 | #31 |
| Acceptance rate | 8.8% | 7.7% |
| Yield rate | 66% | 55.3% |
| Median SAT | 1535 | 1533 |
| Avg. GPA | — | — |
| Number of applications | 67,846 | 49,474 |
| International students | 26% | 20% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $104K | $89K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $101K | $93K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $166K | $139K |
| Graduation rate | 95.4% | 95.1% |
| Retention rate | 97.8% | 98% |
| Median debt | $14,000 | $15,000 |
| Tuition · year | $69,314 | $68,322 |
| Avg. aid package | $62,257 | $68,110 |
| % of need met | 100% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $27,244 | $32,540 |
| Application fee | — | $75 |
| Enrollment | 19,027 | 23,431 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Cornell or Northwestern?
It's harder to get into Northwestern. Cornell accepts 8.8% of applicants, while Northwestern accepts 7.7%.
Do Cornell or Northwestern graduates earn more?
Cornell graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $104K vs $89K.
How much is tuition at Cornell vs Northwestern?
Sticker-price tuition is $69,314 per year at Cornell and $68,322 per year at Northwestern.
What SAT score do you need for Cornell or Northwestern?
The median admitted SAT score is 1535 at Cornell and 1533 at Northwestern; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Cornell or Northwestern?
Cornell ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #12 for Cornell vs #33 for Northwestern.
Which university offers more financial aid — Cornell or Northwestern?
The average aid package is $62,257 at Cornell and $68,110 at Northwestern.
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