Cornell vs Rensselaer polytechnic institute — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Cornell is the more selective of the two (8.8% vs 63.5% acceptance). Cornell ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#12 vs #501-600). Median earnings 10 years after enrollment are effectively tied ($104K vs $102K). Rensselaer polytechnic institute has lower sticker-price tuition ($64,081 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 Rensselaer polytechnic institute for: higher retention, lower tuition, a larger aid package.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Cornell is more selective (8.8% vs 63.5% acceptance); Cornell has a higher median SAT (1535 vs 1456).
Cornell graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($104K vs $102K); Cornell has a higher 6-year graduation rate (95.4% vs 83.6%).
Rensselaer polytechnic institute has lower sticker-price tuition ($64,081 vs $69,314); Rensselaer polytechnic institute offers a larger average aid package ($76,097 vs $62,257).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Cornell | Rensselaer polytechnic institute |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #12 | #501-600 |
| Rank · THE | #20 | — |
| Acceptance rate | 8.8% | 63.5% |
| Yield rate | 66% | 39.7% |
| Median SAT | 1535 | 1456 |
| Avg. GPA | — | — |
| Number of applications | 67,846 | 15,819 |
| International students | 26% | 19% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $104K | $102K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $101K | $86K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $166K | $137K |
| Graduation rate | 95.4% | 83.6% |
| Retention rate | 97.8% | 98% |
| Median debt | $14,000 | $23,750 |
| Tuition · year | $69,314 | $64,081 |
| Avg. aid package | $62,257 | $76,097 |
| % of need met | 100% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $27,244 | $29,149 |
| Application fee | — | $75 |
| Enrollment | 19,027 | 6,761 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Cornell or Rensselaer polytechnic institute?
It's harder to get into Cornell. Cornell accepts 8.8% of applicants, while Rensselaer polytechnic institute accepts 63.5%.
Do Cornell or Rensselaer polytechnic institute graduates earn more?
Earnings are practically equal — 10 years after enrollment, the median is $104K at Cornell and $102K at Rensselaer polytechnic institute.
How much is tuition at Cornell vs Rensselaer polytechnic institute?
Sticker-price tuition is $69,314 per year at Cornell and $64,081 per year at Rensselaer polytechnic institute.
What SAT score do you need for Cornell or Rensselaer polytechnic institute?
The median admitted SAT score is 1535 at Cornell and 1456 at Rensselaer polytechnic institute; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Cornell or Rensselaer polytechnic institute?
Cornell ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #12 for Cornell vs #501-600 for Rensselaer polytechnic institute.
Which university offers more financial aid — Cornell or Rensselaer polytechnic institute?
The average aid package is $62,257 at Cornell and $76,097 at Rensselaer polytechnic institute.
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