Cornell vs Rochester — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Cornell is the more selective of the two (8.8% vs 40.1% acceptance). Cornell ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#12 vs #151-200). Cornell graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($104K vs $79K). Rochester has lower sticker-price tuition ($67,080 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 Rochester 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 40.1% acceptance); Cornell has a higher median SAT (1535 vs 1488).
Cornell graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($104K vs $79K); Cornell has a higher 6-year graduation rate (95.4% vs 85.4%).
Rochester has lower sticker-price tuition ($67,080 vs $69,314); Cornell offers a larger average aid package ($62,257 vs $60,879).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Cornell | Rochester |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #12 | #151-200 |
| Rank · THE | #20 | #127 |
| Acceptance rate | 8.8% | 40.1% |
| Yield rate | 66% | 15.4% |
| Median SAT | 1535 | 1488 |
| Avg. GPA | — | 3.70 |
| Number of applications | 67,846 | 21,384 |
| International students | 26% | 37% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $104K | $79K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $101K | $74K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $166K | $117K |
| Graduation rate | 95.4% | 85.4% |
| Retention rate | 97.8% | 90.7% |
| Median debt | $14,000 | $21,000 |
| Tuition · year | $69,314 | $67,080 |
| Avg. aid package | $62,257 | $60,879 |
| % of need met | 100% | 96.1% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $27,244 | $32,304 |
| Application fee | — | $50 |
| Enrollment | 19,027 | 11,946 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Cornell or Rochester?
It's harder to get into Cornell. Cornell accepts 8.8% of applicants, while Rochester accepts 40.1%.
Do Cornell or Rochester graduates earn more?
Cornell graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $104K vs $79K.
How much is tuition at Cornell vs Rochester?
Sticker-price tuition is $69,314 per year at Cornell and $67,080 per year at Rochester.
What SAT score do you need for Cornell or Rochester?
The median admitted SAT score is 1535 at Cornell and 1488 at Rochester; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Cornell or Rochester?
Cornell ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #12 for Cornell vs #151-200 for Rochester.
Which university offers more financial aid — Cornell or Rochester?
The average aid package is $62,257 at Cornell and $60,879 at Rochester.
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