Cornell vs Southern california — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Cornell is the more selective of the two (8.8% vs 9.8% acceptance). Cornell ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#12 vs #62). Cornell graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($104K vs $92K). Cornell has lower sticker-price tuition ($69,314 vs $72,097 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 Southern california for: 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 9.8% acceptance); Cornell has a higher median SAT (1535 vs 1495).
Cornell graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($104K vs $92K); Cornell has a higher 6-year graduation rate (95.4% vs 91.8%).
Cornell has lower sticker-price tuition ($69,314 vs $72,097); Southern california offers a larger average aid package ($71,169 vs $62,257).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Cornell | Southern california |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #12 | #62 |
| Rank · THE | #20 | #72 |
| Acceptance rate | 8.8% | 9.8% |
| Yield rate | 66% | 43.3% |
| Median SAT | 1535 | 1495 |
| Avg. GPA | — | 3.80 |
| Number of applications | 67,846 | 82,027 |
| International students | 26% | 27% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $104K | $92K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $101K | $89K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $166K | $141K |
| Graduation rate | 95.4% | 91.8% |
| Retention rate | 97.8% | 95.6% |
| Median debt | $14,000 | $18,000 |
| Tuition · year | $69,314 | $72,097 |
| Avg. aid package | $62,257 | $71,169 |
| % of need met | 100% | 99.3% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $27,244 | $27,678 |
| Application fee | — | $85 |
| Enrollment | 19,027 | 46,566 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Cornell or Southern california?
It's harder to get into Cornell. Cornell accepts 8.8% of applicants, while Southern california accepts 9.8%.
Do Cornell or Southern california graduates earn more?
Cornell graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $104K vs $92K.
How much is tuition at Cornell vs Southern california?
Sticker-price tuition is $69,314 per year at Cornell and $72,097 per year at Southern california.
What SAT score do you need for Cornell or Southern california?
The median admitted SAT score is 1535 at Cornell and 1495 at Southern california; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Cornell or Southern california?
Cornell ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #12 for Cornell vs #62 for Southern california.
Which university offers more financial aid — Cornell or Southern california?
The average aid package is $62,257 at Cornell and $71,169 at Southern california.
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