Cornell vs Tufts — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Cornell is the more selective of the two (8.8% vs 11.5% 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 $83K). Cornell has lower sticker-price tuition ($69,314 vs $70,704 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 Tufts for: 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 11.5% acceptance); Cornell has a higher median SAT (1535 vs 1513).
Cornell graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($104K vs $83K); Cornell has a higher 6-year graduation rate (95.4% vs 93.5%).
Cornell has lower sticker-price tuition ($69,314 vs $70,704); Cornell offers a larger average aid package ($62,257 vs $59,574).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Cornell | Tufts |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #12 | #151-200 |
| Rank · THE | #20 | #179 |
| Acceptance rate | 8.8% | 11.5% |
| Yield rate | 66% | 45.5% |
| Median SAT | 1535 | 1513 |
| Avg. GPA | — | — |
| Number of applications | 67,846 | 34,432 |
| International students | 26% | 17% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $104K | $83K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $101K | $103K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $166K | $132K |
| Graduation rate | 95.4% | 93.5% |
| Retention rate | 97.8% | 95.5% |
| Median debt | $14,000 | $16,250 |
| Tuition · year | $69,314 | $70,704 |
| Avg. aid package | $62,257 | $59,574 |
| % of need met | 100% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $27,244 | $25,584 |
| Application fee | — | — |
| Enrollment | 19,027 | 13,599 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Cornell or Tufts?
It's harder to get into Cornell. Cornell accepts 8.8% of applicants, while Tufts accepts 11.5%.
Do Cornell or Tufts graduates earn more?
Cornell graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $104K vs $83K.
How much is tuition at Cornell vs Tufts?
Sticker-price tuition is $69,314 per year at Cornell and $70,704 per year at Tufts.
What SAT score do you need for Cornell or Tufts?
The median admitted SAT score is 1535 at Cornell and 1513 at Tufts; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Cornell or Tufts?
Cornell ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #12 for Cornell vs #151-200 for Tufts.
Which university offers more financial aid — Cornell or Tufts?
The average aid package is $62,257 at Cornell and $59,574 at Tufts.
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