Cornell vs Virginia — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Cornell is the more selective of the two (8.8% vs 16.8% acceptance). Cornell ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#12 vs #201-300). Cornell graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($104K vs $87K). Virginia has lower sticker-price tuition ($59,512 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 Virginia for: a higher graduation rate, higher retention, lower tuition.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Cornell is more selective (8.8% vs 16.8% acceptance); Cornell has a higher median SAT (1535 vs 1480).
Cornell graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($104K vs $87K); Virginia has a higher 6-year graduation rate (95.6% vs 95.4%).
Virginia has lower sticker-price tuition ($59,512 vs $69,314); Cornell offers a larger average aid package ($62,257 vs $37,123).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Cornell | Virginia |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #12 | #201-300 |
| Rank · THE | #20 | — |
| Acceptance rate | 8.8% | 16.8% |
| Yield rate | 66% | 40% |
| Median SAT | 1535 | 1480 |
| Avg. GPA | — | — |
| Number of applications | 67,846 | 58,951 |
| International students | 26% | 12% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $104K | $87K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $101K | $79K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $166K | $130K |
| Graduation rate | 95.4% | 95.6% |
| Retention rate | 97.8% | 97.9% |
| Median debt | $14,000 | $17,500 |
| Tuition · year | $69,314 | $59,512 |
| Avg. aid package | $62,257 | $37,123 |
| % of need met | 100% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $27,244 | $25,137 |
| Application fee | — | $75 |
| Enrollment | 19,027 | 26,470 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Cornell or Virginia?
It's harder to get into Cornell. Cornell accepts 8.8% of applicants, while Virginia accepts 16.8%.
Do Cornell or Virginia graduates earn more?
Cornell graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $104K vs $87K.
How much is tuition at Cornell vs Virginia?
Sticker-price tuition is $69,314 per year at Cornell and $59,512 per year at Virginia.
What SAT score do you need for Cornell or Virginia?
The median admitted SAT score is 1535 at Cornell and 1480 at Virginia; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Cornell or Virginia?
Cornell ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #12 for Cornell vs #201-300 for Virginia.
Which university offers more financial aid — Cornell or Virginia?
The average aid package is $62,257 at Cornell and $37,123 at Virginia.
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