Cornell vs Washington university — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Cornell is the more selective of the two (8.8% vs 12.1% acceptance). Cornell ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#12 vs #23). Cornell graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($104K vs $86K). Washington university has lower sticker-price tuition ($65,790 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 Washington university for: lower tuition, a larger aid package, 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 12.1% acceptance); Cornell has a higher median SAT (1535 vs 1530).
Cornell graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($104K vs $86K); Cornell has a higher 6-year graduation rate (95.4% vs 94.3%).
Washington university has lower sticker-price tuition ($65,790 vs $69,314); Washington university offers a larger average aid package ($75,604 vs $62,257).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Cornell | Washington university |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #12 | #23 |
| Rank · THE | #20 | #69 |
| Acceptance rate | 8.8% | 12.1% |
| Yield rate | 66% | 46.7% |
| Median SAT | 1535 | 1530 |
| Avg. GPA | — | 4.20 |
| Number of applications | 67,846 | 32,754 |
| International students | 26% | 27% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $104K | $86K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $101K | $88K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $166K | $137K |
| Graduation rate | 95.4% | 94.3% |
| Retention rate | 97.8% | 95% |
| Median debt | $14,000 | $17,500 |
| Tuition · year | $69,314 | $65,790 |
| Avg. aid package | $62,257 | $75,604 |
| % of need met | 100% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $27,244 | $26,666 |
| Application fee | — | $75 |
| Enrollment | 19,027 | 16,357 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Cornell or Washington university?
It's harder to get into Cornell. Cornell accepts 8.8% of applicants, while Washington university accepts 12.1%.
Do Cornell or Washington university graduates earn more?
Cornell graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $104K vs $86K.
How much is tuition at Cornell vs Washington university?
Sticker-price tuition is $69,314 per year at Cornell and $65,790 per year at Washington university.
What SAT score do you need for Cornell or Washington university?
The median admitted SAT score is 1535 at Cornell and 1530 at Washington university; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Cornell or Washington university?
Cornell ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #12 for Cornell vs #23 for Washington university.
Which university offers more financial aid — Cornell or Washington university?
The average aid package is $62,257 at Cornell and $75,604 at Washington university.
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