Houston vs Cornell — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Cornell is the more selective of the two (8.8% vs 73.9% acceptance). Cornell ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#201-300 vs #12). Cornell graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($104K vs $62K). Houston has lower sticker-price tuition ($22,547 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 Houston for: lower tuition, lower graduate debt.
Choose Cornell for: a higher world ranking, higher selectivity, higher graduate earnings.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Cornell is more selective (8.8% vs 73.9% acceptance); Cornell has a higher median SAT (1535 vs 1250).
Cornell graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($104K vs $62K); Cornell has a higher 6-year graduation rate (95.4% vs 64.6%).
Houston has lower sticker-price tuition ($22,547 vs $69,314); Cornell offers a larger average aid package ($62,257 vs $16,450).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Houston | Cornell |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #201-300 | #12 |
| Rank · THE | — | #20 |
| Acceptance rate | 73.9% | 8.8% |
| Yield rate | 26.5% | 66% |
| Median SAT | 1250 | 1535 |
| Avg. GPA | 3.50 | — |
| Number of applications | 31,716 | 67,846 |
| International students | 16% | 26% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $62K | $104K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $61K | $101K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $93K | $166K |
| Graduation rate | 64.6% | 95.4% |
| Retention rate | 87% | 97.8% |
| Median debt | $18,194 | $14,000 |
| Tuition · year | $22,547 | $69,314 |
| Avg. aid package | $16,450 | $62,257 |
| % of need met | 55.1% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $21,819 | $27,244 |
| Application fee | $75 | — |
| Enrollment | 47,980 | 19,027 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Houston or Cornell?
It's harder to get into Cornell. Houston accepts 73.9% of applicants, while Cornell accepts 8.8%.
Do Houston or Cornell graduates earn more?
Cornell graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $104K vs $62K.
How much is tuition at Houston vs Cornell?
Sticker-price tuition is $22,547 per year at Houston and $69,314 per year at Cornell.
What SAT score do you need for Houston or Cornell?
The median admitted SAT score is 1250 at Houston and 1535 at Cornell; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Houston or Cornell?
Cornell ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #201-300 for Houston vs #12 for Cornell.
Which university offers more financial aid — Houston or Cornell?
The average aid package is $16,450 at Houston and $62,257 at Cornell.
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