Illinois urbana-champaign vs Cornell — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Cornell is the more selective of the two (8.8% vs 42.4% acceptance). Cornell ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#55 vs #12). Cornell graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($104K vs $81K). Illinois urbana-champaign has lower sticker-price tuition ($35,124 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 Illinois urbana-champaign 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 42.4% acceptance); Cornell has a higher median SAT (1535 vs 1440).
Cornell graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($104K vs $81K); Cornell has a higher 6-year graduation rate (95.4% vs 85.1%).
Illinois urbana-champaign has lower sticker-price tuition ($35,124 vs $69,314); Cornell offers a larger average aid package ($62,257 vs $23,217).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Illinois urbana-champaign | Cornell |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #55 | #12 |
| Rank · THE | #46 | #20 |
| Acceptance rate | 42.4% | 8.8% |
| Yield rate | 28.8% | 66% |
| Median SAT | 1440 | 1535 |
| Avg. GPA | — | — |
| Number of applications | 73,742 | 67,846 |
| International students | 25% | 26% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $81K | $104K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $71K | $101K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $117K | $166K |
| Graduation rate | 85.1% | 95.4% |
| Retention rate | 94.8% | 97.8% |
| Median debt | $19,500 | $14,000 |
| Tuition · year | $35,124 | $69,314 |
| Avg. aid package | $23,217 | $62,257 |
| % of need met | 0.8% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $22,395 | $27,244 |
| Application fee | $50 | — |
| Enrollment | 59,238 | 19,027 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Illinois urbana-champaign or Cornell?
It's harder to get into Cornell. Illinois urbana-champaign accepts 42.4% of applicants, while Cornell accepts 8.8%.
Do Illinois urbana-champaign or Cornell graduates earn more?
Cornell graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $104K vs $81K.
How much is tuition at Illinois urbana-champaign vs Cornell?
Sticker-price tuition is $35,124 per year at Illinois urbana-champaign and $69,314 per year at Cornell.
What SAT score do you need for Illinois urbana-champaign or Cornell?
The median admitted SAT score is 1440 at Illinois urbana-champaign and 1535 at Cornell; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Illinois urbana-champaign or Cornell?
Cornell ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #55 for Illinois urbana-champaign vs #12 for Cornell.
Which university offers more financial aid — Illinois urbana-champaign or Cornell?
The average aid package is $23,217 at Illinois urbana-champaign and $62,257 at Cornell.
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