Iowa state vs Cornell — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Cornell is the more selective of the two (8.8% vs 88.7% acceptance). Cornell ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#501-600 vs #12). Cornell graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($104K vs $63K). Iowa state has lower sticker-price tuition ($28,881 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 Iowa state for: lower tuition.
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 88.7% acceptance); Cornell has a higher median SAT (1535 vs 1204).
Cornell graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($104K vs $63K); Cornell has a higher 6-year graduation rate (95.4% vs 75.3%).
Iowa state has lower sticker-price tuition ($28,881 vs $69,314); Cornell offers a larger average aid package ($62,257 vs $15,665).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Iowa state | Cornell |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #501-600 | #12 |
| Rank · THE | — | #20 |
| Acceptance rate | 88.7% | 8.8% |
| Yield rate | 28.8% | 66% |
| Median SAT | 1204 | 1535 |
| Avg. GPA | 3.80 | — |
| Number of applications | 23,095 | 67,846 |
| International students | 8% | 26% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $63K | $104K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $56K | $101K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $90K | $166K |
| Graduation rate | 75.3% | 95.4% |
| Retention rate | 87.6% | 97.8% |
| Median debt | $22,869 | $14,000 |
| Tuition · year | $28,881 | $69,314 |
| Avg. aid package | $15,665 | $62,257 |
| % of need met | 78% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $29,475 | $27,244 |
| Application fee | $40 | — |
| Enrollment | 30,432 | 19,027 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Iowa state or Cornell?
It's harder to get into Cornell. Iowa state accepts 88.7% of applicants, while Cornell accepts 8.8%.
Do Iowa state or Cornell graduates earn more?
Cornell graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $104K vs $63K.
How much is tuition at Iowa state vs Cornell?
Sticker-price tuition is $28,881 per year at Iowa state and $69,314 per year at Cornell.
What SAT score do you need for Iowa state or Cornell?
The median admitted SAT score is 1204 at Iowa state and 1535 at Cornell; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Iowa state or Cornell?
Cornell ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #501-600 for Iowa state vs #12 for Cornell.
Which university offers more financial aid — Iowa state or Cornell?
The average aid package is $15,665 at Iowa state and $62,257 at Cornell.
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