Maryland (umbc) vs Cornell — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Cornell is the more selective of the two (8.8% vs 72.4% acceptance). Cornell ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#601-700 vs #12). Cornell graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($104K vs $70K). Maryland (umbc) has lower sticker-price tuition ($31,275 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 Maryland (umbc) 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 72.4% acceptance); Cornell has a higher median SAT (1535 vs 1323).
Cornell graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($104K vs $70K); Cornell has a higher 6-year graduation rate (95.4% vs 70%).
Maryland (umbc) has lower sticker-price tuition ($31,275 vs $69,314); Cornell offers a larger average aid package ($62,257 vs $14,712).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Maryland (umbc) | Cornell |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #601-700 | #12 |
| Rank · THE | — | #20 |
| Acceptance rate | 72.4% | 8.8% |
| Yield rate | 21.6% | 66% |
| Median SAT | 1323 | 1535 |
| Avg. GPA | 4.10 | — |
| Number of applications | 14,325 | 67,846 |
| International students | 17% | 26% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $70K | $104K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $60K | $101K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $101K | $166K |
| Graduation rate | 70% | 95.4% |
| Retention rate | 85% | 97.8% |
| Median debt | $19,500 | $14,000 |
| Tuition · year | $31,275 | $69,314 |
| Avg. aid package | $14,712 | $62,257 |
| % of need met | 47% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $22,450 | $27,244 |
| Application fee | $75 | — |
| Enrollment | 13,906 | 19,027 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Maryland (umbc) or Cornell?
It's harder to get into Cornell. Maryland (umbc) accepts 72.4% of applicants, while Cornell accepts 8.8%.
Do Maryland (umbc) or Cornell graduates earn more?
Cornell graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $104K vs $70K.
How much is tuition at Maryland (umbc) vs Cornell?
Sticker-price tuition is $31,275 per year at Maryland (umbc) and $69,314 per year at Cornell.
What SAT score do you need for Maryland (umbc) or Cornell?
The median admitted SAT score is 1323 at Maryland (umbc) and 1535 at Cornell; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Maryland (umbc) or Cornell?
Cornell ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #601-700 for Maryland (umbc) vs #12 for Cornell.
Which university offers more financial aid — Maryland (umbc) or Cornell?
The average aid package is $14,712 at Maryland (umbc) and $62,257 at Cornell.
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