Massachusetts institute of technology vs Cornell — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Massachusetts institute of technology is the more selective of the two (4.5% vs 8.8% acceptance). Massachusetts institute of technology ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#3 vs #12). Massachusetts institute of technology graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($143K vs $104K). Massachusetts institute of technology has lower sticker-price tuition ($62,396 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 Massachusetts institute of technology for: a higher world ranking, higher selectivity, higher graduate earnings.
Choose Cornell for: lower graduate debt.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Massachusetts institute of technology is more selective (4.5% vs 8.8% acceptance); Massachusetts institute of technology has a higher median SAT (1560 vs 1535).
Massachusetts institute of technology graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($143K vs $104K); Massachusetts institute of technology has a higher 6-year graduation rate (96.4% vs 95.4%).
Massachusetts institute of technology has lower sticker-price tuition ($62,396 vs $69,314); Massachusetts institute of technology offers a larger average aid package ($68,358 vs $62,257).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Massachusetts institute of technology | Cornell |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #3 | #12 |
| Rank · THE | #2 | #20 |
| Acceptance rate | 4.5% | 8.8% |
| Yield rate | 86.1% | 66% |
| Median SAT | 1560 | 1535 |
| Avg. GPA | — | — |
| Number of applications | 28,232 | 67,846 |
| International students | 33% | 26% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $143K | $104K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $154K | $101K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $243K | $166K |
| Graduation rate | 96.4% | 95.4% |
| Retention rate | 99% | 97.8% |
| Median debt | $14,768 | $14,000 |
| Tuition · year | $62,396 | $69,314 |
| Avg. aid package | $68,358 | $62,257 |
| % of need met | 100% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $29,488 | $27,244 |
| Application fee | $75 | — |
| Enrollment | 11,886 | 19,027 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Massachusetts institute of technology or Cornell?
It's harder to get into Massachusetts institute of technology. Massachusetts institute of technology accepts 4.5% of applicants, while Cornell accepts 8.8%.
Do Massachusetts institute of technology or Cornell graduates earn more?
Massachusetts institute of technology graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $143K vs $104K.
How much is tuition at Massachusetts institute of technology vs Cornell?
Sticker-price tuition is $62,396 per year at Massachusetts institute of technology and $69,314 per year at Cornell.
What SAT score do you need for Massachusetts institute of technology or Cornell?
The median admitted SAT score is 1560 at Massachusetts institute of technology and 1535 at Cornell; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Massachusetts institute of technology or Cornell?
Massachusetts institute of technology ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #3 for Massachusetts institute of technology vs #12 for Cornell.
Which university offers more financial aid — Massachusetts institute of technology or Cornell?
The average aid package is $68,358 at Massachusetts institute of technology and $62,257 at Cornell.
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