North carolina vs Cornell — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Cornell is the more selective of the two (8.8% vs 15.3% acceptance). Cornell ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#35 vs #12). Cornell graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($104K vs $72K). North carolina has lower sticker-price tuition ($41,203 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 North carolina 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 15.3% acceptance); Cornell has a higher median SAT (1535 vs 1439).
Cornell graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($104K vs $72K); Cornell has a higher 6-year graduation rate (95.4% vs 91.2%).
North carolina has lower sticker-price tuition ($41,203 vs $69,314); Cornell offers a larger average aid package ($62,257 vs $20,705).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | North carolina | Cornell |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #35 | #12 |
| Rank · THE | #70 | #20 |
| Acceptance rate | 15.3% | 8.8% |
| Yield rate | 45.5% | 66% |
| Median SAT | 1439 | 1535 |
| Avg. GPA | 4.50 | — |
| Number of applications | 66,535 | 67,846 |
| International students | 9% | 26% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $72K | $104K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $69K | $101K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $112K | $166K |
| Graduation rate | 91.2% | 95.4% |
| Retention rate | 96.6% | 97.8% |
| Median debt | $14,000 | $14,000 |
| Tuition · year | $41,203 | $69,314 |
| Avg. aid package | $20,705 | $62,257 |
| % of need met | 100% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $20,382 | $27,244 |
| Application fee | $85 | — |
| Enrollment | 32,680 | 19,027 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into North carolina or Cornell?
It's harder to get into Cornell. North carolina accepts 15.3% of applicants, while Cornell accepts 8.8%.
Do North carolina or Cornell graduates earn more?
Cornell graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $104K vs $72K.
How much is tuition at North carolina vs Cornell?
Sticker-price tuition is $41,203 per year at North carolina and $69,314 per year at Cornell.
What SAT score do you need for North carolina or Cornell?
The median admitted SAT score is 1439 at North carolina and 1535 at Cornell; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — North carolina or Cornell?
Cornell ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #35 for North carolina vs #12 for Cornell.
Which university offers more financial aid — North carolina or Cornell?
The average aid package is $20,705 at North carolina and $62,257 at Cornell.
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