Northwestern vs Cornell — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Northwestern is the more selective of the two (7.7% vs 8.8% acceptance). Cornell ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#33 vs #12). Cornell graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($104K vs $89K). Northwestern has lower sticker-price tuition ($68,322 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 Northwestern for: higher selectivity, higher retention, lower tuition.
Choose Cornell for: a higher world ranking, higher graduate earnings, a higher graduation rate.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Northwestern is more selective (7.7% vs 8.8% acceptance); Cornell has a higher median SAT (1535 vs 1533).
Cornell graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($104K vs $89K); Cornell has a higher 6-year graduation rate (95.4% vs 95.1%).
Northwestern has lower sticker-price tuition ($68,322 vs $69,314); Northwestern offers a larger average aid package ($68,110 vs $62,257).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Northwestern | Cornell |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #33 | #12 |
| Rank · THE | #31 | #20 |
| Acceptance rate | 7.7% | 8.8% |
| Yield rate | 55.3% | 66% |
| Median SAT | 1533 | 1535 |
| Avg. GPA | — | — |
| Number of applications | 49,474 | 67,846 |
| International students | 20% | 26% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $89K | $104K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $93K | $101K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $139K | $166K |
| Graduation rate | 95.1% | 95.4% |
| Retention rate | 98% | 97.8% |
| Median debt | $15,000 | $14,000 |
| Tuition · year | $68,322 | $69,314 |
| Avg. aid package | $68,110 | $62,257 |
| % of need met | 100% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $32,540 | $27,244 |
| Application fee | $75 | — |
| Enrollment | 23,431 | 19,027 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Northwestern or Cornell?
It's harder to get into Northwestern. Northwestern accepts 7.7% of applicants, while Cornell accepts 8.8%.
Do Northwestern or Cornell graduates earn more?
Cornell graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $104K vs $89K.
How much is tuition at Northwestern vs Cornell?
Sticker-price tuition is $68,322 per year at Northwestern and $69,314 per year at Cornell.
What SAT score do you need for Northwestern or Cornell?
The median admitted SAT score is 1533 at Northwestern and 1535 at Cornell; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Northwestern or Cornell?
Cornell ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #33 for Northwestern vs #12 for Cornell.
Which university offers more financial aid — Northwestern or Cornell?
The average aid package is $68,110 at Northwestern and $62,257 at Cornell.
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