Old dominion vs Cornell — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Cornell is the more selective of the two (8.8% vs 90.4% acceptance). Cornell ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#801-900 vs #12). Cornell graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($104K vs $55K). Old dominion has lower sticker-price tuition ($33,780 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 Old dominion 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 90.4% acceptance); Cornell has a higher median SAT (1535 vs 1197).
Cornell graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($104K vs $55K); Cornell has a higher 6-year graduation rate (95.4% vs 46.3%).
Old dominion has lower sticker-price tuition ($33,780 vs $69,314); Cornell offers a larger average aid package ($62,257 vs $30,437).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Old dominion | Cornell |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #801-900 | #12 |
| Rank · THE | — | #20 |
| Acceptance rate | 90.4% | 8.8% |
| Yield rate | 19.9% | 66% |
| Median SAT | 1197 | 1535 |
| Avg. GPA | 3.50 | — |
| Number of applications | 15,100 | 67,846 |
| International students | 3% | 26% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $55K | $104K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $49K | $101K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $80K | $166K |
| Graduation rate | 46.3% | 95.4% |
| Retention rate | 77% | 97.8% |
| Median debt | $24,000 | $14,000 |
| Tuition · year | $33,780 | $69,314 |
| Avg. aid package | $30,437 | $62,257 |
| % of need met | 53% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $32,043 | $27,244 |
| Application fee | $50 | — |
| Enrollment | 23,743 | 19,027 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Old dominion or Cornell?
It's harder to get into Cornell. Old dominion accepts 90.4% of applicants, while Cornell accepts 8.8%.
Do Old dominion or Cornell graduates earn more?
Cornell graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $104K vs $55K.
How much is tuition at Old dominion vs Cornell?
Sticker-price tuition is $33,780 per year at Old dominion and $69,314 per year at Cornell.
What SAT score do you need for Old dominion or Cornell?
The median admitted SAT score is 1197 at Old dominion and 1535 at Cornell; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Old dominion or Cornell?
Cornell ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #801-900 for Old dominion vs #12 for Cornell.
Which university offers more financial aid — Old dominion or Cornell?
The average aid package is $30,437 at Old dominion and $62,257 at Cornell.
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