Rhode Island vs Cornell - US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
The verdict, from the data
Rhode Island accepts most of the applications it receives (72.2%), while Cornell turns away the overwhelming majority (8.4%).
The share of international students differs sharply: 10.3% (Cornell) against 1.2% (Rhode Island).
Average aid for an international student is $84,351 (Cornell) and $26,565 (Rhode Island).
The one that looks dearer ends up cheaper: Cornell lists $96,268 against $54,758 (Rhode Island), but after average aid what remains is $32,043 against $37,163.
None of these figures decides on its own; what decides is which course you want to be on, and on what budget.
Every sentence above comes from a field we hold in canonical. Where the data is missing, or the gap is small enough to be noise, the sentence simply does not appear.
EXPERT TAKE
Cornell is the more selective of the two (8.41% vs 72.2% 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 $70K). Rhode Island has lower sticker-price tuition ($38,398 vs $72,270 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 Rhode Island 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 (8.41% vs 72.2% acceptance); Cornell has a higher median SAT (1540 vs 1160).
Cornell graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($104K vs $70K); Cornell has a higher 6-year graduation rate (95.4% vs 73.3%).
Rhode Island has lower sticker-price tuition ($38,398 vs $72,270); Cornell offers a larger average aid package ($64,225 vs $17,595).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Rhode Island | Cornell |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #801-900 | #12 |
| Rank · THE | - | #20 |
| Acceptance rate | 72.2% | 8.41% |
| Yield rate | 16.4% | 63.9% |
| Median SAT | 1160 | 1540 |
| Avg. GPA | 3.65 | - |
| Number of applications | 28,021 | 65,612 |
| International students | 1.2% | 10.3% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $70K | $104K |
| Bottom 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $44K | $67K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $102K | $166K |
| Graduation rate | 73.3% | 95.4% |
| Retention rate | 85% | 98.1% |
| Median debt | $22,250 | $14,000 |
| Tuition · year | $38,398 | $72,270 |
| Avg. aid package | $17,595 | $64,225 |
| % of need met | 57% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $42,945 | $29,441 |
| Application fee | $65 | $80 |
| Enrollment | 14,466 | 26,793 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Rhode Island or Cornell?
It's harder to get into Cornell. Rhode Island accepts 72.2% of applicants, while Cornell accepts 8.41%.
Do Rhode Island or Cornell graduates earn more?
Cornell graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $104K vs $70K.
How much is tuition at Rhode Island vs Cornell?
Sticker-price tuition is $38,398 per year at Rhode Island and $72,270 per year at Cornell.
What SAT score do you need for Rhode Island or Cornell?
The median admitted SAT score is 1160 at Rhode Island and 1540 at Cornell; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher - Rhode Island or Cornell?
Cornell ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #801-900 for Rhode Island vs #12 for Cornell.
Which university offers more financial aid - Rhode Island or Cornell?
The average aid package is $17,595 at Rhode Island and $64,225 at Cornell.
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