Rhode island vs Cornell — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Cornell is the more selective of the two (8.8% 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 ($37,146 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 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 (8.8% vs 72.2% acceptance); Cornell has a higher median SAT (1535 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 ($37,146 vs $69,314); Cornell offers a larger average aid package ($62,257 vs $17,388).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Rhode island | Cornell |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #801-900 | #12 |
| Rank · THE | — | #20 |
| Acceptance rate | 72.2% | 8.8% |
| Yield rate | 15.4% | 66% |
| Median SAT | 1160 | 1535 |
| Avg. GPA | 3.60 | — |
| Number of applications | 26,987 | 67,846 |
| International students | 3% | 26% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $70K | $104K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $58K | $101K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $102K | $166K |
| Graduation rate | 73.3% | 95.4% |
| Retention rate | 83.6% | 97.8% |
| Median debt | $22,250 | $14,000 |
| Tuition · year | $37,146 | $69,314 |
| Avg. aid package | $17,388 | $62,257 |
| % of need met | 60% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $40,247 | $27,244 |
| Application fee | $65 | — |
| Enrollment | 17,649 | 19,027 |
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 8.8%.
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 $37,146 per year at Rhode island and $69,314 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 1535 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 $17,388 at Rhode island and $62,257 at Cornell.
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