Rochester vs Cornell — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Cornell is the more selective of the two (8.8% vs 40.1% acceptance). Cornell ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#151-200 vs #12). Cornell graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($104K vs $79K). Rochester has lower sticker-price tuition ($67,080 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 Rochester 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 40.1% acceptance); Cornell has a higher median SAT (1535 vs 1488).
Cornell graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($104K vs $79K); Cornell has a higher 6-year graduation rate (95.4% vs 85.4%).
Rochester has lower sticker-price tuition ($67,080 vs $69,314); Cornell offers a larger average aid package ($62,257 vs $60,879).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Rochester | Cornell |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #151-200 | #12 |
| Rank · THE | #127 | #20 |
| Acceptance rate | 40.1% | 8.8% |
| Yield rate | 15.4% | 66% |
| Median SAT | 1488 | 1535 |
| Avg. GPA | 3.70 | — |
| Number of applications | 21,384 | 67,846 |
| International students | 37% | 26% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $79K | $104K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $74K | $101K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $117K | $166K |
| Graduation rate | 85.4% | 95.4% |
| Retention rate | 90.7% | 97.8% |
| Median debt | $21,000 | $14,000 |
| Tuition · year | $67,080 | $69,314 |
| Avg. aid package | $60,879 | $62,257 |
| % of need met | 96.1% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $32,304 | $27,244 |
| Application fee | $50 | — |
| Enrollment | 11,946 | 19,027 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Rochester or Cornell?
It's harder to get into Cornell. Rochester accepts 40.1% of applicants, while Cornell accepts 8.8%.
Do Rochester or Cornell graduates earn more?
Cornell graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $104K vs $79K.
How much is tuition at Rochester vs Cornell?
Sticker-price tuition is $67,080 per year at Rochester and $69,314 per year at Cornell.
What SAT score do you need for Rochester or Cornell?
The median admitted SAT score is 1488 at Rochester and 1535 at Cornell; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Rochester or Cornell?
Cornell ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #151-200 for Rochester vs #12 for Cornell.
Which university offers more financial aid — Rochester or Cornell?
The average aid package is $60,879 at Rochester and $62,257 at Cornell.
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