Southern california vs Cornell — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Cornell is the more selective of the two (8.8% vs 9.8% acceptance). Cornell ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#62 vs #12). Cornell graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($104K vs $92K). Cornell has lower sticker-price tuition ($69,314 vs $72,097 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 Southern california for: a larger aid package.
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 9.8% acceptance); Cornell has a higher median SAT (1535 vs 1495).
Cornell graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($104K vs $92K); Cornell has a higher 6-year graduation rate (95.4% vs 91.8%).
Cornell has lower sticker-price tuition ($69,314 vs $72,097); Southern california offers a larger average aid package ($71,169 vs $62,257).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Southern california | Cornell |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #62 | #12 |
| Rank · THE | #72 | #20 |
| Acceptance rate | 9.8% | 8.8% |
| Yield rate | 43.3% | 66% |
| Median SAT | 1495 | 1535 |
| Avg. GPA | 3.80 | — |
| Number of applications | 82,027 | 67,846 |
| International students | 27% | 26% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $92K | $104K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $89K | $101K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $141K | $166K |
| Graduation rate | 91.8% | 95.4% |
| Retention rate | 95.6% | 97.8% |
| Median debt | $18,000 | $14,000 |
| Tuition · year | $72,097 | $69,314 |
| Avg. aid package | $71,169 | $62,257 |
| % of need met | 99.3% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $27,678 | $27,244 |
| Application fee | $85 | — |
| Enrollment | 46,566 | 19,027 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Southern california or Cornell?
It's harder to get into Cornell. Southern california accepts 9.8% of applicants, while Cornell accepts 8.8%.
Do Southern california or Cornell graduates earn more?
Cornell graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $104K vs $92K.
How much is tuition at Southern california vs Cornell?
Sticker-price tuition is $72,097 per year at Southern california and $69,314 per year at Cornell.
What SAT score do you need for Southern california or Cornell?
The median admitted SAT score is 1495 at Southern california and 1535 at Cornell; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Southern california or Cornell?
Cornell ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #62 for Southern california vs #12 for Cornell.
Which university offers more financial aid — Southern california or Cornell?
The average aid package is $71,169 at Southern california and $62,257 at Cornell.
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