Stanford vs Cornell — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Stanford is the more selective of the two (3.6% vs 8.8% acceptance). Stanford ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#2 vs #12). Stanford graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($124K vs $104K). Stanford has lower sticker-price tuition ($65,910 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 Stanford for: a higher world ranking, higher selectivity, higher graduate earnings.
Choose Cornell for: a higher graduation rate, higher retention, lower graduate debt.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Stanford is more selective (3.6% vs 8.8% acceptance); Stanford has a higher median SAT (1553 vs 1535).
Stanford graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($124K vs $104K); Cornell has a higher 6-year graduation rate (95.4% vs 91.9%).
Stanford has lower sticker-price tuition ($65,910 vs $69,314); Stanford offers a larger average aid package ($75,816 vs $62,257).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Stanford | Cornell |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #2 | #12 |
| Rank · THE | #6 | #20 |
| Acceptance rate | 3.6% | 8.8% |
| Yield rate | 79.9% | 66% |
| Median SAT | 1553 | 1535 |
| Avg. GPA | 3.90 | — |
| Number of applications | 60,646 | 67,846 |
| International students | 23% | 26% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $124K | $104K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $141K | $101K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $220K | $166K |
| Graduation rate | 91.9% | 95.4% |
| Retention rate | 97% | 97.8% |
| Median debt | $12,000 | $14,000 |
| Tuition · year | $65,910 | $69,314 |
| Avg. aid package | $75,816 | $62,257 |
| % of need met | 100% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $28,507 | $27,244 |
| Application fee | $100 | — |
| Enrollment | 18,121 | 19,027 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Stanford or Cornell?
It's harder to get into Stanford. Stanford accepts 3.6% of applicants, while Cornell accepts 8.8%.
Do Stanford or Cornell graduates earn more?
Stanford graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $124K vs $104K.
How much is tuition at Stanford vs Cornell?
Sticker-price tuition is $65,910 per year at Stanford and $69,314 per year at Cornell.
What SAT score do you need for Stanford or Cornell?
The median admitted SAT score is 1553 at Stanford and 1535 at Cornell; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Stanford or Cornell?
Stanford ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #2 for Stanford vs #12 for Cornell.
Which university offers more financial aid — Stanford or Cornell?
The average aid package is $75,816 at Stanford and $62,257 at Cornell.
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