Texas at Austin vs Cornell - US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
The verdict, from the data
Cornell admits 8.4% of applicants, while Texas at Austin admits 26.6%.
The larger international cohort belongs to Cornell: 10.3% of students against 4.5% (Texas at Austin).
For an applicant from outside the US the difference is financial: Cornell awards international students $84,351 on average, Texas at Austin awards $21,838.
The one that looks dearer ends up cheaper: Cornell lists $96,268 against $60,460 (Texas at Austin), but after average aid what remains is $32,043 against $40,241.
These numbers describe the cohorts already enrolled, not your chances; treat them as a starting point rather than a forecast.
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 26.64% acceptance). Cornell ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#45 vs #12). Cornell graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($104K vs $75K). Texas at Austin has lower sticker-price tuition ($44,908 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 Texas at Austin for: lower tuition, lower graduate debt.
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 26.64% acceptance); Cornell has a higher median SAT (1540 vs 1395).
Cornell graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($104K vs $75K); Cornell has a higher 6-year graduation rate (95.4% vs 88.9%).
Texas at Austin has lower sticker-price tuition ($44,908 vs $72,270); Cornell offers a larger average aid package ($64,225 vs $20,219).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Texas at Austin | Cornell |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #45 | #12 |
| Rank · THE | - | #20 |
| Acceptance rate | 26.64% | 8.41% |
| Yield rate | 47.4% | 63.9% |
| Median SAT | 1395 | 1540 |
| Avg. GPA | - | - |
| Number of applications | 72,885 | 65,612 |
| International students | 4.5% | 10.3% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $75K | $104K |
| Bottom 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $51K | $67K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $117K | $166K |
| Graduation rate | 88.9% | 95.4% |
| Retention rate | 96.7% | 98.1% |
| Median debt | $20,500 | $14,000 |
| Tuition · year | $44,908 | $72,270 |
| Avg. aid package | $20,219 | $64,225 |
| % of need met | 75% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $19,919 | $29,441 |
| Application fee | $75 | $80 |
| Enrollment | 53,864 | 26,793 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Texas at Austin or Cornell?
It's harder to get into Cornell. Texas at Austin accepts 26.64% of applicants, while Cornell accepts 8.41%.
Do Texas at Austin or Cornell graduates earn more?
Cornell graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $104K vs $75K.
How much is tuition at Texas at Austin vs Cornell?
Sticker-price tuition is $44,908 per year at Texas at Austin and $72,270 per year at Cornell.
What SAT score do you need for Texas at Austin or Cornell?
The median admitted SAT score is 1395 at Texas at Austin and 1540 at Cornell; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher - Texas at Austin or Cornell?
Cornell ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #45 for Texas at Austin vs #12 for Cornell.
Which university offers more financial aid - Texas at Austin or Cornell?
The average aid package is $20,219 at Texas at Austin and $64,225 at Cornell.
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