Tufts vs Cornell — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Cornell is the more selective of the two (8.8% vs 11.5% 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 $83K). Cornell has lower sticker-price tuition ($69,314 vs $70,704 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 Tufts for: 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 (8.8% vs 11.5% acceptance); Cornell has a higher median SAT (1535 vs 1513).
Cornell graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($104K vs $83K); Cornell has a higher 6-year graduation rate (95.4% vs 93.5%).
Cornell has lower sticker-price tuition ($69,314 vs $70,704); Cornell offers a larger average aid package ($62,257 vs $59,574).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Tufts | Cornell |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #151-200 | #12 |
| Rank · THE | #179 | #20 |
| Acceptance rate | 11.5% | 8.8% |
| Yield rate | 45.5% | 66% |
| Median SAT | 1513 | 1535 |
| Avg. GPA | — | — |
| Number of applications | 34,432 | 67,846 |
| International students | 17% | 26% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $83K | $104K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $103K | $101K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $132K | $166K |
| Graduation rate | 93.5% | 95.4% |
| Retention rate | 95.5% | 97.8% |
| Median debt | $16,250 | $14,000 |
| Tuition · year | $70,704 | $69,314 |
| Avg. aid package | $59,574 | $62,257 |
| % of need met | 100% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $25,584 | $27,244 |
| Application fee | — | — |
| Enrollment | 13,599 | 19,027 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Tufts or Cornell?
It's harder to get into Cornell. Tufts accepts 11.5% of applicants, while Cornell accepts 8.8%.
Do Tufts or Cornell graduates earn more?
Cornell graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $104K vs $83K.
How much is tuition at Tufts vs Cornell?
Sticker-price tuition is $70,704 per year at Tufts and $69,314 per year at Cornell.
What SAT score do you need for Tufts or Cornell?
The median admitted SAT score is 1513 at Tufts and 1535 at Cornell; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Tufts or Cornell?
Cornell ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #151-200 for Tufts vs #12 for Cornell.
Which university offers more financial aid — Tufts or Cornell?
The average aid package is $59,574 at Tufts and $62,257 at Cornell.
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