Washington university vs Cornell — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Cornell is the more selective of the two (8.8% vs 12.1% acceptance). Cornell ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#23 vs #12). Cornell graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($104K vs $86K). Washington university has lower sticker-price tuition ($65,790 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 Washington university for: lower tuition, a larger aid package, 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 12.1% acceptance); Cornell has a higher median SAT (1535 vs 1530).
Cornell graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($104K vs $86K); Cornell has a higher 6-year graduation rate (95.4% vs 94.3%).
Washington university has lower sticker-price tuition ($65,790 vs $69,314); Washington university offers a larger average aid package ($75,604 vs $62,257).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Washington university | Cornell |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #23 | #12 |
| Rank · THE | #69 | #20 |
| Acceptance rate | 12.1% | 8.8% |
| Yield rate | 46.7% | 66% |
| Median SAT | 1530 | 1535 |
| Avg. GPA | 4.20 | — |
| Number of applications | 32,754 | 67,846 |
| International students | 27% | 26% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $86K | $104K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $88K | $101K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $137K | $166K |
| Graduation rate | 94.3% | 95.4% |
| Retention rate | 95% | 97.8% |
| Median debt | $17,500 | $14,000 |
| Tuition · year | $65,790 | $69,314 |
| Avg. aid package | $75,604 | $62,257 |
| % of need met | 100% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $26,666 | $27,244 |
| Application fee | $75 | — |
| Enrollment | 16,357 | 19,027 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Washington university or Cornell?
It's harder to get into Cornell. Washington university accepts 12.1% of applicants, while Cornell accepts 8.8%.
Do Washington university or Cornell graduates earn more?
Cornell graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $104K vs $86K.
How much is tuition at Washington university vs Cornell?
Sticker-price tuition is $65,790 per year at Washington university and $69,314 per year at Cornell.
What SAT score do you need for Washington university or Cornell?
The median admitted SAT score is 1530 at Washington university and 1535 at Cornell; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Washington university or Cornell?
Cornell ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #23 for Washington university vs #12 for Cornell.
Which university offers more financial aid — Washington university or Cornell?
The average aid package is $75,604 at Washington university and $62,257 at Cornell.
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