Cornell University

— · New York

Cornell University

Private School

—

Country

New York

City

26793

Total Students

Private

Status

About the University

Cornell University overview

Cornell University, located in Ithaca, New York, is a private and statutory Ivy League research institution. It was founded by Ezra Cornell and Andrew Dickson White in 1865, and its motto is "I would found an institution where anyone could receive instruction in any field of study." The university was intended to teach and contribute to all areas of knowledge, from the antiquities to the sciences and from the theoretical to the practical. These unconventional principles are encapsulated in Cornell's founding principle, a popular 1868 quote from founder Ezra Cornell: "I would found an institution where anyone could receive instruction in any field of study."

Cornell's primary campus is located on East Hill in Ithaca, New York, overlooking Cayuga Lake and the city. Cornell administers two auxiliary medical campuses, one in New York City and one in Education City, Qatar, as well as Cornell Tech, a technology-focused campus on Roosevelt Island in the center of Manhattan. Cornell's Ithaca campus comprises seven undergraduate colleges and seven graduate divisions, with each college and division defining its own admission requirements and academic programs with a high degree of autonomy.

The university's seven undergraduate colleges are:

College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
College of Architecture, Art, and Planning
College of Arts and Sciences
Cornell SC Johnson College of Business
College of Engineering
College of Human Ecology
School of Industrial and Labor Relations

Cornell is a member of the Ivy League, is considered one of the world's most prestigious universities, and has produced over sixty Nobel laureates. Its research includes the sciences, humanities, and social sciences, among others. The undergraduate student population at Cornell was over 15,000 in 2023, and the graduate student population was over 7,000. Additionally, the university has a large international student body, with pupils hailing from over 120 countries. Cornell University Library is one of the United States' ten greatest academic research libraries. In its 20 constituent libraries, it holds over 8 million volumes and a variety of rare and distinct materials. Cornell University's athletic teams, known as the Big Red, compete in NCAA Division I and the Ivy League.

About the University

About Cornell University

The university's seven undergraduate colleges are:

College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
College of Architecture, Art, and Planning
College of Arts and Sciences
Cornell SC Johnson College of Business
College of Engineering
College of Human Ecology
School of Industrial and Labor Relations

City

New York

Type

Private

Number of Students

26793

#18

Times Universities

#16

QS World

#12

National Ranking

Quality Score

#12

Shanghai List

Faculties & Programs

Cornell University faculties and programs

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Scholarship Opportunities

Cornell University scholarships and financial aid

Cornell University offers financial aid to international students in the form of need-based scholarships. The university has a need-aware admission policy for international students, which means that a student's financial need may be considered when making an admission decision. However, if an international student is admitted to Cornell University and demonstrates financial need, the university is committed to meeting 100% of their demonstrated need. To be considered for need-based financial aid, international students must submit the CSS Profile during the application process. This information helps the university to assess the family's financial situation and calculate the amount of financial aid needed. Financial aid packages at Cornell University typically consist of grants and scholarships that do not have to be repaid. They may also include a work-study component, which provides students with an opportunity to work part-time on campus.

Cornell University Exam Requirements

Submitting at least one of the exams below with the required score is a prerequisite for application. The score threshold may vary by program.

IB Diploma

Min. score

ACT

Min. score

GRE

313

Min. score

Diploma Note

Min. score

SAT

1520

Min. score

GMAT

710

Min. score

IELTS

7.5

Min. score

TOEFL

100

Min. score

University GPA

3.5

Min. score

Duolingo

120

Min. score

Application Process

How to get into Cornell University

Admission Requirements for International Students

Undergraduate

Application Materials

Common App Application
Application Fee
School Report
Teacher Evaluations
Official Transcripts from Secondary School
Mid-Year Report

Academic Requirements

Successful completion of basic education
High School Diploma
Certificate in English Proficiency
- Certificate in English proficiency received through internationally recognized proficiency tests such as IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic.
High Grade Point Average
SAT or ACT Standardized Test Score (optional)
Supplemental Application Essays

Please note that AP and IB exam scores are considered additional pieces of academic information and can help the university understand your level of preparation and potential for college level work. AP and IB exam scores do not guarantee admission to Cornell University.

Graduate

Bachelor's Degree Diploma
High Grade Point Average
Official transcripts of the courses taken by the applicant during college/university education
Work experience may be required for certain programs
Certificate in English Proficiency
- Certificate in English proficiency received through internationally recognized proficiency tests such as IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT.
GRE/GMAT exam score may be required in accordance with the specific admission requirements of certain programs.

Application Deadlines

OCAK2027

Application deadline

ARALIK2027

Application deadline

* These dates are subject to change. Get in touch with our Dream Uni advisors to learn the up-to-date deadlines and all the details about the Cornell University application process.

Campus

Take a closer look at Cornell University

Ithaca Main Campus, the primary campus of Cornell University, is located in Ithaca, New York. It spans more than 2,300 acres and is known for its natural beauty, with stunning views of the Cayuga Lake, gorges, and waterfalls. The campus architecture ranges from Collegiate Gothic to modernist styles, and it includes facilities like the iconic McGraw Tower, the Herbert F. Johnson Museum of Art, and the state-of-the-art Cornell Tech building. Located on Roosevelt Island in New York City, Cornell Tech focuses on the intersection of technology, business, and creative thinking. Opened in 2017, it offers a unique blend of academic and entrepreneurial approaches.

Weill Cornell Medicine, also located in New York City, comprises the Weill Cornell Medical College, the Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical Sciences, and the Weill Cornell Physician Organization. It's known for its cutting-edge research, exemplary patient care, and excellent medical education. Located in Geneva, New York, Cornell AgriTech focuses on food and agricultural technology. Its research has greatly impacted New York state's agriculture industry. Cornell SC Johnson College of Business, while primarily located on the main Ithaca campus, operates an executive MBA program in New York City. Cornell's College of Veterinary Medicine, based on the main campus in Ithaca, houses the Cornell Ruffian Equine Specialists facility near Belmont Park in Elmont, New York.

Moreover, Cornell University also operates several other facilities and research centers in different parts of the world. For example, it operates the Shoals Marine Laboratory, a seasonal marine field station on Appledore Island, Maine, in cooperation with the University of New Hampshire. Additionally, the university is affiliated with the Boyce Thompson Institute, an independent research institution located on its Ithaca campus that focuses on plant sciences.

Campus Life

The vibrant campus life at Cornell University contributes to the overall educational experience of its students. More than a thousand student organizations at Cornell cater to a broad range of interests. Academic and professional societies, service organizations, cultural and identity groups, arts and performance groups, recreational sports clubs, and Greek life (fraternities and sororities) are examples. First-year students are required to reside on campus, with the majority opting to do so in one of Cornell's residential communities. There are several lodging options for students, including traditional dormitories, program houses, and co-operative houses. Graduate and professional students can reside in graduate housing complexes on the Cornell campus or locate off-campus housing in the Ithaca region.

Cornell Dining is ranked among the finest in the nation for its culinary quality and commitment to sustainability. On campus, the university has numerous refreshment locations offering a variety of options. The university has multiple fitness centers, an indoor climbing wall, swimming pools, and recreational and competitive sports fields. Additionally, Cornell offers numerous physical education courses, club sports, and intramural sports. Cornell's arts community is vibrant, with the Herbert F. Johnson Museum of Art on campus and numerous music, theater, and dance performances throughout the year. These subjects are available to students independent of their discipline. Cornell provides students with a variety of support services, including academic advising, career services, health services, counseling and psychological services, and international student support.

Cornell University has a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion, and as a result, the university provides students from a wide range of backgrounds, identities, and experiences with access to a wide variety of services and support groups. The institution has made a strong commitment to sustainability by launching a number of programs that aim to lessen its overall carbon footprint, advance sustainable practices in academic research and teaching, and include the local community in local sustainability activities.

Living

Cornell University cost of living

Achievements

Cornell University awards and achievements

61 Nobel Laureates
4 Turing Award Winners
1 Fields Medalist
34 Marshall Scholars
33 Rhodes Scholars
29 Truman Scholars
7 Gates Scholars
63 Olympic Medalists

Cornell University Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Cornell University?

The city of Ithaca, New York, in the state of New York, is home to Cornell University in the United States. It is located in the Finger Lakes region of upstate New York, which is well-known for the natural beauty of the area, including its gorges and waterfalls. There are more campuses associated with Cornell, such as Weill Cornell Medicine in New York City and Cornell Tech on Roosevelt Island, both of which are located inside the city of New York.

How can I apply to Cornell University?

Before applying, make sure your academic interests line up with the courses and research possibilities available by becoming familiar with the programs offered at Cornell University. Make sure you satisfy the prerequisites for international students' general admission, including English language competence (TOEFL or IELTS scores) and successful completion of secondary education (equivalent to a US high school certificate). You need to create an account on an online application platform. Cornell University accepts applications over the Common App. After creating an account on one of the application platforms, you should complete the application form online, including your personal information, academic history, and extracurricular activities. Please note that Cornell University will ask you to answer specific questions, some of which will require you to write essay(s). You will also need evaluations from your teachers in different subjects. Submit your SAT or ACT scores or AP scores. Note that Cornell University may have specific score requirements for different subjects and programs. International applicants must also provide their TOEFL or IELTS scores to demonstrate English proficiency.

What are the programs offered at Cornell University?

Programs offered at Cornell University include but are not limited to; Africana Studies, Agricultural Sciences, American Studies, Animal Science, Anthropology, Applied Economics and Management, Archaeology, Architecture, Asian Studies, Astronomy, Atmospheric Science, Biological Engineering, Biological Sciences, Biology & Society, Biomedical Engineering, Biometry and Statistics, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, China and Asia-Pacific Studies, Civil Engineering, Classics (Classics, Classical Civ., Greek, Latin), Cognitive Science, Communication, Comparative Literature, Computer Science, Design and Environmental Analysis, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, Economics, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Engineering Physics, English, Entomology, Environment & Sustainability, Environmental Engineering, Feminist, Gender & Sexuality Studies, Fiber Science and Apparel Design, Fine Arts, Food Science, French, German Studies, Global & Public Health Sciences, Global Development, Government, Health Care Policy, History, History of Art, Hotel Administration, Human Biology, Health and Society, Human Development, Industrial and Labor Relations, Information Science, Information Science, Systems, and Technology, Italian, Landscape Architecture, Linguistics, Materials Science and Engineering, Mathematics, Mechanical Engineering, Music, Near Eastern Studies, Nutritional Sciences, Operations Research and Engineering, Performing and Media Arts, Philosophy, Physics, Plant Sciences, Policy Analysis and Management, Psychology, Religious Studies, Science and Technology Studies, Sociology, Spanish, Statistical Science, Urban and Regional Studies, Viticulture and Enology.

What are the standardized test score requirements of Cornell University?

Cornell University is a highly selective university and test score requirements vary based on programs. However, average test scores are; SAT: 1450 - 1560, ACT: 33 - 35, and average English language test scores are; IELTS: 7.5+, TOEFL iBT: 100+.

How can I gain admission to Cornell University?

As an Ivy League school and one of the best universities in the world, Cornell University is a highly selective university with a rigorous application process. There is no formula for gaining admission to Cornell University. There are, however, certain steps to guide you through the admissions process. We highly recommend you to learn about the programs, values, and requirements of Cornell University before submitting an application. Cornell University has high academic expectations for its students. Excel in your high school or secondary school education, focusing on subjects that are related to the program you would like to apply to. Cornell University students are held to rigorous academic standards. Even though many colleges and universities in the US adopted a test-blind policy, we still strongly recommend you to sit standardized tests as your test scores may help you to get ahead of your peers during the admissions process. In addition, your academic success, a high grade point average, standardized test scores (SAT/ACT), English proficiency test (IELTS/TOEFL) scores, the rigor of the courses you have taken during high school education or as part of IB or AP programs, extracurricular activities you have participated in, especially in your areas of interest, any awards you have won, letters of recommendation from your teachers and mentors, your essays (Personal Statement/Essay) and finally your success in the interview will make you competitive applicant.