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Cornell University

Ithaca, New York · Private · 15,995 undergrads

Cornell admits 8.4% of applicants (fall 2025, Common Data Set 2025-26), requires the SAT or ACT for fall 2027, and regular decision is due Jan 2, 2027.

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Can I get into Cornell?

8.4% of applicants get in

Almost everyone who applies is turned down, including many students with perfect grades. The middle half of enrolled first-years who sent scores had 1490–1550 on the SAT.

Add your SAT to see where you sit

Likely: even the low end of our estimate is 60% or more, and the college admits at least 25% of applicants. Target: our estimate is 30% or more. Reach: our estimate is under 30%, or the college admits under 15%. Long shot: our estimate is under 12%, or the college admits under 12%. Estimates use the college's admit rate and score range plus your grades and scores. They are not a promise.

72,523 applied, 6,077 admitted, fall 2025 (Common Data Set).

What does Cornell cost?

$33,934 a year

What students who got federal aid paid on average after grants, 2024-25. The sticker price, with housing and food, is $92,093.

Tap your family income:

Average paid after grants by family income
under $30,000$6,371
$30,000–$48,000$6,152
$48,000–$75,000$6,797
$75,000–$110,000$13,422
over $110,000$55,935

Own a business or have divorced parents? Run Cornell's own calculator.

Net price 2024-25, College Scorecard.

Does Cornell need the SAT or ACT?Required

Yes.

Required for fall 2027. Plan to take the SAT or ACT and send your best score.

Which colleges require scores

Checked on admissions.cornell.edu Nov 2, 2026. See the source

What it's like

15,995
undergrads. Big, with lots of choices and some big lectures.
City
Campus setting in Ithaca, NY.
98%
of first-years come back for year two.
87%
finish in four years. 95% within six.
$113.5k
median pay 10 years after starting.
$12k
median federal debt at graduation.

Lists Cornell is on

Colleges that require the SAT or ACTDeadlines after Jan 1Most selective in New YorkColleges for a 1500 SATColleges for a 34 ACTCheapest after aid, families under $30kCheapest after aid, families $48–75k

Questions people ask

Is Cornell University test-optional for fall 2027?
No. Cornell requires the SAT or ACT for students entering in fall 2027. Checked on admissions.cornell.edu on Nov 2, 2026.
What is Cornell University's acceptance rate?
8.4% for fall 2025: 6,077 of 72,523 applicants were admitted (Common Data Set).
What SAT score do you need for Cornell University?
The middle half of enrolled first-years who sent SAT scores had 1490 to 1550 (Common Data Set, fall 2025). A quarter scored higher and a quarter lower, so a score in that range is typical, not a cutoff.
How much does Cornell University cost for a family earning $60,000?
Families earning $48,000–$75,000 paid an average of $6,797 a year after grants in 2024-25 (students who got federal aid). The sticker price is $92,093.
When is the Cornell University application deadline for fall 2027?
Early decision closed Nov 1, 2026. Regular decision is due Jan 2, 2027. Checked on admissions.cornell.edu on Nov 5, 2026.
Does Cornell University have early decision?
Yes. 1,889 of 10,057 early decision applicants were admitted (19%) in fall 2025. Early decision is binding: if you're admitted, you go.