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Cornell University: Rankings, Popular Courses, Fees
- Private University
2300 acre campus- Estd. 1865
Last updated on 5 Aug '26Cornell UniversityWhat's new?
- Cornell University admissions remain extremely competitive and applying in Early Decision has a higher acceptance rate than regular decisions.
- Cornell University MEng Computer Science deadline for Spring intake deadline is Oct 1, 2026.
- As per Poets & Quants for UG Programs for 2026, Cornell University's Dyson SC Johnson ranks at #3.
About Cornell University - Why is it a top choice for Indian students?
Indian students can get a Tata Scholarship endowed by Ratan Tata and it funds 20 students at Cornell University, covering 100% of demonstrated financial need for the full degree. Cornell University is widely considered the easiest Ivy League university to get into. Cornell is a private Ivy League research university there in Ithaca, New York, USA.
See why you should choose Cornell -
- Placements: As per the Cornell MBA class of 2025, 85% of these grads received a job offer within 3 months of graduation along with an average base salary of USD 158,426 (INR 1.5 Cr), offering a massive ROI on the Cornell MBA fee.
- Accreditation and Rankings: As per the 2026 edition of the National Universities ranking by U.S. News & World Report, Cornell University ranking is #13 in 2026. Cornell Tech and the Medical School, and a branch of the medical school in Al Rayyan. Cornell University has been accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE). The Cornell QS Ranking for the year 2027 is #17 in the world.
- Cornell Campus: The main campus of this university is in Ithaca and it spans 2,300 acres. There are three satellite campuses of this university too, including two in New York City.
- Popular Courses: The STEM courses like Computer Science, Engineering, Hotel Administration and Architecture at Cornell are the most popular among Indian students. Indian students generally go for UG courses and Cornell's UG Architecture course consistently ranks the most admired in the US.
- Cornell University vs UC Berkeley: Cornell University is a private university while UC Berkeley is a public one. Both institutions are highly respected for their STEM courses. Under the US News and World Ranking 2026, Cornell ranks lower than UC Berkeley, which ranked #6 in the world. Despite Cornell being the easiest Ivy League University to get into, its acceptance rate is 8.9% (official source), and for UC Berkeley, it is 11.4% (7.3% for international students). Read the full comparison in the PDF given: Cornell vs UC Berkeley
Acceptance Rate and Entrance Requirements at Cornell
Cornell acceptance rate for Indian students ranges between 7% and 9% for most years, indicating that this university is very selective. So, this university offers a holistic review process evaluating four core pillars which are academic potential, strength of character, active community involvement, and specific fit.
Look at the given info on what exactly Cornell looks for -
-
- GPA between 3.8 and 4.0 and depth in subjects like Math, Science and Writing courses even when you are choosing a Humanities-focused major.
- The university wants candidates with real character, purpose, fairness and compassion. These qualities are often assessed by the LORs and personal essays
- Cornell wants students who go beyond the classroom. They highly value extracurricular activities, summer jobs, internships, college fests and volunteer work
Pro Tip for Indian Students: Many high-achieving students' applications are rejected by Cornell each year just because of not following the right strategy and the support of experienced Study Abroad Counsellors. At Shiksha Study Abroad, we have many. They will help you with every single step in the application process, providing excellent guidance till you get an offer from Cornell or another top university. Register now: Top Study Abroad Consultants in India.
What are Cornell University Reviews by Indian Students?
As per the reviews given by Indian students for Cornell University on the Shiksha Study Abroad platform, a rating of 4.4 out of 5 has been given. Some of the student reviews are-
- The professors at this university are very helpful. The campus of Cornell is well connected as there are city buses called TCAT which run through the campus and connect different parts of the campus
- Cornell University is a big campus with a diverse population. There are 15,000+ UG students
- There are many on-campus jobs available, such as in libraries, dining halls, cafes, RA and TA positions, etc.
- As per Arhan Chaudhary (Batch of 2024 MEng in CS), Cornell is an amazing university for anyone who wants to do Computer Science or Engineering in general
- Many options are available for students who want to experience college life in Ithaca. Students can go for hiking around Ithaca or slope day.
|
Particulars |
Stats |
|---|---|
|
Established |
1865 |
|
Location |
Ithaca, New York |
|
Acceptance rate |
8.9% |
|
Placement Rate |
85% (within 3 months of Graduation) |
|
Average Base Salary after Graduation |
USD 158,426 (INR 1.5 Cr) |
|
Type of university |
Private, land-grant research university |
|
No. of courses |
|
|
Total no. of students |
26,000+ |
|
No. of international students |
6,900+ |
|
Popular courses |
MBA, MSc in CS, MPS |
|
Campus size |
2,300 acres (Main campus) |
|
No. of UG students |
16,138 |
|
No. of PG students |
10,423 |
|
Notable alumni |
Bill Nye, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Christopher Reeve |
(USD 1 = INR 95.12)
Cornell University Related Videos -
Commonly asked questions On Highlights
Yes, Cornell actively recruits and welcomes Indian talent, with many already enrolled there. In fact, Indian students are one of the largest groups at Cornell.
As per the selectivity, the Cornell admissions are brutal with its acceptance rate going as low as 8.9%. It is even less for international students.
Also, Indian students are eligible to apply for the Tata Scholarship, which funds 20 UG students every year. It covers the Cornell tuition for the full duration of 4 years Bachelors degree.
It is not called a fake Ivy, at least not officially. Cornell University remains a fully legitimate and important member of the Ivy League athletic conference. The below given maybe the reasons for Cornell being called a fake Ivy -
- While being selective, Cornell acceptance rate is much higher than that of other members of the Ivy League like Harvard and Stanford.
- Cornell is the the youngest Ivy League with its founding year 1865. Unlike older Ivies built for the rich, this university was founded on modern and egalitarian principles which advocated inclusion of all races and genders from day 1.
Yes, Cornell University is an Ivy League university. It is privately endowed research university. The university is located in Ithaca, New York. The main campus of the university i.e. Ithaca provides the experience of a traditional college campus, residence halls, eateries, academic buildings, libraries, and research facilities. But, because of the natural beauty, the nearby lake, natural waterfalls, and gardens sets the campus apart from other universities in Ivy League. The Ivy League universities is a group of prestigious private universities in the US, which are known for their academic excellence, rich history and selective admission process.
Cornell University is a very competitive university when it comes to admissions. Its acceptance rate is a proof of that. Cornell University acceptance rate is 8.9%. The Class of 2029 admitted 5,800+ students. To prepare for Cornell application, follow the steps given below:
- Understanding entry requirements
- Prepare early for the application as possible
- Regularly check the emails
- Submit the required documents such as portfolios
Also Read: What are Ivy League Universities in USA?
Cornell University Ranking 2026
Cornell University is one of the most prominent universities in the USA. If we see Cornell University rankings, top ranking bodies all over the globe rank it. According to Shiksha Popularity Rankings 2026, Cornell University is ranked at #10 in the USA. Whereas, in the world rankings, Cornell University ranking is #16 in 2026. Subject rankings of the Cornell University are #5 for MArch, #9 for MS, #14 for MBA, #14 for LLM.
By Other Ranking Bodies
Apart from Shiksha Popularity ranking, QS has also ranked the university globally. Cornell University QS ranking is #16 in 2027. Also, Cornell University ranking is #18 by THE in 2026, globally. For its subjects, the university has been ranked by some of the prominent ranking publishers such as in the Financial Times MBA rankings, the university ranks at #15 in 2026. In the QS Global MBA rankings 2026, Cornell ranks at #33.
Also Check: Top 100 Ranked Universities in USA
Cornell University Courses for Indian Students
Cornell Uni offers 80+ majors at the UG level. At the Graduate level too, 80+ courses are there. At Cornell, there are 8 UG divisions and 7 Graduate divisions. Study fields at the UG level are Architecture, Astronomy, Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Computer Science, Civil Engineering.
Cornell University Popular Courses
MBA, MS in Computer Science, MPS in Data Science and Applied Statistics, MEng in Engineering Management are some of the popular courses of Cornell among Indian students. MBA course is one of the most popular course of Cornell University and its duration is 2 years. The duration of MSc in CS is also 2 years.
4.0(2)10 months - 5 years
14.8K+ students got admitted through us.
We can fast-track your application in a week.
How to get into Cornell University from India?
For Cornell University admissions to UG courses, students can apply via Common App. For PG courses, students can apply from the direct university's portal. Application fee for UG courses is USD 85 (Around INR 7,600). MBA application fee is USD 250. The application fee for graduate courses vary.
What are Cornell University Application Deadlines for 2026?
The application deadlines for Cornell University PG courses vary as per the courses. For UG, Fall 2026 deadlines are now closed. Indian students have to now wait until August 2026 for the portal to open again for Fall 2027 intake. Below are the tentative timelines for Fall 2027 intake for UG courses:
| Particulars | Application Deadline |
|---|---|
| Early Decision (Tentative) | Nov 1, 2026 |
| Regular Decision (Tentative) | Jan 2, 2027 |
Cornell University Requirements for Indian Students
- Previous year's academic transcripts
- Counsellor recommendation
- Standardized test scores (if required)
- GMAT / GRE
- Letters of recommendation
- Evidence of English language proficiency
What are Cornell University Undergraduate Requirements?
For admission to Cornell University UG courses, Indian students should have completed high school. English language proficiency is also required. For this they can submit IELTS score of 7.5 / TOEFL score of 100 / Duolingo score of 130.
What are Cornell University Postgraduate Requirements?
To take admission to Cornell Uni PG courses, the students are required to have a Bachelor's degree at least. For some courses, work experience and GMAT / GRE scores may also be required.
- Application fees :USD 80 - 200
- Type of deadline :Depends on course
Documents| Type of documents | Applicable for |
|---|---|
| SOP | Needed for few courses |
| LOR | Needed for few courses |
| Essays | Needed for few courses |
| CV | Needed for few courses |
| Additional documents | Required |
Cornell UniversityCornell University Scholarships for Indian students
Cornell Ithaca provides need-based financial aid to admitted international students. It does not offer merit, athletic or talent-based aid to students. For first-year Indian students of Cornell, a Tata Scholarship is available. This fund supports around 20 scholars at any point in time and ensures that the very best Indian students can study at Cornell, despite their circumstances. Some of the details of Cornell University scholarships are given below:
| Scholarship Type | Name | Amount Disbursed | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Need-based | Tata Scholarship (for Indian students) | Duration of UG studies | UG |
| Need-based | Financial Aid | 100% of the demonstrated financial need | UG |
How to get a scholarship for Cornell University?
- Process: Cornell's first year international students who want to get a grant or scholarship during their UG studies should complete the CSS profile when they apply for admission. To apply for this financial aid, students have to apply till Nov 1, 2026 (Early Decision).
- For UG students: For Tata scholarship, students must have been offered admission to Cornell as an UG student and must be eligible for need-based financial aid
Cornell University Popular Courses
12 monthsCornell University Job Outcomes
The top industries where the 2025 MBA graduates of Cornell work are Technology, Financial Services, Consulting / Professional Services, Consumer Packaged Goods, Healthcare, Manufacturing, etc. The top employers of the MBA graduates of Class of 2025 are Amazon, Accenture, Citi, EY, JP Morgan Chase & Co., Morgan Stanley, etc.
A few of the International students can work up to 20 hours per week when the classes are in session.
What is Cornell University Placement Rate?
For the UG Class of 2025, Cornell University placement rate is 91.3% within six months of graduation. Also, 85% of total MBA graduates accepted offers within the 3 months of graduation. The salary details of the UG students are given below:
| Particulars | Salary |
|---|---|
| Mean starting salary | USD 89,055 per year (Around INR 85 L) |
| Top industries | Financial services, Technology, Human Healthcare Services, Consulting, etc. |
What are the average placements and salaries at Cornell?
The median-base MBA salary for the graduates of Cornell is USD 175,000 and the average base salary is USD 161,967.
| Course | Annual Fee (Investment) | Salary (ROI) |
|---|---|---|
| MBA | INR 72.3 L | USD 175,000 (Around 1.52 Cr) |
| UG | INR 57.86 L - 60.67 L | USD 89,055 (Around INR 85 L) |
Also Check: Part-Time Jobs in USA for Indian Students
Cornell UniversityStudent profile
Others
54%
Asian
23%
Hispanic
14%
Black
7%
Out of state
57%
In state
32%
Foreign
9%
24 and under
99%
UG Number of Applicant
Overall Graduation Rate
UG Enrollment
PG Enrollment
Cornell UniversityStudying in USA
Key Facts About USA
Insights on education, demographics & weather.
Cornell University FAQs
Yes, Cornell requires students to submit an English language proficiency score. UG international students can submit IELTS / TOEFL / Duolingo test scores. For PG courses, students can submit IELTS / TOEFL scores. The minimum scores required for admission to Graduate courses can vary. The minimum test scores required for admission to UG courses are:
Tests | Minimum Score |
|---|---|
IELTS | 7.5 |
TOEFL | 100 |
Duolingo | 130 |
The duration of Cornell University Master of Engineering (MEng) in Computer Science is two-semester professional degree program. It is designed to enhance practical skills and roughly involves six courses and a project. If students have majored in CS or a related field as an Undergraduate, then this course can be studied to deepen technical expertise. The applicants of this course are also applicable for Computer Science Master of Engineering Diversity Scholarship.
To get into Cornell University MS in CS, the applicants should apply online through the Graduate School. The entry requirements are given below:
- A Bachelor's degree in CS is required
- Academic transcripts
- Three letters of recommendation
- An essay
- IELTS score of 7.0 / TOEFL
- GRE scores
Yes, Cornell is an NCAA Division I institution. The university offers 37 varsity sports teams for men and women. The athletic teams of this university are known as the Cornell Big Red. Furthermore, this university is home to one of the largest intramural sports programs in the country and the most comprehensive collegiate outdoor education programme in the U.S. Apart from the athletics, there are intramural sports available too for students. Students can find more than 30 leagues and tournaments each academic year.
As such, no minimum score has been mentioned by Cornell for admission to MBA. However, for the MBA Class Profile of 2025 and 2024, the average GMAT score of students is 710. Generally, the average score required is between 660 and 760. Apart from this, the applicants should submit academic records and transcripts, resume, TOEFL / IELTS score, a LOR, etc.
The athletic teams of Cornell are known by the name Cornell Big Red. The university has 37 varsity sports teams for men and women. It is NCAA Division I institution. The varsity athletic teams of this university consistently challenge for NCAA Division I titles in a number of sports, including men's wrestling, men's ice hockey, men's lacrosse, and rowing. Some of the athletic teams at this university are:
- Men's sports teams at the university are baseball, football, golf, basketball, soccer, tennis, swimming & diving, etc.
- Women's sports teams are tennis, basketball, softball, field hockey, track & field, etc.
Cornell University was the last to join the Ivy League and is also the youngest. Founded in 1865, Cornell was approximately 95 years younger than the second Ivy, Dartmouth College. Cornell is one of the eight member schools of the Ivy League. It is a private Ivy League land-grant research university located in Ithaca, New York. The other members of the Ivy League are Brown University, Harvard University, Columbia University, Dartmouth College, University of Pennsylvania, Yale University, and Princeton University.
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Cornell UniversityLocation
| University City | Ithaca, New York, USA |
| Size of city | Small |
| Population of City | 30,756 |
Cornell UniversityCampuses
Ithaca, NY 14850, USA
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