---
title: Cornell University — PickACampus
description: Explore Cornell University: a private Ithaca, NY institution with a 9% acceptance rate, 95% graduation rate, and $87,830 median starting salary.
url: https://pickacampus.com/college/13
last_updated: 2026-06-03
---

# Cornell University

Cornell University is a private institution located in Ithaca, New York, with a total enrollment of 15,995 students. The university maintains a 9:1 student-faculty ratio and reports a 95% graduation rate, with a median starting salary for graduates of $87,830. Admission is highly competitive, featuring a 9% acceptance rate and an average SAT score of 1535.

## Overview
- Location: Ithaca, NY
- Type: Private
- Setting: urban
- Total enrollment: 15,995

## Admissions
- Acceptance rate: 9%
- Average SAT: 1,535
- Average ACT: 34
- Average GPA: 4.05

## Cost
- In-state tuition: $69,314
- Out-of-state tuition: $69,314
- Room and board: $19,428
- Average financial aid: $47,000
- Average student debt at graduation: $14,000

## Outcomes
- 6-year graduation rate: 95%
- 4-year graduation rate: 87%
- Freshman retention: 98%
- Employment rate: 93%
- Average starting salary: $87,830

## Academics
- Student-faculty ratio: 9:1
- Average class size: 18
- Classes under 20 students: 55%

## Notable
["Cornell has its own deep gorge and waterfalls right on campus.","The university offers over 100 fields of study, including hotel administration and industrial labor relations.","Cornell is home to the largest university library system in the Ivy League.","The Cornell Dairy Bar serves ice cream made on campus from Cornell's own dairy cows."]

## Traditions
[{"name":"Dragon Day","description":"Architecture students parade a giant dragon across campus."},{"name":"Slope Day","description":"Annual end-of-year concert and celebration on Libe Slope."},{"name":"Chimesmasters","description":"Students play the Cornell Chimes in McGraw Tower daily."}]

## Notable alumni
[{"name":"Ruth Bader Ginsburg","description":"Former Associate Justice of the Supreme Court."},{"name":"Bill Nye","description":"Beloved science educator and television personality."},{"name":"Toni Morrison","description":"Nobel Prize-winning author of 'Beloved'."},{"name":"Drew Barrymore","description":"Actress, producer, and talk show host."},{"name":"Mae C. Jemison","description":"First African American woman in space."}]

## Common questions

Q: What is Cornell University's acceptance rate?
A: Cornell University's acceptance rate is 9%.

Q: How much does Cornell University cost?
A: Tuition at Cornell University is $69,314 per year, before room and board and fees.

Q: Where is Cornell University located?
A: Cornell University is located in Ithaca, NY.

Q: What SAT score do you need for Cornell University?
A: The average SAT score at Cornell University is 1,535.

Q: What is the graduation rate at Cornell University?
A: Cornell University has a 6-year graduation rate of 95%.

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