Cornell University, founded in 1865, is an Ivy League institution with a unique public-private structure. Its campuses in Ithaca and New York City offer programs ranging from agriculture to architecture. Cornell's colleges include contract schools like the School of Industrial and Labor Relations, serving New York State. The university's research spans from the Arecibo Observatory to the Tech Campus in NYC.
Cornell's interdisciplinary approach encourages collaboration across its 14 schools. The scenic Ithaca campus features gorges and cutting-edge facilities. Alumni include Nobel winners, astronauts, and culinary innovators. Cornell's blend of Ivy prestige and practical innovation makes it a standout among elite universities.
Cornell University Acceptance Rate
Cornell University is one of the most selective universities in the USA. With an acceptance rate of 7.47%, the institution utilizes a Holistic Review process to identify students with exceptional intellectual depth.
Admissions Guidelines
- Elite Standards: Admitted students typically rank in the top 2-5% of their high school class.
- Curriculum Rigor: AP, IB, or Honors courses are essential to validate academic readiness.
- Character & Impact: Beyond grades, leadership, research, and unique 'spikes' in extracurriculars drive decisions.
At this level of selectivity, meeting average GPA and test scores is considered the 'baseline.' Because Cornell University values intellectual curiosity, your supplemental essays and personal recommendations are critical in distinguishing your application from thousands of other high-achieving candidates.
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem .
Cornell University Admission Requirements
Cornell University GPA Requirement
The average GPA of the admitted students at Cornell University is 3.9. This indicates extreme selectivity in admissions.
To have strong chances, you must aim for straight A’s in all courses.
If your GPA is between 3.6 and 3.9, then you need a high SAT or ACT score to compensate.
Cornell University GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Extreme selectivity; requires elite academic standing.
Recommended Strategy: High Course Rigor (AP/IB/Honors) to validate the grade.
Admissions at Cornell University utilize a Holistic Review process. With an average admitted GPA of 3.9, the following table illustrates how your specific academic profile aligns with institutional expectations.
| Candidate GPA Range | Admission Category | Strategic Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| 3.90 – 4.00 | Academic Target | Maintain Rigor & High Testing |
| 3.70 – 3.89 | Competitive Match | Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation |
| 3.50 – 3.69 | Secondary Reach | Personal Statement & Impact |
| Below 3.49 | Institutional Reach | Requires Significant Contextual Factors |
Expert Insight: 2026 Evaluation Metrics
- The Rigor Metric: At Cornell University, a slightly lower GPA (e.g., 3.8) in a transcript featuring multiple AP or IB courses is often prioritized over a 4.0 in a standard curriculum.
- The Upward Trend: If your early high school grades were lower, an upward trajectory in 11th and 12th grade demonstrates Academic Resilience.
Data Source: Verified via IPEDS and latest Common Data Set (CDS). Reviewed by our academic board led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis
Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
Calculated via College Portal’s Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards.
Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
Cornell University SAT Requirements
Each school has different requirements for SAT and ACT testing. For the 2026 academic cycle, the landscape of standardized testing has shifted back toward Test-Required policies at the majority of highly selective and Ivy+ institutions. Following a multi-year "Test-Optional" pilot, data-driven results have led universities like Harvard, Yale, Brown, and the University of Texas at Austin to reinstate the SAT and ACT as mandatory components of the application.
In this competitive environment, standardized scores are no longer elective; they serve as a critical standardized benchmark to validate high school GPA and course rigor. Applicants should aim for scores within or above the middle 50% range of the 2025 admitted class to remain viable in the Holistic Review process. At institutions that remain test-optional, submitting a high-percentile score is still the primary strategy for securing merit-based scholarships and distinguishing one's profile in a high-volume applicant pool.
Cornell University Average SAT Score: 1527
The average SAT score of the admitted students at Cornell University is 1527 on the 1600 SAT scale.
Cornell University SAT Competitiveness
This score makes it Extremely Competitive for SAT test scores. You need to do extremely well to score 1527 on the SAT.
Key Insight:Aim for the 75th percentile (1570 SAT or 35 ACT) to stand out. If your scores are below average, consider retaking the test. Cornell University allows Score Choice for the SAT and Superscoring for the ACT, giving you flexibility to submit your best scores.
If your score is below 1470, you must retake the SAT to improve your chances of admission to Cornell University. It is not strange to appear multiple times for the SAT to improve scores. Colleges don’t mind if you have appeared multiple times, but not more than 5 times.
Cornell University SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | 780 | 760 | 800 |
| SAT Reading | 740 | 710 | 770 |
| SAT Composite | 1527 | 1470 | 1570 |
It means that if you have scored less than 1470 then you are below most of the admitted students at Cornell University and your chances of admission are very few. But if you have scored 1570 or more, your chances of admission are higher. 25th percentile means that only 25% of the admitted students have fewer scores than this score. 75th percentile marks the score of the upper 25% of the students. View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 1550
Can I get into Cornell University with a 1550 SAT?
With a 1550 SAT Score, your chances of admission at Cornell University are good but the admission staff at Cornell University tests your all-around personality and your academics. Your GPA, Class performance, SAT/ACT/Test scores, and AP or IB Courses can help your application stand out. Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and interpersonal communication skills are very important. Additionally, if you cannot perform well in one area, you have a chance to showcase your strengths and abilities in other areas, improving other areas will help you secure admission. You need to show better performance in all areas. An equally high GPA, taking IB or AP Courses and your role in leadership activities will increase your chances of admission. However, if you equally compete well in all other areas, your chances of admission are high.
Cornell University ACT Requirements
The average ACT Score at Cornell University is 34.
Cornell University ACT Competitiveness
This score makes Cornell University Extremely Competitive for ACT scores. You need to do extremely well to score 34 on the ACT.
Cornell University ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACT Math | 34 | 32 | 35 |
| ACT English | 35 | 34 | 36 |
| ACT Composite | 34 | 33 | 35 |
Can I get into Cornell University with a 35 ACT?
With a 35 ACT Score, your chances of admission at Cornell University are good but the admission staff does not check your ACT Score only. The College Admission process tests your all-around personality and academics. Your GPA, Class performance, SAT/ACT/Test scores, and AP or IB Courses can help your application stand out. Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and interpersonal communication skills are very important. Additionally, if you cannot perform well in one area, you have a chance to showcase your strengths and abilities in other areas, improving other areas will help you secure admission.
View a list of all colleges with an average ACT score of 34.Cornell University Profile
Name: Cornell University
Accredited by: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSACHE)
Elite Strategy: The 'Spike' Approach
To be successful at a world-class institution like Cornell University, you must move beyond being 'well-rounded' and demonstrate that you are institutionally necessary.
Elite schools favor 'pointy' students; those who are world-class in one niche. Achieve national-level recognition or produce original research rather than joining ten generic clubs.
Demonstrate 'self-driven learning.' This includes graduate-level coursework, mastering a complex skill independently, or attending top-tier summer programs (RSI/TASP).
Avoid safe, cliché topics. Use the supplemental essays to showcase creative risk-taking, quirky intellectualism, and authentic personality.
Admissions officers prioritize 'Founders' and 'Change-makers' over 'Office-holders.' Document quantifiable impact—what did you build that didn't exist before?
Does a degree from Cornell University Worth It?
Getting into Cornell University can be a great opportunity for many students. It is a prestigious institution known for its strong programs. However, whether it is worth it depends on your personal and academic goals, as well as your financial situation. Cornell University offers a rigorous academic environment and access to cutting-edge research, but it may not be the best fit for everyone. It's important to consider factors such as cost, location, and specific academic programs when making this decision. Please note that the average household income of the admitted students at Cornell University is USD: 80346.48 and unemployment rate is 3.2%.
How much does a degree from Cornell University Cost?The average annual cost of the degree at Cornell University is USD: 80278. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at Cornell University is much less than this.
How can I get a scholarship?
17.65% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 23.18 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to Cornell University and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At Cornell University, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist Cornell University as your choice in the form.
How much a Cornell University Graduate make?
The average annual salary of the Cornell University graduate after 4-6 years of graduation is USD 104043. An average Cornell University graduate makes this much after 10 years of enrollment (4-6 years after graduation).
The average annual income of a graduate in the United States is USD: 40595
Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than Cornell University. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower than the requirements of Cornell University, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Claremont McKenna College | Claremont McKenna College, CA | 1514 | 34 |
| Georgetown University | Georgetown University, DC | 1507 | 34 |
| Emory University | Emory University, GA | 1493 | 33 |
| Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus | Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus, GA | 1480 | 33 |
| University of Notre Dame | University of Notre Dame, IN | 1515 | 34 |
| Grinnell College | Grinnell College, IA | 1480 | 33 |
| Bates College | Bates College, ME | 1480 | 33 |
| Colby College | Colby College, ME | 1501 | 33 |
| Amherst College | Amherst College, MA | 1513 | 34 |
| Boston College | Boston College, MA | 1500 | 34 |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as Cornell University. If your SAT or ACT score are competitive for Cornell University, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pomona College | Pomona College, CA | 1520 | 34 |
| University of Southern California | University of Southern California, CA | 1520 | 34 |
| University of Chicago | University of Chicago, IL | 1532 | 35 |
| Northwestern University | Northwestern University, IL | 1526 | 34 |
| Bowdoin College | Bowdoin College, ME | 1520 | 34 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than Cornell University. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology | Massachusetts Institute of Technology, MA | 1560 | 36 |
Degree Programs
Bachelor Degree Programs
- Agricultural Business and Management
- Agricultural Engineering
- Agricultural Production Operations
- Agriculture, General
- Animal Sciences
- Anthropology
- Apparel and Textiles
- Archeology
- Architectural History and Criticism
- Architectural Sciences and Technology
Frequently Asked Questions About Cornell University Admissions
Answer: Graduates of this university typically earn a high salary, $104043 annually, depending on the industry.
Question: What is the tuition fee for Cornell University?
Answer: The tuition fee at this university is quite high, approximately $80278 or more per year for out-of-state students, so it is important to consider additional funding options.
Question: What are my chances of getting a scholarship at Cornell University?
Answer: Your chances of getting a scholarship are lower, 50% or less. It's important to apply early and showcase a strong academic profile.
Question: What is the acceptance rate for Cornell University?
Answer: The acceptance rate of Cornell University is 7.47 which is extremely low. Admission is highly competitive, and only the top candidates are accepted.
Question: What is the average GPA of admitted students at Cornell University?
Answer: The average GPA of admitted students is 3.9. This reflects the competitive academic profile expected from applicants.
Question: What is the minimum GPA required for admission to Cornell University?
Answer: The minimum GPA required for admission is typically around 3.6, though this can vary depending on other factors such as test scores, extracurriculars, and essays.
Question: What are my chances at Cornell University with a 3.6 GPA?
Answer: If your GPA is 3.6 or less, it may makes admission difficult. However, your chances may improve if you have strong test scores, extracurricular activities, and essays.
Question: Can I apply to Cornell University if my GPA is below 3.5
Answer: While the average GPA of admitted students is 3.9, applicants with lower GPAs can still be considered if they have strong test scores, extracurriculars, and compelling personal essays that demonstrate resilience and potential.
Question: How competitive is the SAT score requirement for Cornell University?
Answer: Admission to Cornell University is based on SAT, and a strong SAT score is essential. Aim for scores above 1527 for the best chances, although the overall application strength also matters. Your SAT must be in the range of 1470-1570
Question: Is it possible to transfer to Cornell University from another university?
Answer: Yes, many students successfully transfer to Cornell University each year. Be prepared with your academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement to make your application competitive.
Question: What is the campus culture like at Cornell University?
Answer: The campus culture at Cornell University is diverse and vibrant, with numerous student organizations, sports teams, and cultural activities. It’s an ideal environment for personal growth and building lifelong connections.
Question: How can I improve my chances of getting into Cornell University?
Answer: To improve your chances, focus on excelling academically, building a strong extracurricular profile, and submitting standout essays. High SAT/ACT scores are also crucial for competitive admissions.
Full list of All degree programs offered by Cornell University.
Data on this page is sourced from IPEDS, College Scorecard's latest data as provided in 2025, US Department of Education's latest 2025 statistics, Institute's official websites and printed material as well as additional publicly available sources.