University in United States
Ithaca, NY, United States
University profile
Cornell University is a private, Ivy League research university in Ithaca, New York, and the federal land-grant university of New York State. Chartered in 1865, it was founded on Ezra Cornell's principle of an institution where any person can find instruction in any study. Its mission is to discover, preserve and disseminate knowledge, educate global citizens and enhance the lives of people in New York and beyond through public service.
The main campus sits at the south end of Cayuga Lake, the largest of the Finger Lakes, in a setting of gorges, waterfalls and gardens, with Collegetown and the Ithaca Commons close by. Cornell also operates Cornell Tech and 570 Lexington Avenue in New York City, Weill Cornell Medicine in New York City, Cornell AgriTech in Geneva, NY, Shoals Marine Laboratory in Portsmouth, NH, architecture studios in Rome, the Wolpe Center in Washington, D.C., and Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar in Doha.
Undergraduates apply directly to one of eight admitting colleges and schools:
Cornell Ann S. Bowers Computing and Information Science offers courses and programmes campus-wide but is not an admitting college. Together the colleges and schools offer more than 4,000 courses across 100 academic departments, taught by more than 2,900 faculty.
Student life is organised around residence halls, themed program houses, community centres and nearly 30 dining locations including 10 all-you-care-to-eat dining rooms. The Big Red athletics programme dates to the university's founding.
About 10% of students come from more than 125 countries. International undergraduate admission is need-aware and Cornell meets 100 percent of demonstrated need for admitted international undergraduates. Cornell is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Cornell meets 100 percent of demonstrated need of admitted undergraduates, including international students, through Cornell grants, work-study and reasonable loans. Admission is need-blind for U.S. students and need-aware for international students. International applicants complete the CSS Profile (code 2098) by November 1 (Early Decision), January 2 (Regular Decision) or March 15 (Transfer). Details: international financial aid.
Federal Direct Unsubsidized loans (U.S. citizens and eligible non-citizens) and private loans are processed by the Office of Financial Aid and Student Employment; tuition varies by degree programme. See graduate aid.
Cornell Grants (need-based undergraduate aid) →
Browse the scholarships listed for Cornell University and check each award’s eligibility.
View scholarships for Cornell University →Apply through the Common Application with the Cornell supplement to one college or school. Required: official high school transcript, school report, counselor recommendation, two teacher recommendations, and SAT or ACT scores (standardized testing is required for first-year applicants; scores may be self-reported, official scores required on enrolment; SAT code 2098, ACT code 2726; the ACT science section is not required). Portfolio or design supplements apply to some programmes. Application fee: $85, with fee waivers available.
Early Decision (binding): application and fee November 1; other materials November 13; decisions mid-December. Regular Decision (non-binding): application January 2; other materials January 19; decisions late March.
For students with at least 12 semester hours of college credit after high school; fall entry only. Transfer Common Application, college transcripts, College Report, Academic Evaluation, Mid-Term Report and writing supplement. Application and fee March 15; other materials April 15; decisions late April to June. SAT/ACT scores are neither required nor expected. Fee: $85.
English proficiency is demonstrated if you are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, English is your native language, or English has been the primary language of instruction for the past four years. Otherwise submit one of: TOEFL taken before January 2026, minimum 100; TOEFL taken January 2026 or later, minimum 5.0 (5.5 recommended); IELTS 7.5; Duolingo English Test 130; Cambridge C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency 191. International applicants who need aid must apply for it with their admission application.
Study programmes offered at Cornell University.
Experiences shared by students of Cornell University.
Studied here? Share your experience to help other applicants.
Book a free consultation with our expert counsellors and take the first step towards your dream university.
Copyrights © 2026 StudyMapped. All rights reserved.
Enter your credentials to continue.
Join us and start your study abroad journey.
