Public Policy (BS) at Cornell University

Programme overview

The study of public policy is a comprehensive exploration of the politics and mechanisms that shape policy formulation and execution, coupled with an assessment of their effects on society’s welfare and quality of life.

Faculty: College of Arts & Sciences / Cornell Jeb E. Brooks School of Public Policy | Duration: 120 credits minimum | Study mode: full-time | Location: Ithaca, NY, United States

What you will study

Each course may only count towards one requirement unless otherwise stated. Students must complete requirements with a letter grade whenever possible and receive a C- or higher.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Admission is to the university through the undergraduate college that offers the major (College of Arts & Sciences / Cornell Jeb E. Brooks School of Public Policy); no separate programme-specific admission requirement is listed in the catalogue entry. See Cornell undergraduate admissions.

Domestic applicants: USD 49,816 a year (2026-27). New York State contract-college undergraduate tuition, rate stated for New York State residents (Agriculture and Life Sciences; Human Ecology; Industrial and Labor Relations; Dyson; Brooks School Bachelor of Science); tuition only, excludes mandatory fees Source

International applicants: USD 73,946 a year (2026-27). New York State contract-college undergraduate tuition, rate stated for nonresidents of New York State (Contract Nonresident; the source does not give a separate international rate); tuition only, excludes mandatory fees, housing and meals. Source

First-year applicants: Early Decision (binding) and Regular Decision for fall entry. Transfer applications are considered for the fall semester only.

First-year Early Decision: application and fee due November 1, other required materials November 13, decisions mid-December. Regular Decision: application and fee due January 2, other materials January 19, decisions late March. Applications are submitted through the Common Application; the application fee is $85 (fee waiver available). SAT or ACT scores are required for first-year applicants.

Transfer applicants: application and fee due March 15, other required materials April 15, decisions late April through June, for fall entry only. Applications use the Transfer Common Application; the fee is $85. SAT or ACT scores are neither required nor expected for transfer applicants.

Apply through the official page: https://admissions.cornell.edu/how-to-apply

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