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College Comparison

Cornell University vs Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Compare acceptance rates, costs, test scores, graduation rates, and more to find your best fit.

Cornell University
#21
Cornell University
Ithaca, NY
Private
At a Glance

Type

Private

Private

Location

Ithaca, NY

Cambridge, MA

Total Enrollment

26,793

11,886

Undergrad Enrollment

16,128

4,535

Student-Faculty Ratio

9:1

3:1


Admissions

Acceptance Rate

8.8%

4.5%

Average GPA

4.00

4.00

SAT Range

1500–1570

1520–1580

ACT Range

33–35

34–36

Test Policy

Optional

Required

Application Fee

$80

$75

Total Applicants

62,993

28,232


Cost & Value

Sticker Price

$81,884

$77,870

Avg Net Price

$32,337

$20,000

Tuition (In-State)

$62,456

$57,590

Tuition (Out-of-State)

$62,456

$57,590

Room & Board

$19,428

$20,280

% Receiving Aid

48.0%

59.0%

Avg Grant Amount

$61,779

$61,734


Outcomes

6-Year Grad Rate

96.0%

97.0%

4-Year Grad Rate

91.0%

90.0%

Retention Rate

98.0%

99.0%

Median Earnings (10yr)

$104,043

$143,372

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Cornell is in Ithaca, NY

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Frequently Asked Questions

Cornell University has an acceptance rate of 9%, while MIT has an acceptance rate of 5%. This means MIT is more selective than Cornell University.

The average net price at Cornell University is $32,337 per year, compared to $20,000 at MIT. MIT is $12,337 less expensive on average after financial aid.

Admitted students at Cornell University typically score between 1500-1570 on the SAT (25th-75th percentile). At MIT, the typical SAT range is 1520-1580. Scoring within or above these ranges will make you a competitive applicant.

Cornell University has a graduation rate of 96%, while MIT has a graduation rate of 97%. MIT has the higher graduation rate, indicating strong student support and retention.

Cornell University has a student-to-faculty ratio of 9:1, while MIT has a ratio of 3:1. MIT offers smaller class sizes on average, which typically means more individual attention from professors.

At Cornell University, 48% of students receive financial aid with an average grant of $61,779. At MIT, 59% of students receive aid with an average grant of $61,734.

The median earnings for Cornell University graduates 10 years after enrollment is $104,043, compared to $143,372 for MIT graduates. Graduates from MIT tend to earn more on average, though individual outcomes vary by major and career path.

Cornell University is located in Ithaca, NY in a city: small setting. MIT is located in Cambridge, MA in a city: midsize setting.