College Comparison
Cornell University vs Northwestern University
Compare acceptance rates, costs, test scores, graduation rates, and more to find your best fit.
At a Glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Ithaca, NY
Evanston, IL
Total Enrollment
26,793
23,856
Undergrad Enrollment
16,128
9,399
Student-Faculty Ratio
9:1
6:1
NCAA Athletics
Division I · FCS
Division I · FBS
Admissions
Acceptance Rate
8.8%
7.7%
Average GPA
4.0
4.0
SAT Range
1500–1570
1510–1570
ACT Range
33–35
33–35
Test Policy
Optional
Optional
Application Fee
$80
$75
Total Applicants
62,993
49,474
Academics & Faculty
Full-Time Faculty
2,021
2,532
Women Faculty
42%
44%
Research Spending
$900M
$982M
Offers Online Degree
No
Yes
Student Body
Women
53%
55%
Men
47%
45%
White
29%
35%
Black / African American
6%
6%
Hispanic / Latino
11%
10%
Asian
19%
16%
International
26%
22%
Cost & Value
Sticker Price
$81,884
$83,517
Total Cost of Attendance
$92,150
$94,878
Avg Net Price
$32,337
$27,143
In-State Tuition
$62,456
$62,391
Out-of-State Tuition
$62,456
$62,391
Room and Board
$19,428
$21,126
Percent Receiving Aid
48.0%
53.0%
Avg Aid Package
$59,450
$62,083
Avg Grant Amount
$61,779
$64,429
Outcomes
4-Year Graduation Rate
91.0%
87.0%
6-Year Graduation Rate
96.0%
96.0%
8-Year Graduation Rate
96.0%
97.0%
Retention Rate
98.0%
98.0%
Employment Rate
85.1%
84.8%
10 Year Median Earnings
$104,043
$89,363
Type
Private
Private
Location
Ithaca, NY
Evanston, IL
Total Enrollment
26,793
23,856
Undergrad Enrollment
16,128
9,399
Student-Faculty Ratio
9:1
6:1
NCAA Athletics
Division I · FCS
Division I · FBS
Acceptance Rate
8.8%
7.7%
Average GPA
4.0
4.0
SAT Range
1500–1570
1510–1570
ACT Range
33–35
33–35
Test Policy
Optional
Optional
Application Fee
$80
$75
Total Applicants
62,993
49,474
Full-Time Faculty
2,021
2,532
Women Faculty
42%
44%
Research Spending
$900M
$982M
Offers Online Degree
No
Yes
Women
53%
55%
Men
47%
45%
White
29%
35%
Black / African American
6%
6%
Hispanic / Latino
11%
10%
Asian
19%
16%
International
26%
22%
Sticker Price
$81,884
$83,517
Total Cost of Attendance
$92,150
$94,878
Avg Net Price
$32,337
$27,143
In-State Tuition
$62,456
$62,391
Out-of-State Tuition
$62,456
$62,391
Room and Board
$19,428
$21,126
Percent Receiving Aid
48.0%
53.0%
Avg Aid Package
$59,450
$62,083
Avg Grant Amount
$61,779
$64,429
4-Year Graduation Rate
91.0%
87.0%
6-Year Graduation Rate
96.0%
96.0%
8-Year Graduation Rate
96.0%
97.0%
Retention Rate
98.0%
98.0%
Employment Rate
85.1%
84.8%
10 Year Median Earnings
$104,043
$89,363
Explore by Location
Cornell is in Ithaca, NY
Northwestern is in Evanston, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Cornell University has an acceptance rate of 9%, while Northwestern University has an acceptance rate of 8%. This means Northwestern University is more selective than Cornell University.
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