College Comparison
Cornell University vs Princeton 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
Princeton, NJ
Total Enrollment
26,793
9,137
Undergrad Enrollment
16,128
5,813
Student-Faculty Ratio
9:1
5:1
Admissions
Acceptance Rate
8.8%
4.6%
Average GPA
4.00
4.00
SAT Range
1500–1570
1510–1580
ACT Range
33–35
34–35
Test Policy
Optional
Optional
Application Fee
$80
$70
Total Applicants
62,993
40,468
Cost & Value
Sticker Price
$81,884
$77,660
Avg Net Price
$32,337
$10,555
Tuition (In-State)
$62,456
$57,410
Tuition (Out-of-State)
$62,456
$57,410
Room & Board
$19,428
$20,250
% Receiving Aid
48.0%
67.0%
Avg Grant Amount
$61,779
$68,727
Outcomes
6-Year Grad Rate
96.0%
98.0%
4-Year Grad Rate
91.0%
90.0%
Retention Rate
98.0%
98.0%
Median Earnings (10yr)
$104,043
$110,066
More Comparisons
Compare Cornell with...
View Cornell profile →
Compare Princeton with...
View Princeton profile →
Explore by Location
Cornell is in Ithaca, NY
Princeton is in Princeton, NJ
Frequently Asked Questions
The average net price at Cornell University is $32,337 per year, compared to $10,555 at Princeton University. Princeton University is $21,782 less expensive on average after financial aid.
Admitted students at Cornell University typically score between 1500-1570 on the SAT (25th-75th percentile). At Princeton University, the typical SAT range is 1510-1580. Scoring within or above these ranges will make you a competitive applicant.
Cornell University has a graduation rate of 96%, while Princeton University has a graduation rate of 98%. Princeton University has the higher graduation rate, indicating strong student support and retention.
Cornell University has a student-to-faculty ratio of 9:1, while Princeton University has a ratio of 5:1. Princeton University 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 Princeton University, 67% of students receive aid with an average grant of $68,727.
The median earnings for Cornell University graduates 10 years after enrollment is $104,043, compared to $110,066 for Princeton University graduates. Graduates from Princeton University 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. Princeton University is located in Princeton, NJ in a city: small setting.

