Cornell University
Ithaca, NY, USA

Tuition, Cost & Aid

Affordability and Cost

Average Net Price Average net price for full-time, first-time degree/certificate-seeking undergraduates paying the in-state or in-district tuition rate who were awarded grant or scholarship aid from federal, state or local governments, or the institution. Other sources of grant aid are excluded. Aid awarded anytime during the full aid year is included.

Average net price is generated by subtracting the average amount of federal, state or local government, or institutional grant and scholarship aid from the total cost of attendance. Total cost of attendance is the sum of published tuition and required fees (lower of in-district or in-state), books and supplies and the weighted average room and board and other expenses.
$27,522
Calculate your net cost
Average Net Price By Family Income
Income
Average Amount
< $30k
$14,028
$30k - $48k
$10,652
$48k - $75k
$15,413
$75k - $110k
$25,404
$110k+
$46,544
Tuition
In-State Tuition In-state tuition is the tuition charged by institutions to those students who meet the state's or institution's residency requirements. In-district tuition is the tuition charged by the institution to those students residing in the locality in which they attend school and may be a lower rate than in-state tuition if offered by the institution.
$63,200
Out-of-State Tuition Out-of-state tuition is the tuition charged by institutions to those students who do not meet the state's or institution's residency requirements. Out-of-district tuition is the tuition charged by the institution to those students not residing in the locality in which they attend school.
$63,200
Additional Costs
Room and Board The weighted average for room and board and other expenses is generated as follows:
  • (amount for on-campus room, board and other expenses * # of students living on-campus.
  • + amount for off-campus (with family) room, board and other expenses * # of students living off-campus with family
  • + amount for off-campus (not with family) room, board and other expenses * # of students living off-campus not with family)
divided by the total # of students. Students whose living arrangements are unknown are excluded from the calculation. For some institutions the # of students by living arrangement will be known, but dollar amounts will not be known. In this case the # of students with no corresponding dollar amount will be excluded from the denominator.
$16,988
Books and Supplies
$1,000
Tuition Payment Plan
No
Financial Aid: visit page
Financial Aid Email: [email protected]

Aid & Grants

0
100
100%
Need Met
Students Receiving Gift Aid Percent of undergraduate students awarded federal gift aid. Federal gift aid includes any grant or scholarship aid awarded, from the federal government, a state or local government, the institution, and other sources known by the institution.
16%
Average Aid Per Year
$47,664
Students Receiving Grants Percent of undergraduate students awarded grant aid. Grant aid includes any grant or scholarship aid awarded, from the federal government, a state or local government, the institution, and other sources known by the institution.
16%
Average Federal Grant Aid Per Year
$6,737
Average Institution Grant Aid Per Year
$46,168
Students receiving state aid
14%
Average State Grant Aid Per Year
$3,432
Students receiving federal aid
16%
Average Federal Grant Aid Per Year
$6,737
Average Grant & Scholarship By Family Income
Income
Average Amount
< $30k
$69,960
$30k - $48k
$70,071
$48k - $75k
$65,419
$75k - $110k
$54,161
$110k+
$22,317
Total Needs Based Scholarships/Grants Total amount of grant or scholarship aid awarded to all undergraduates from the federal government, state/local government, the institution, and other sources known to the institution.
$396,978,048
Total Non-Need-Based Scholarships/Grants
$2,212,422

Student Loans

Students Borrowing Loans Loans to students - Any monies that must be repaid to the lending institution for which the student is the designated borrower. Includes all Title IV subsidized and unsubsidized loans and all institutionally- and privately-sponsored loans. Does not include PLUS and other loans made directly to parents.
38%
Average Loan Amount Per Year
$7,639
Students receiving federal loans
37%
Average Federal Loans Per Year
$3,930
Average Other Loans Per Year
$7,419
Average Debt at Graduation The median federal debt of undergraduate borrowers who graduated. This figure includes only federal loans; it excludes private student loans and Parent PLUS loans.
$13,500
Loan Default Rate
1%
US National: 7%
Median Monthly Loan Payment The median monthly loan payment for student borrowers who completed, if it were repaid over 10 years at a 5.05% interest rate.
$140

What Students Are Saying

Although Cornell's original price tag seems excessively high, they have a very good financial aid program. Not only that, but after leaving Cornell, you will have many ins with other very smart Ivy League students who are well versed in finding jobs and making money. So, although it may cost a lot to attend, it will truly pay off after you leave the campus.
Samantha from Ithaca, NY
Cornell's costs are up there with the other schools of its caliber. However, a student can expect strong academics, good support services, very good food, and an overall excellent college experience when they invest in going to college. Cornell awards financial aid to most applicants for it as well.
John from MD
The tuition may be high, but their financial aid is super generous! Plus, it is an Ivy League education, which will more than pay for itself tenfold after you graduate.
Carolyn from Broadview Heights, OH
Cornell offers a lot of resources that many schools don't have. There are extensive research opportunities for both science majors and those in the humanities. The dining halls are FANTASTIC because they are all-you-care-to-eat and they're filled with delicious food. Tuition is a bit steep, but Cornell's financial aid is very good so people of all incomes can afford to come here! The only reason I don't give it 5 stars is because they do tend to nickel and dime you (you have to pay for laundry! ridiculous, I know).
Nicolas from Miami, FL
Not going to sugarcoat it: Cornell is really expensive, and they continue to nickel-and-dime you after you get there. They have really good financial aid, and will meet demonstrated need. But unlike a lot of schools, there's no free printing, gym passes, or buses (first-year students do get free bus passes, but after that you'll want to buy one). Not necessarily a deal-breaker, but something to think about.
Allison from Deerfield, IL
Cornell offers great financial aid and the classes offered are worth tuition.
Lisa from Commack, NY
It is true that Cornell nickel and dimes you for everything, such as printing and laundry, but paying as much as you are on school, it doesn't make that much of a difference. You're going to be spending money where ever you go, so you might as well spend it at a place that will really pay off. Plus, financial aid here is really good.
Zachary from Ipswich, MA
Although Cornell is expensive, the school is very accommodating when it comes to financial aid in most cases. Depending on your financial background, the school will do its best to help you attend. Unfortunately, you have to pay for laundry, a gym membership, and parking, among other things.
Carli from Rochester Hills, MI
I was always comfortable with knowing my money was being well spent. Due to the funding Cornell gave to one of my clubs, I was able to go to conferences in Nashville, St. Louis, Indianapolis, and Pittsburgh, paying less than $150 each time. I also took advantage of a lot of free services such career services, transcript orders, bus pass and more than I can count. Also, if you are from a warm climate (e.g. California, Texas, Florida, etc.) the financial aid office will reimburse you up to $500 for your winter clothing if you submit a budget increase form. As far as post graduation, Cornell really helped me get into a PhD program in Mechanical Engineering even though my grades were not that high.
Denzel