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Arizona State University vs Cornell University

A comprehensive side-by-side comparison of academics, cost, admissions, campus life and career outcomes to help you choose.

88.0% ASU acceptance
7.9% Cornell acceptance
$150,376 ASU cheaper over 4 years
Updated 2026 · Data: NCES, College Scorecard, IPEDS All figures in USD unless noted

School Overview

ASU
Tempe, Arizona
Public
Founded
1885
Enrollment
83,446
Setting
Urban
Cornell
Ithaca, New York
Private
Founded
1865
Enrollment
25,898
Setting
Rural

At a Glance

Tuition ASU saves $34,004
ASU
$31,200
Cornell
$65,204
Acceptance Rate Cornell more selective
ASU
88.0%
Cornell
7.9%
Graduation Rate Cornell higher
ASU
69%
Cornell
95%
Avg SAT Score Cornell higher
ASU
1230
Cornell
1520
Starting Salary Cornell higher
ASU
$60,100
Cornell
$83,100

Detailed Comparison

Metric ASU Cornell Edge
Tuition (Out-of-State)$31,200$65,204ASU
Tuition (In-State)$12,479$65,204ASU
Room & Board$14,000$17,590ASU
Acceptance Rate88.0%7.9%Cornell
Graduation Rate69%95%Cornell
Average SAT12301520Cornell
Student-Faculty Ratio18:19:1Cornell
Enrollment83,44625,898-
Avg Financial Aid$12,400$46,150Cornell
Starting Salary$60,100$83,100Cornell
Endowment$1.5B$10.0BCornell
Campus Size1,695 acres2,300 acres-

Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)

Estimated sticker price before financial aid.

ASU
$180,800
4-year total (out-of-state)
VS
Cornell
$331,176
4-year total (private)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: ASU = $131,200 | Cornell = $146,576. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.

Popular Majors

ASU Top Majors

BusinessEngineeringPsychologyBiologySupply Chain

Cornell Top Majors

EngineeringComputer ScienceBusinessBiologyHotel Administration

Campus & Student Life

Setting
ASUUrban
CornellRural
Campus Size
ASU1,695 ac
Cornell2,300 ac
Athletics
ASUNCAA D1
CornellNCAA D1
Region
ASUWest
CornellNortheast
Founded
ASU1885
Cornell1865
Enrollment
ASU83,446
Cornell25,898

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is ASU or Cornell harder to get into?+
Cornell is more selective with an acceptance rate of 7.9% compared to 88.0%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, ASU or Cornell?+
At sticker price, ASU costs less over 4 years ($180,800 vs $331,176). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. ASU offers an average of $12,400/year in aid while Cornell offers $46,150/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for ASU and Cornell?+
The average SAT score at ASU is 1230 and at Cornell it is 1520. Keep in mind that admitted students often score across a range, and many schools practice holistic admissions where test scores are just one factor.
Do ASU or Cornell graduates earn more?+
Graduates of Cornell have a higher average starting salary ($83,100 vs $60,100). Salary outcomes vary significantly by major, industry, and location — so this is a general average across all graduates.
What is the student-to-faculty ratio at each school?+
ASU has a 18:1 student-to-faculty ratio while Cornell has 9:1. A lower ratio generally means smaller class sizes and more individual attention from professors.
How do ASU and Cornell compare for campus life?+
ASU is located in Tempe, Arizona (urban setting) with a 1,695-acre campus. Cornell is in Ithaca, New York (rural setting) with 2,300 acres. ASU competes in NCAA D1 athletics and Cornell in NCAA D1.