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Cornell University vs Georgia Tech

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

7.9% Cornell acceptance
16.0% Georgia Tech acceptance
$145,432 Georgia Tech cheaper over 4 years
Updated 2026 · Data: NCES, College Scorecard, IPEDS All figures in USD unless noted

School Overview

Cornell
Ithaca, New York
Private
Founded
1865
Enrollment
25,898
Setting
Rural
Georgia Tech
Atlanta, Georgia
Public
Founded
1885
Enrollment
47,285
Setting
Urban

At a Glance

Tuition Georgia Tech saves $31,410
Cornell
$65,204
Georgia Tech
$33,794
Acceptance Rate Cornell more selective
Cornell
7.9%
Georgia Tech
16.0%
Graduation Rate Cornell higher
Cornell
95%
Georgia Tech
90%
Avg SAT Score Cornell higher
Cornell
1520
Georgia Tech
1450
Starting Salary Georgia Tech higher
Cornell
$83,100
Georgia Tech
$83,600

Detailed Comparison

Metric Cornell Georgia Tech Edge
Tuition (Out-of-State)$65,204$33,794Georgia Tech
Tuition (In-State)$65,204$12,682Georgia Tech
Room & Board$17,590$12,642Georgia Tech
Acceptance Rate7.9%16.0%Cornell
Graduation Rate95%90%Cornell
Average SAT15201450Cornell
Student-Faculty Ratio9:115:1Cornell
Enrollment25,89847,285-
Avg Financial Aid$46,150$16,280Cornell
Starting Salary$83,100$83,600Georgia Tech
Endowment$10.0B$4.2BCornell
Campus Size2,300 acres400 acres-

Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)

Estimated sticker price before financial aid.

Cornell
$331,176
4-year total (private)
VS
Georgia Tech
$185,744
4-year total (out-of-state)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: Cornell = $146,576 | Georgia Tech = $120,624. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.

Popular Majors

Cornell Top Majors

EngineeringComputer ScienceBusinessBiologyHotel Administration

Georgia Tech Top Majors

Computer ScienceEngineeringBusinessIndustrial EngineeringBiology

Campus & Student Life

Setting
CornellRural
Georgia TechUrban
Campus Size
Cornell2,300 ac
Georgia Tech400 ac
Athletics
CornellNCAA D1
Georgia TechNCAA D1
Region
CornellNortheast
Georgia TechSouth
Founded
Cornell1865
Georgia Tech1885
Enrollment
Cornell25,898
Georgia Tech47,285

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Cornell or Georgia Tech harder to get into?+
Cornell is more selective with an acceptance rate of 7.9% compared to 16.0%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, Cornell or Georgia Tech?+
At sticker price, Georgia Tech costs less over 4 years ($185,744 vs $331,176). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. Cornell offers an average of $46,150/year in aid while Georgia Tech offers $16,280/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for Cornell and Georgia Tech?+
The average SAT score at Cornell is 1520 and at Georgia Tech it is 1450. 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 Cornell or Georgia Tech graduates earn more?+
Graduates of Georgia Tech have a higher average starting salary ($83,600 vs $83,100). 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?+
Cornell has a 9:1 student-to-faculty ratio while Georgia Tech has 15:1. A lower ratio generally means smaller class sizes and more individual attention from professors.
How do Cornell and Georgia Tech compare for campus life?+
Cornell is located in Ithaca, New York (rural setting) with a 2,300-acre campus. Georgia Tech is in Atlanta, Georgia (urban setting) with 400 acres. Cornell competes in NCAA D1 athletics and Georgia Tech in NCAA D1.