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Cornell University vs Harvard University

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

7.9% Cornell acceptance
3.2% Harvard acceptance
$12,504 Harvard 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
Harvard
Cambridge, Massachusetts
Private
Founded
1636
Enrollment
31,345
Setting
Urban

At a Glance

Tuition Harvard saves $6,128
Cornell
$65,204
Harvard
$59,076
Acceptance Rate Harvard more selective
Cornell
7.9%
Harvard
3.2%
Graduation Rate Harvard higher
Cornell
95%
Harvard
97%
Avg SAT Score Harvard higher
Cornell
1520
Harvard
1550
Starting Salary Harvard higher
Cornell
$83,100
Harvard
$95,500

Detailed Comparison

Metric Cornell Harvard Edge
Tuition (Out-of-State)$65,204$59,076Harvard
Tuition (In-State)$65,204$59,076Harvard
Room & Board$17,590$20,592Cornell
Acceptance Rate7.9%3.2%Harvard
Graduation Rate95%97%Harvard
Average SAT15201550Harvard
Student-Faculty Ratio9:15:1Harvard
Enrollment25,89831,345-
Avg Financial Aid$46,150$60,157Harvard
Starting Salary$83,100$95,500Harvard
Endowment$10.0B$50.9BHarvard
Campus Size2,300 acres5,076 acres-

Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)

Estimated sticker price before financial aid.

Cornell
$331,176
4-year total (private)
VS
Harvard
$318,672
4-year total (private)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: Cornell = $146,576 | Harvard = $78,044. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.

Popular Majors

Cornell Top Majors

EngineeringComputer ScienceBusinessBiologyHotel Administration

Harvard Top Majors

EconomicsComputer SciencePolitical ScienceMathematicsHistory

Campus & Student Life

Setting
CornellRural
HarvardUrban
Campus Size
Cornell2,300 ac
Harvard5,076 ac
Athletics
CornellNCAA D1
HarvardNCAA D1
Region
CornellNortheast
HarvardNortheast
Founded
Cornell1865
Harvard1636
Enrollment
Cornell25,898
Harvard31,345

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Helpful Resources

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Cornell or Harvard harder to get into?+
Harvard is more selective with an acceptance rate of 3.2% compared to 7.9%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, Cornell or Harvard?+
At sticker price, Harvard costs less over 4 years ($318,672 vs $331,176). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. Cornell offers an average of $46,150/year in aid while Harvard offers $60,157/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for Cornell and Harvard?+
The average SAT score at Cornell is 1520 and at Harvard it is 1550. 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 Harvard graduates earn more?+
Graduates of Harvard have a higher average starting salary ($95,500 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 Harvard has 5:1. A lower ratio generally means smaller class sizes and more individual attention from professors.
How do Cornell and Harvard compare for campus life?+
Cornell is located in Ithaca, New York (rural setting) with a 2,300-acre campus. Harvard is in Cambridge, Massachusetts (urban setting) with 5,076 acres. Cornell competes in NCAA D1 athletics and Harvard in NCAA D1.