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Cornell University vs University of Florida

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

7.9% Cornell acceptance
23.0% UF acceptance
$169,944 UF 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
UF
Gainesville, Florida
Public
Founded
1853
Enrollment
55,211
Setting
Suburban

At a Glance

Tuition UF saves $36,546
Cornell
$65,204
UF
$28,658
Acceptance Rate Cornell more selective
Cornell
7.9%
UF
23.0%
Graduation Rate Cornell higher
Cornell
95%
UF
90%
Avg SAT Score Cornell higher
Cornell
1520
UF
1390
Starting Salary Cornell higher
Cornell
$83,100
UF
$64,200

Detailed Comparison

Metric Cornell UF Edge
Tuition (Out-of-State)$65,204$28,658UF
Tuition (In-State)$65,204$6,380UF
Room & Board$17,590$11,650UF
Acceptance Rate7.9%23.0%Cornell
Graduation Rate95%90%Cornell
Average SAT15201390Cornell
Student-Faculty Ratio9:117:1Cornell
Enrollment25,89855,211-
Avg Financial Aid$46,150$12,860Cornell
Starting Salary$83,100$64,200Cornell
Endowment$10.0B$2.7BCornell
Campus Size2,300 acres2,000 acres-

Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)

Estimated sticker price before financial aid.

Cornell
$331,176
4-year total (private)
VS
UF
$161,232
4-year total (out-of-state)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: Cornell = $146,576 | UF = $109,792. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.

Popular Majors

Cornell Top Majors

EngineeringComputer ScienceBusinessBiologyHotel Administration

UF Top Majors

BusinessBiologyEngineeringComputer SciencePsychology

Campus & Student Life

Setting
CornellRural
UFSuburban
Campus Size
Cornell2,300 ac
UF2,000 ac
Athletics
CornellNCAA D1
UFNCAA D1
Region
CornellNortheast
UFSouth
Founded
Cornell1865
UF1853
Enrollment
Cornell25,898
UF55,211

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Cornell or UF harder to get into?+
Cornell is more selective with an acceptance rate of 7.9% compared to 23.0%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, Cornell or UF?+
At sticker price, UF costs less over 4 years ($161,232 vs $331,176). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. Cornell offers an average of $46,150/year in aid while UF offers $12,860/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for Cornell and UF?+
The average SAT score at Cornell is 1520 and at UF it is 1390. 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 UF graduates earn more?+
Graduates of Cornell have a higher average starting salary ($83,100 vs $64,200). 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 UF has 17:1. A lower ratio generally means smaller class sizes and more individual attention from professors.
How do Cornell and UF compare for campus life?+
Cornell is located in Ithaca, New York (rural setting) with a 2,300-acre campus. UF is in Gainesville, Florida (suburban setting) with 2,000 acres. Cornell competes in NCAA D1 athletics and UF in NCAA D1.