Cornell University
Ithaca, NY
Quick Facts
“"I would found an institution where any person can find instruction in any study"”
Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education
About Cornell University
Cornell: An Ivy League Pioneer Offering World-Class Education for Any Person, Any Study.
Nestled in the picturesque landscape of Ithaca, New York, Cornell University stands as a beacon of academic excellence and innovation, uniquely blending its status as a private Ivy League research institution with a land-grant mission. Co-founded in 1865 by Ezra Cornell and Andrew Dickson White, the university was established with a revolutionary vision: "I would found an institution where any person can find instruction in any study." This enduring motto continues to shape Cornell's expansive academic offerings and inclusive spirit, fostering a diverse community of students from all 50 U.S. states and 130 countries.
From its inception, Cornell has been a trailblazer, distinguishing itself as a co-educational and nonsectarian institution, and later becoming one of the first electrified universities. This commitment to progress extends to its academic structure, with near autonomy granted to its eight undergraduate colleges and seven graduate divisions. These divisions include several state-supported statutory colleges, integrating the university deeply into public service and research for New York State and the nation. Cornell's dedication to cutting-edge research and comprehensive education has consistently earned its programs top national rankings, particularly in fields like engineering, computer science, and the physical sciences.
Prospective students will discover a vibrant intellectual environment marked by a rich history of student activism and technological advancement. Beyond its main 745-acre campus, Cornell extends its influence globally with satellite campuses like Weill Cornell Medical College and Cornell Tech in New York City, and another medical campus in Doha, Qatar. Graduating from Cornell means joining a distinguished network of over 250,000 living alumni, including Nobel laureates, Fortune 500 CEOs, and Olympic medalists, all contributing to a legacy of impact across every conceivable field.
Key Highlights
- ✦A private Ivy League and land-grant research university, founded April 27, 1865.
- ✦Motto: "I would found an institution where any person can find instruction in any study."
- ✦Enrollment (Fall 2024): 26,793 total students (16,128 undergraduate, 10,665 graduate) from all 50 U.S. states and 130 countries.
- ✦Endowment: $11.8 billion (2025), supporting extensive academic and research initiatives.
- ✦Distinguished Faculty & Alumni: 64 Nobel laureates, 4 Turing Award winners, and 1 Fields Medalist affiliated with the university.
- ✦Alumni Network: Over 250,000 living alumni, including 34 Marshall Scholars, 33 Rhodes Scholars, 10 current Fortune 500 CEOs, and 35 billionaires.
- ✦Global Presence: Main campus in Ithaca (745 acres) plus satellite campuses in New York City (Cornell Tech, medical school) and Doha, Qatar.
Timeline
Schools & Colleges
5 notable schools within Cornell University
Weill Cornell Medical College
Cornell's medical school, with campuses in New York City and Doha, Qatar, specializing in medical education and research.
Cornell Tech
A graduate campus on Roosevelt Island in New York City, founded in 2017, focusing on technology, business, law, and design.
Industrial and Labor Relations School
A state-supported statutory college focused on the study of workplace issues, labor history, and human resources.
Jeb E. Brooks School of Public Policy
A state-supported statutory college dedicated to public policy education and research.
Veterinary Medicine College
A state-supported graduate school providing professional training and research in veterinary medicine.
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