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Cornell University

Ithaca, NY

private nonprofitgraduate

Quick Facts

"I would found an institution where any person can find instruction in any study"

Wikipedia
1865
Founded
Private land-grant research university
Type
15,935
Total Students
16,128
Undergrad
10,665
Graduate
$11.8B
Endowment
(2025)
$66K
Tuition (In-State)
$66K
Tuition (Out-State)
$32K
Avg Net Price
8%
Acceptance Rate
95%
Graduation Rate
6-year
98%
Retention Rate
Doctoral Universities
Classification

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

1865
Co-founded by Ezra Cornell and Andrew Dickson White on April 27.
1868
Formally inaugurated on October 7, with 412 male students enrolling the next day.
1872
Became one of the first U.S. universities to allow alumni-elected trustees on its board.
1883
Became one of the first electrified universities, using water power.
1894
Began incorporating state-funded colleges, fulfilling statutory requirements.
1969
Armed anti-Vietnam War protesters occupied Willard Straight Hall, leading to university governance restructuring.
1995
National Research Council ranked Cornell's Ph.D. programs sixth in the nation.
2004
Opened Weill Cornell Medical College in Qatar, expanding international programs.
2017
Cornell Tech, a new campus focused on technology and innovation, founded on Roosevelt Island in New York City.
2025
Agreed to pay $30 million to the federal government and invest $30 million in agricultural research to settle investigations.
🏛️
161 Years
of Excellence

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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