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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: The Ivy League Where Any Person Can Find Instruction in Any Study.

Cornell University, an esteemed Ivy League institution founded in 1865, stands as a unique private land-grant research university in Ithaca, New York. True to its ambitious motto, "I would found an institution where any person can find instruction in any study," Cornell has been co-educational and nonsectarian since its inception. With a vibrant student body of nearly 27,000 undergraduates and postgraduates from across the globe, it fosters a dynamic and diverse academic environment, welcoming students from all 50 U.S. states and 130 countries.

The vision of co-founders Ezra Cornell and Andrew Dickson White shaped a university committed to broad access and cutting-edge innovation. As New York's land-grant institution, Cornell pioneered the integration of academic research into its infrastructure, becoming one of the first electrified universities in 1883. Its early development saw a rapid expansion under White's leadership, setting the stage for its distinctive blend of public and private missions, including state-funded colleges within its private framework.

Academically, Cornell consistently ranks among the best globally, with 64 Nobel laureates and numerous other distinguished award winners among its affiliates. Its eight undergraduate colleges and seven graduate divisions enjoy significant autonomy, allowing for specialized and rigorous curricula across a vast array of disciplines. Beyond its picturesque 745-acre main campus, Cornell extends its reach with satellite locations like Weill Cornell Medical College and Cornell Tech in New York City, and an international medical branch in Qatar, providing unparalleled opportunities for learning and research. Graduates go on to achieve immense success, including Fortune 500 CEOs, Olympic medalists, and numerous Marshall and Rhodes Scholars.

Key Highlights

  • Ivy League institution with a unique private land-grant status.
  • Founded in 1865 with the motto: "I would found an institution where any person can find instruction in any study."
  • Boasts an endowment of $11.8 billion and a diverse student body of 26,793 students.
  • Affiliated with 64 Nobel laureates, 4 Turing Award winners, and 1 Fields Medalist.
  • Over 250,000 living alumni include 34 Marshall Scholars, 33 Rhodes Scholars, 63 Olympic medalists, 10 Fortune 500 CEOs, and 35 billionaires.
  • Features three state-supported statutory colleges, including the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and the College of Human Ecology.
  • Expansive main campus in Ithaca covers 745 acres, complemented by satellite campuses in New York City (Weill Cornell Medical College, Cornell Tech) and Doha, Qatar.

Timeline

1865
Founded by Ezra Cornell and Andrew Dickson White.
1868
University formally inaugurated, enrolling 412 male students.
1883
Became one of the first electrified universities in the U.S.
1894
Incorporated state-funded colleges, fulfilling statutory requirements.
1969
Student occupation of Willard Straight Hall led to restructuring of university governance.
1995
National Research Council ranked Cornell's Ph.D. programs sixth in the nation.
2004
Opened Weill Cornell Medical College in Qatar.
2017
Cornell Tech founded on Roosevelt Island in New York City.
2025
Agreed to a $30 million settlement with the federal government and invested $30 million in agricultural research.
🏛️
161 Years
of Excellence

Schools & Colleges

3 notable schools within Cornell University

🏥

Weill Cornell Medical College

A leading medical school with campuses in New York City and Doha, Qatar.

🏫

Cornell Tech

A graduate campus on Roosevelt Island in New York City focused on technology, business, and design.

🏥

Veterinary Medicine College

One of the university's graduate divisions, offering advanced study in veterinary medicine.

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