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: 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
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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