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Cornell University

410 Thurston Avenue, Ithaca, NY 14850, USA

Cornell University award
Cornell University award
US ranking
position: 34
Tuition & fees per year: $72,270
Acceptance rate: 8.00%
Median alumni salary: $70,710
Avg. SAT and ACT: 1505 SAT, 34 ACT
Entrance difficulty: Very hard

What does Cornell University offer in terms of athletics?

Cornell University provides a diverse athletics program encompassing both varsity and club sports, designed to appeal to a wide range of student interests and skill levels. The university competes in the NCAA Division I Ivy League, offering athletes the chance to face high-level competition across various sports. Students can participate in traditional sports like football, basketball, and lacrosse, as well as in emerging and less mainstream activities.

Cornell supports numerous varsity teams for men and women, including crew, soccer, ice hockey, and track and field. These programs benefit from substantial facilities and coaching staff, encouraging both individual and team development. In addition to varsity sports, the university features a robust club sports system that promotes student involvement without the intense commitment of varsity athletics. This setup allows students to enjoy competitive play and maintain a balance with their academic responsibilities.

Moreover, intramural leagues are available for those seeking recreational sports opportunities. These leagues foster community engagement and provide occasions for physical activity in a less formal environment. Across all levels, the emphasis remains on fostering sportsmanship, leadership, and teamwork.

The university also invests in athletic facilities that range from stadiums and fitness centers to specialized indoor courts and outdoor fields, offering students the resources needed to train and compete effectively. This infrastructure supports both the competitive and wellness aspects of student life, reinforcing the university's commitment to a holistic collegiate experience.

What student groups and Associations are available at Cornell University?

Cornell University offers a diverse range of student groups and associations catering to various interests. Among the main organizations are the Cornell Concert Commission and the Cornell University Programming Board, both of which are involved in arranging campus events and entertainment. Students interested in outdoor activities can join the Outing Club, which organizes trips and adventures that promote exploration of the natural environment.

There are also service-oriented groups such as Alpha Phi Omega, a national coeducational service fraternity dedicated to community service, leadership, and friendship. For those interested in athletics beyond varsity sports, numerous Sports Clubs are available, providing opportunities for students to engage in competitive and recreational sports.

The total student population comprises 7,263 men and 8,709 women, reflecting a fairly balanced community engaged in a variety of extracurricular activities throughout the university.

Who studies at Cornell University?

Cornell University enrolls a diverse student body with a substantial incoming class each year. For freshmen, the university sees very high numbers, with 3,537 new students joining annually, placing it among the top 10% of institutions by size of freshman enrollment. Transfer students are more moderate in number, with around 634 each year, considered average compared to peer universities. In total, the undergraduate and transfer population together is large, reflecting a high overall enrollment.

The demographic makeup of the student body shows a wide range of ages, particularly among graduate students, where ages span from late teens to nearly 65 years old. Undergraduate students are mostly concentrated between ages 18 and 21. Graduate students tend to be older, with many in the 22-29 age range and significant numbers beyond that, indicating a broad spectrum of life stages represented on campus.

Regarding residency status, Cornell has a notably low proportion of in-state students at 32%, ranking in the bottom 10% nationally, while out-of-state students make up 55%, a share that is comparatively high, placing the university in the top 15% for attracting non-resident Americans. Domestic students constitute 87% of the population, an average level relative to other institutions, and the university also draws a diverse international presence, with 10% of students coming from foreign countries, a considerably high proportion in the top 20%.

The racial and ethnic composition of Cornell's population is varied. The university enrolls 3,830 White students, and populations of Hispanic and African American students are each substantial, with 1,770 and 944 students respectively, both figures reflecting average representation among universities. Asian students comprise a notably large group, totaling 3,260 and ranking in the top 5%, highlighting strong Asian enrollment. Additionally, students identifying with two or more races form a sizable segment at 729, which is high compared to many institutions. The number of students whose racial background is unknown is also significant at 718, positioning Cornell in the top 10% for this category.

How does student life look like at Cornell University?

Cornell University offers a vibrant campus environment with a variety of extracurricular options. Students can engage in campus newspaper, drama, radio, band, and chorus activities, providing diverse opportunities for creative expression and community involvement. Health and wellness resources include access to a health clinic, psychological counseling services, a veterans affairs office, and a women's center, demonstrating a commitment to supporting student well-being.

The university supports a highly staffed and well-resourced academic community, with nearly 2,000 full-time staff and over 350 part-time staff members, reflecting a strong institutional infrastructure. The student-to-faculty ratio is low at 9 to 1, allowing for more personalized attention in academic settings. Cornell also competes in NCAA athletics, adding to the campus spirit and offering students the chance to participate in or follow high-level collegiate sports.

What libraries are available to students at Cornell University?

Cornell University offers students access to a very extensive network of libraries, with a total of 15 library facilities available. This number places the university in the top 5% nationwide for the quantity of libraries, highlighting the strong academic resources accessible to its community. The collection housed within these libraries is substantial, containing over 5.27 million books, also ranking in the top 5% for sheer volume.

In addition to physical books, Cornell provides access to an impressive array of digital and subscription resources. The university holds approximately 239,452 subscriptions and offers around 2.15 million eBooks, which positions it highly among peer institutions. While digital subscriptions number nearly 320,000, this level is considered average, reflecting moderate availability in that category.

The physical library facilities at Cornell feature amenities designed to support student study needs, including study rooms and all-day access. Students can benefit from both physical and digital access to resources, with trained staff available to assist. The libraries operate with established hours, ensuring consistent availability, and provide access to shared collections, expanding the breadth of materials reachable by students.

Overall, Cornell University supports scholarly work through a combination of abundant physical holdings, significant digital content, and supportive library infrastructure.

Cornell University Student Life for 2026

Total enrollment

26793

Full Time Degree Seeking Freshmen

3525

Member of Athletic Associations

Data not available

Total staff

1952 full time, 378 part time

Veterans affair office

Yes

Cornell University Library Services and Resources

Main library name

Data not available

Number of libraries on campus

15

Reservable study rooms in library

Yes

24h access

Yes

Physical facilities

Yes

Access to digital/electronic resources

Yes

Staff trained to provide and interpret library materials

Yes

Established library hours

Yes

Access to library collections that are shared with other institutions

Yes

Cornell University Computer Labs Access

  • 24h access
  • Help desk

Cornell University Student Life Enrollment Statistics

Freshly enrolled students' state of residence

US
International

Freshmen vs. transfer students

Freshman
Transfer

Freshly enrolled students' age

Under 25 years
Over 25 years

Cornell University Location & Map