by our College Data Analytics TeamIs Cornell worth the money? College Factual’s value analysis weighs the quality of education against the cost. Here is the verdict.
Cornell is ranked #2,824 out of 3,211 schools for value nationwide, earning a value grade of C (above average for value). Within New York, it ranks #176 of 216 for value.
These Cornell majors earned the highest value rankings from College Factual.
| Major | National Value Rank |
|---|---|
| Textile Science | #1 of 1 |
| Biometry/Biometrics | #2 of 2 |
| International Agriculture | #3 of 3 |
| Agriculture | #3 of 3 |
| General Operations Research | #5 of 6 |
| Operations Research | #5 of 6 |
| Engineering | #5 of 6 |
| German Studies | #12 of 15 |
| Human Resources | #14 of 15 |
| Labor & Industrial Relations | #14 of 15 |
Read the full Cornell value report below — how it ranks within its state, how it ranks nationwide, what a degree actually costs, and whether it makes financial sense.
Cornell University is ranked #1 out of #236 in New York for quality and #176 out of #216 for New York value.
Live in-state? You may qualify for a reduced price. Check the Cornell financial aid page to be sure.
Cornell University is ranked #2,824 out of 3,211 for value nationwide.
Cornell University is priced appropriately for the quality of education it provides, making it a fair value according to College Factual.
Averaged across all students — those who receive aid and those who pay full price — a year at Cornell costs about $57,820. Over a standard four-year bachelor's program, that adds up to an estimated $231,282 for the degree.
| Amount | |
|---|---|
| Sticker Price (before aid) | $88,140 / year |
| Net Price (students receiving aid) | $28,690 / year |
| Average Cost (all students) | $57,820 / year |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $231,282 |
*The average cost weights the net price paid by aid recipients against the sticker price paid by everyone else. The 4-year figure assumes the standard bachelor's length; your actual time to graduate and price may differ.
Your price depends heavily on your family income and the aid you qualify for. See the Cornell net price page for a fuller breakdown of what you might actually pay.
The price you actually pay depends on your circumstances — most students do not pay the full sticker price.
Here is how the estimated 4-year cost of a Cornell degree breaks down by aid group, against its national value ranking.
| Nationwide Value by Aid Group | Avg Degree Cost | Value Rank | Value Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Students with No Aid | $352,560 | — | — |
| All Students | $231,282 | #2,824 | C |
| Only Students Receiving Aid | $114,760 | — | — |
| In-State Value by Aid Group | Avg Degree Cost | Value Rank | Value Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Students with No Aid | $352,560 | — | — |
| All Students | $231,282 | #176 | C+ |
| Only Students Receiving Aid | $114,760 | — | — |
*College Factual publishes a single overall value ranking (the All Students row). The cost rows show what each aid group pays toward the same degree.
You can also see how the average net price at Cornell shifts with family income:
| Family Income | Avg Net Price / Year |
|---|---|
| $0–$30K | $4,079 |
| $30K–$48K | $5,589 |
| $48K–$75K | $8,129 |
| $75K–$110K | $18,531 |
| Over $110K | $51,735 |
About 51% of Cornell undergraduates receive grant or scholarship aid, averaging $63,849 per year. Get more details on the Cornell financial aid you may qualify for.
College Factual calculates value by comparing the average Cornell cost of a degree against other schools of a similar quality. If the school is priced fairly for the educational quality it provides, it receives a fair ranking; if it is underpriced, it earns a good or excellent value.
Read the full Best for the Money Ranking Methodology.