Cornell's published cost of attendance reaches $83,196 annually—comprising $66,014 in tuition, $18,554 for room and board, and $1,354 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays $32,337 after financial aid, representing substantial savings of $50,859 from the sticker price.
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Net prices are averages and may vary. Based on federal data for first-time, full-time students receiving aid.
| Cost Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Cost of Attendance (Sticker Price) | $88,140 |
| Tuition and Fees | $69,314 |
| Room and Board | $19,428 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,226 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$59,450 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $28,690 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $1,776 |
| $30–48k | $4,070 |
| $48–75k | $6,796 |
| $75–110k | $14,311 |
| $110k+ | $49,992 |
Cornell's published cost of attendance reaches $83,196 annually—comprising $66,014 in tuition, $18,554 for room and board, and $1,354 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays $32,337 after financial aid, representing substantial savings of $50,859 from the sticker price. This net price falls slightly below the peer median of $33,531, indicating competitive pricing relative to similar selective private institutions despite Cornell's premium positioning.
The financial aid system creates dramatic cost variations based on family income, with net prices ranging from $4,079 for families earning under $30,000 to $51,735 for families earning over $110,000. This progressive pricing structure means that families across different income levels face substantially different educational investments. The $47,656 gap between the lowest and highest income tiers demonstrates Cornell's commitment to need-based financial aid while maintaining revenue from higher-income families.
Cornell's financial aid strategy targets support toward lower-income students while maintaining accessibility across income levels. The 18.2% Pell share indicates that nearly one in five students qualifies for federal need-based aid, suggesting meaningful economic diversity despite selective admissions.
The $50,859 average savings from sticker price demonstrates substantial institutional investment in financial aid, with most of this support concentrated among families earning under $75,000 annually. Cornell's aid philosophy appears designed to eliminate financial barriers for very low-income students while providing graduated support for middle-income families.
The progressive pricing structure reflects Cornell's dual mission of maintaining educational excellence through revenue generation while ensuring access for academically qualified students regardless of economic background. Students from families earning under $75,000 can expect substantial aid packages that make Cornell financially competitive with many public institutions, while families earning above $110,000 should prepare for costs approaching full tuition levels.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt is well below typical first-year earnings — generally considered very manageable.
Cornell graduates demonstrate exceptional debt management compared to similar institutions and national averages. Median student debt reaches just $14,000 at graduation, substantially below the peer median of $23,168, representing a $9,168 advantage in debt management.
The debt distribution shows controlled borrowing patterns, with 25th percentile debt at $5,962 and 75th percentile debt at $19,677, indicating that even higher-borrowing students maintain manageable debt levels. This debt performance places Cornell in the 87th percentile nationally, reflecting both generous financial aid and student borrowing discipline.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.13 indicates that typical Cornell graduates can expect their student debt to represent just 13% of their first-year post-graduation earnings, well below problematic debt-to-income ratios. Parent PLUS borrowing shows median debt of $35,000 with monthly payments of $461, concentrated among higher-income families who may choose borrowing over cash payments.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
Cornell delivers exceptional return on educational investment through the combination of outstanding earnings outcomes and controlled debt levels. Graduates earn $710 beyond expectations relative to their demographic characteristics and educational inputs, ranking at the 59th percentile nationally for value creation.
With median earnings of $104,043 ranking in the 99th percentile nationally and debt levels well below peer institutions, Cornell creates conditions for rapid wealth building after graduation. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.13 means typical graduates can expect comfortable debt service while maximizing discretionary income for savings and investment.
Compared to peer institutions, Cornell graduates earn $27,472 more annually while borrowing $9,168 less, representing a $36,640 annual advantage in financial position. This combination of high earnings and low debt distinguishes Cornell from many selective institutions where premium pricing creates substantial debt burdens.
