Cornell University
Ithaca, United States • Founded 1865 • World Rank #25
Updated Jun 2026
Overview
Founded in 1865, the Cornell University is a non-profit private higher education institution located in the urban setting of the large town of Ithaca (population range of 10,000-49,999 inhabitants), New York.
Officially accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, Cornell University (CU) is a large-sized coeducational US higher education institution. Cornell University (CU) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and doctorate degrees in several areas of study.
This 159-year-old US higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on students' past academic records and grades. The acceptance rate range is 0-9% making this US higher education organization an extremely selective institution.
International students are welcome to apply for enrollment.
CU also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, online courses and distance learning opportunities, as well as administrative services.
Location & Contact
Cornell University's street address and primary contact methods. Social channels often differentiate by purpose — admissions on one, alumni on another, events on a third.
Academic Details
Institutional vitals for Cornell University: how big, how staffed, and how recognised it is. Campus setting (urban, suburban, rural) interacts with these metrics in shaping the daily academic experience.
Academic Structures
Cornell University delivers teaching through the academic units below — useful for orienting yourself before reading individual programmes. Each unit operates with a degree of academic autonomy.
Unit 12 items
- College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
- College of Architecture, Art and Planning
- College of Arts and Sciences
- College of Engineering
- College of Human Ecology
- College of Veterinary Medicine
- Cornell Law School
- Graduate School
- Johnson Graduate School of Management
- School of Hotel Administration
- School of Industrial and Labor Relations
- Weill Medical College
Programs Offered
The full set of programmes Cornell University offers is searchable and grouped by level below. Some programmes accept rolling applications; others run on annual cycles — check before applying.
332 programmes on record. Each level below shows a sample. Compare these on the programs page All programs in United States
Bachelor's Degree 143 programmes
Showing 10 of 143.
Master's Degree 99 programmes
Showing 10 of 99.
Doctorate 84 programmes
Showing 10 of 84.
Professional Doctorate 5 programmes
Postgraduate Certificate 1 programme
How to apply to Cornell University
The standard application path for Cornell University, broken into five practical steps with the documents and channels you will need at each stage.
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1
Browse the programme catalogue
Use the programme finder to browse Cornell University's 332 active programmes. Filter by keyword or scan by degree level. Read curriculum details on each programme's dedicated page if available.
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2
Check eligibility for your chosen programme
Programme-level requirements at Cornell University typically include academic transcripts, language proficiency proof, identity documents, and a personal statement or interview. Confirm specific requirements with the admissions office.
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3
Get your documents ready
Prepare academic transcripts, ID/passport copies, language proficiency proof, a personal statement, and reference letters. International candidates may need apostilled or notarised translations — start early to avoid deadline pressure.
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4
Apply through the official channel
Cornell University processes applications through www.cornell.edu. Create an account, fill out the application form, and submit your documents. Note application deadlines, which vary by intake and programme.
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5
Reach out and track your application
Confirm receipt of your application with the admissions office and keep an eye on your portal for status changes. Reach the institution by phone at +1 (607) 255 2000. Quick responses to any follow-up requests keep your application moving smoothly through the review process.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cornell University
Short Q&A on the institutional facts that matter most when shortlisting Cornell University as a study destination.
When did Cornell University open?
Cornell University traces its founding to 1865 (approximately 161 years ago).
In which city is Cornell University?
Cornell University is based in Ithaca, United States.
Is Cornell University a public or private institution?
It is a private higher-education institution.
How many students study at Cornell University?
Cornell University has approximately 25,000-29,999 students.
What is Cornell University's ranking?
Cornell University holds rank #25 globally and #7 in United States.
How is Cornell University organised academically?
The institution comprises 12 academic units.
Who recognises Cornell University?
The institution holds recognition from Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
How do I find Cornell University online?
You can find Cornell University online at www.cornell.edu.
Top-Ranked Universities in the United States
the United States's most prominent universities are listed below — relevant for assessing Cornell University's national positioning. National prominence signals not just academic strength but also employer recognition.
Members of Association of American Universities (AAU)
Coordination on academic calendars among Association of American Universities (AAU) members eases exchange programme logistics. Aligned terms reduce timing friction when moving between Cornell University and other members.
Faculties at nearby universities
If you're weighing Cornell University against other institutions in the area, these neighbouring universities offer overlapping faculties and similar admissions cycles. They are useful for shortlisting based on travel distance or campus environment.
Where Else to Study Agriculture
Accreditation portability differs for Agriculture programmes across the United States. Professional accreditation (where applicable) matters more than institutional accreditation for regulated career paths.
Universities Compared with Cornell University
The institutions below sit at a comparable academic standing to Cornell University, often shortlisted together. Same-tier comparison helps when you have a target level but want to weigh non-ranking factors like culture or specialism.
Studying in United States: guides and resources
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