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Cornell University crest

Cornell University

Ithaca, United States • Founded 1865 • QS 2027 #16 =

Updated Oct 2026 · Source: cornell.edu

Overview

Acronyms: CU
Founded: 1865
Institution Type: University
Control Type: Private
Entity Type: Non-profit
Rankings:
QS World University Rankings 2027 #16 = Times Higher Education 2026 #18 = ARWU (Shanghai) 2026 #12 CWTS Leiden 2025 #34 SCImago 2026 #25
Motto: I would found an institution where any person can find instruction in any study. Ezra Cornell, 1865
Colours: Carnelian and white
Mascot: Touchdown the Bear
Cornell University crest

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

Geographic and contact information for Cornell University is listed below.

Address: 300 Day Hall
Postal Code: 14853
Phone: +1 (607) 255 2000
Fax: +1 (607) 255 5396
Social Media:

Academic Details

Cornell University's student body, faculty composition, and recognition framework are below.

Recognition: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Total Students: 26,561
Academic Staff Range: 2,000-2,499
Campus Setting: Urban
Memberships & Networks
Associated Universities, Inc. (AUI) Association of American Universities (AAU) Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities (APLU) Ivy League National Athletic Association (NAA) National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)

Academic Structures

Cornell University's faculties, schools, institutes, and constituent units are listed below.

Unit 16 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 Ann S. Bowers College of Computing and Information Science
  • Cornell Jeb E. Brooks School of Public Policy
  • Cornell Law School
  • Graduate School
  • Johnson Graduate School of Management
  • SC Johnson College of Business
  • School of Hotel Administration
  • School of Industrial and Labor Relations
  • Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical Sciences
  • Weill Medical College

Programs Offered

Search and filter Cornell University's available programmes by degree level.

220 programmes on record. Each level below shows a sample. Compare these on the programs page All programs in United States

Master of Business Administration 4 programmes

Executive MBA
Business Administration

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Master of Business Administration in Management
Business Administration

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Master of Business Administration in Management (w/ Tsinghua U-China)
Business Administration

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Master of Business Administration in Management and Industrial & Labor Relations
Business Administration

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Master's Degree 86 programmes

Master's Degree in Advanced Architectural Design
Architecture

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Master's Degree in Advanced Urban Design
Architecture

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Master's Degree in Agriculture and Life Sciences
Agriculture

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Master's Degree in Animal Science
Animal Science

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Master's Degree in Applied Economics and Management
Management & Leadership

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Master's Degree in Applied Physics
Physics & Astronomy

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Showing 10 of 86.

Doctorate 74 programmes

Doctorate in Africana Studies
African Studies

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Doctorate in Apparel Design
Applied Design

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Showing 10 of 74.

How to apply to Cornell University

Five steps that capture how applications to Cornell University flow.

  1. 1
    Browse the programme catalogue

    Use the programme finder to browse Cornell University's 220 active programmes. Filter by keyword or scan by degree level. Read curriculum details on each programme's dedicated page if available.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. 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

Common questions about Cornell University — answers from its published profile.

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 26,561 students.

What is Cornell University's ranking?

Cornell University holds rank QS 2027 #16 =.

How is Cornell University organised academically?

The institution comprises 16 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)

These universities are also members of Association of American Universities (AAU).

Faculties at nearby universities

Also in Ithaca: universities located close to Cornell University.

Where Else to Study Agriculture

These universities in the United States also offer Agriculture programmes, alongside Cornell University.

Universities Compared with Cornell University

Comparable universities to Cornell University are listed below.

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