Cornell University vs Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Cornell University is extremely selective with a 8.2% acceptance rate, making it harder to get into than Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (58.5%). Graduates of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute earn $2,240 more per year at the 10-year mark ($93,416 vs $91,176). For families earning $48k–$75k, Cornell University is more affordable at $9,785 net price vs $29,788. Students at Cornell University graduate with less debt ($14,500 vs $24,194).
Admissions & Outcomes
Cornell University has a higher yield rate (66.0%), meaning a larger share of admitted students choose to enroll — a strong signal of student preference. Cornell University has a higher median SAT (1520 vs 1410).
Net Price by Family Income
Net price is what you actually pay after grants and scholarships — often far less than the sticker price. It varies dramatically by family income. For low-income families ($0–$30k), Cornell University is more affordable at $5,244 per year. At higher incomes ($110k+), the gap narrows — $52,887 vs $43,003.
Net price data from College Scorecard. Run each school's net price calculator for a personalized estimate based on your family's finances.
Financial Aid
Institutional grants come directly from the school's endowment and don't need to be repaid. A high institutional grant rate means the school is investing its own funds in affordability. Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute enrolls more Pell Grant recipients (19%), indicating stronger support for students from lower-income backgrounds.
Highest-Earning Majors
Median earnings within two years of graduation. Your choice of major often has a bigger impact on lifetime earnings than the school name on your diploma.
Cornell University
- 1 Computer Science$122,485
- 2 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering$92,277
- 3 Mathematics$91,211
- 4 Operations Research$85,538
- 5 Computer and Information Sciences, General$82,641
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
- 1 Computer Science$92,277
- 2 Computer Engineering Technologies/Technicians$88,933
- 3 Computer and Information Sciences, General$87,532
- 4 Industrial Engineering$77,213
- 5 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering$76,460
Most Popular Majors
The most popular majors by number of degrees awarded. This gives you a sense of each school's academic strengths and where students concentrate.
Cornell University
- 1 Computer Science
- 2 Human Resources Management and Services
- 3 Hospitality Administration/Management
- 4 Biology, General
- 5 Agricultural Business and Management
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
- 1 Computer Science
- 2 Mechanical Engineering
- 3 Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering
- 4 Biomedical/Medical Engineering
- 5 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
Campus & Student Body
Enrollment size, diversity, and retention paint a picture of campus culture. A high retention rate means students are satisfied enough to return after freshman year.
For International Students
Key cost and campus considerations for students coming from outside the US.
Cornell University
- International students26%
- Tuition (international)$58,586
- Est. total cost/year$75,038
- School typePublic
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
- International students14%
- Tuition (international)$55,600
- Est. total cost/year$72,966
- School typePublic
What international students should know
- International students pay out-of-state tuition at public universities. Private universities charge the same tuition for all students.
- Most federal financial aid (FAFSA, Pell Grants) is not available to international students. Look for institutional aid and merit scholarships.
- F-1 visa holders can work on-campus during the school year and use CPT/OPT for internships and post-graduation employment.
- Schools with a higher international student percentage typically have stronger support services — dedicated international offices, visa advising, and cultural programs.
- With 26% international enrollment, Cornell University likely has a well-established international student community.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into Cornell University or Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute?
Cornell University is more selective with a 8.2% acceptance rate, compared to 58.5%. Both are competitive schools that receive tens of thousands of applications each year.
Which school has higher earnings: Cornell University or Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute?
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute graduates earn more at the 10-year mark, with median earnings of $93,416 compared to $91,176. Earnings vary significantly by major — STEM fields typically produce the highest returns at both schools.
Which is cheaper: Cornell University or Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute?
For middle-income families ($48k–$75k), Cornell University has a lower net price at $9,785 per year vs $29,788. Net price varies by family income — use each school's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
What is the graduation rate at Cornell University vs Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute?
Cornell University has a higher 6-year graduation rate at 95.4%, compared to 86.9%. A high graduation rate signals strong academic support, student engagement, and a campus culture where students thrive.
Which school has more international students: Cornell University or Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute?
Cornell University has a larger international student population at 26% of enrollment. A higher international student percentage often means stronger support services for visa holders, including dedicated international student offices, OPT/CPT guidance, and cultural programming.
What are the highest-paying majors at Cornell University and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute?
At Cornell University, Computer Science graduates earn a median of $122,485 within two years. At Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, the top-earning major is Computer Science at $92,277. Your choice of major often has a bigger impact on earnings than which school you attend.