Cornell University vs Washington University of Science and Technology
Cornell University is extremely selective with a 8.2% acceptance rate, making it harder to get into than Washington University of Science and Technology (11.5%).
Admissions & Outcomes
Washington University of Science and Technology has a higher yield rate (100.0%), meaning a larger share of admitted students choose to enroll — a strong signal of student preference.
Ithaca, NY
Alexandria, VA
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.
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.
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 Chemical Engineering$83,351
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 Hospitality Administration/Management
- 3 Human Resources Management and Services
- 4 Agricultural Business and Management
- 5 Biology, General
Washington University of Science and Technology
- 1 Computer and Information Sciences, General
- 2 Business Administration, Management and Operations
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
Washington University of Science and Technology
- International students88%
- Tuition (international)$54,000
- 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 88% international enrollment, Washington University of Science and Technology likely has a well-established international student community.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into Cornell University or Washington University of Science and Technology?
Cornell University is more selective with a 8.2% acceptance rate, compared to 11.5%. Both are competitive schools that receive tens of thousands of applications each year.
What is the graduation rate at Cornell University vs Washington University of Science and Technology?
Cornell University has a higher 6-year graduation rate at 95.3%, compared to 54.5%. 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 Washington University of Science and Technology?
Washington University of Science and Technology has a larger international student population at 88% 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 Washington University of Science and Technology?
At Cornell University, Computer Science graduates earn a median of $122,485 within two years. Your choice of major often has a bigger impact on earnings than which school you attend.