Northwestern University vs Cornell University
Northwestern University is extremely selective with a 7.1% acceptance rate, making it harder to get into than Cornell University (8.2%). Graduates of Cornell University earn $14,680 more per year at the 10-year mark ($104,043 vs $89,363). For families earning $48k–$75k, Northwestern University is more affordable at $6,485 net price vs $8,129.
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. Both schools have similar median SAT scores around 1530, so standardized test scores alone won't differentiate applicants.
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), Northwestern University is more affordable at $1,243 per year. At higher incomes ($110k+), the gap narrows — $48,837 vs $51,735.
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. Northwestern University 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.
Northwestern University
- 1 Computer Science$98,403
- 2 Computer Engineering$85,918
- 3 Information Science/Studies$83,546
- 4 Industrial Engineering$79,849
- 5 Chemical Engineering$79,688
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.
Northwestern University
- 1 Economics
- 2 Radio, Television, and Digital Communication
- 3 Computer Science
- 4 Psychology, General
- 5 Biology, General
Cornell University
- 1 Computer Science
- 2 Hospitality Administration/Management
- 3 Human Resources Management and Services
- 4 Agricultural Business and Management
- 5 Biology, General
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.
Northwestern University
- International students21%
- Tuition (international)$56,286
- Est. total cost/year$74,356
- School typePublic
Cornell University
- International students26%
- Tuition (international)$58,586
- Est. total cost/year$75,038
- 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 Northwestern University or Cornell University?
Northwestern University is more selective with a 7.1% acceptance rate, compared to 8.2%. Both are competitive schools that receive tens of thousands of applications each year.
Which school has higher earnings: Northwestern University or Cornell University?
Cornell University graduates earn more at the 10-year mark, with median earnings of $104,043 compared to $89,363. Earnings vary significantly by major — STEM fields typically produce the highest returns at both schools.
Which is cheaper: Northwestern University or Cornell University?
For middle-income families ($48k–$75k), Northwestern University has a lower net price at $6,485 per year vs $8,129. Net price varies by family income — use each school's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
What is the graduation rate at Northwestern University vs Cornell University?
Northwestern University has a higher 6-year graduation rate at 95.9%, compared to 95.1%. A high graduation rate signals strong academic support, student engagement, and a campus culture where students thrive.
Which school has more international students: Northwestern University or Cornell University?
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 Northwestern University and Cornell University?
At Northwestern University, Computer Science graduates earn a median of $98,403 within two years. At Cornell University, the top-earning major is Computer Science at $122,485. Your choice of major often has a bigger impact on earnings than which school you attend.