Academic Comparison between Cornell and Harvard

Cornell University and Harvard University are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. Both Schools are four-year, private (not-for-profit). Cornell is located in Ithaca, NY and Harvard is located in Cambridge, MA.

Comparison at a Glance

The following list compares two colleges briefly in important perspectives. You can compare them with comprehensive information on full comparison page.

  • Both schools are four-year, private (not-for-profit) schools.
  • Cornell has more expensive tuition & fees ($69,314) than Harvard ($61,676).
  • It is harder to admit to Harvard than Cornell.
  • Harvard has a higher submitted SAT score (1,540) than Cornell (1,540).
  • Harvard has higher submitted ACT score (34) than Cornell (34).
  • Harvard has more students with 30,259 students while Cornell has 26,793 students.
  • Harvard has a lower number of students per faculty with 7 to 1 while Cornell's ratio is 9 to 1.
  • Harvard has more full-time faculties with 2,117 faculties while Cornell has 1,974 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Cornell Universityvs.Harvard University
Ithaca, New YorkLocationCambridge, Massachusetts
Four-year, Private (not-for-profit)School Typefour-year, Private (not-for-profit)
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree
Research University (very high research activity)Carnegie ClassificationResearch University (very high research activity)
$69,3142025 Tuition & Fees$61,676
50%% Receiving Financial Aid50%
$63,849Average Amount of Financial Aid$59,539
8.76 %Acceptance Rates3.65 %
63.91 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)83.60 %
1,540SAT Score1,550
34ACT Score35
95 %Graduation Rate98 %
-Transfer-out Rate-
98 %Retention Rate98 %
26,793Student Population30,259
1,974Number of Faculties2,117
9 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio7 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study AbroadSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher Certification
Academic/career counseling service, Employment servicesOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services
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