What's New in Cornell University Admission?
4 July 2025: Cornell University MBA applicants are now required to pay a non-refundable USD 250 (INR 21,345) application fee. Additionally, Duolingo English Test scores are now accepted for the MBA program, offering greater flexibility in English proficiency submissions. Check Details.
3 June 2025: Cornell University has extended the application deadline for its Master of Professional Studies in Management program to June 15, 2025, for all interested applicants.
28 May 2025: Cornell University has increased its tuition fee for international undergraduate students to 71,266 USD per year from 65,204 USD. Tuition fees for professional degrees and annual living expenses (26,986 USD for UG and 31,913 for PG) are also increased. Click here to know more.
13 May 2025: The 2-year MBA tuition fees at Cornell University for the 2025 Fall/Spring intake have risen from $83,106 to $86,596 (₹70,55,699 to ₹73,52,000). For more details, click here.
Cornell University is a highly ranked Ivy League institution with a selective admissions process, attracting strong competition from international applicants, including a large pool from India. In the most recent cycle, the university received over 72,000 applications, admitting just 6,076 students, resulting in an acceptance rate of 8.37%. Admissions are offered across Spring, Summer, and Fall intakes, and applicants are assessed holistically on academic performance, test scores, English proficiency, and overall profile strength.
Admission timelines vary by level and program. For undergraduate applicants, Cornell offers Early Decision (November 1) and Regular Decision (January 2) routes, with Indian students often encouraged to apply early due to intense competition. Graduate application deadlines are program-specific, with popular courses such as MS Computer Science, Engineering Management, Architecture, Public Policy, and MBA closing between January and April. Applicants should note that some programs stop accepting applications once seats are filled.
Academic expectations differ by study level. Undergraduate applicants are typically expected to present strong Class XII results (around 90% or higher) along with competitive SAT/ACT scores and English proficiency. Graduate applicants must hold a recognised bachelor’s degree, meet minimum GPA thresholds, and submit standardised test scores (GRE/GMAT where required), letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose. Given Cornell’s selectivity, early and complete applications significantly improve the chances of timely decisions and smoother visa preparation.
Also Check: Cornell University Acceptance Rate
*All USD to INR conversions in this article use a rate of 1 USD ≈ ₹91.95.
Cornell University Admission Deadline
The application deadline for first-year Early Decision is November 1, with admission decisions released in mid-December. For first-year Regular Decision, the application deadline is January 2, and applicants receive their admission results in early April.
The application deadlines for undergraduate, postgraduate, and MBA programs are listed below. Check the specific dates for each course or application round.
UG Admission Deadline
| Application Type | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Early Deadline | Nov 1, 2026 (Tentative) |
| Regular Decision | Jan 2, 2027 |
PG Admission Deadline
| Course Name | Admission Deadline |
|---|---|
| MS Computer Science | Jan 1, 2027 (Tentative) |
| MEng Engineering Management | Feb 1, 2026Jun 1, 2026 |
| MBA | Apr 7, 2026 |
| MEng Biomedical Engineering | May 31, 2026 |
| MS Mechanical Engineering | Jan 15, 2026 |
| PhD Economics | Mar 15, 2026 |
| MPA | Feb 15, 2026 |
| MArch | Jan 3, 2026 |
MBA Admission Deadline
| Application Type | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Round 1 | Sept 17, 2025 (Closed) |
| Round 2 | Jan 8, 2026 |
| Round 3 | Apr 7,2026 |
Cornell University Popular Courses
Listed below are some popular courses at Cornell University with their respective durations and tuition fees for international students:
| Course Name | Duration (Years) | Application Fees | Tuition Fees (USD) | Tuition Fees (INR) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MS Computer Science (733 Views) |
2 Years | USD 105 (₹9,651) |
USD 29,500 (₹27.12 Lakhs) |
• Highlight real research or papers • Map Indian syllabus to Cornell core CS |
| BS Computer Science (450 Views) |
4 Years | USD 85 (₹9,651) |
USD 71,266 (₹65.53 Lakhs) |
• 95%+ in Math & CS (CBSE/ICSE) • Olympiads help a lot • Showcase self-built apps/projects |
| MEng Engineering Management (373 Views) |
1 Year | USD 105 (₹9,651) |
USD 71,266 (₹65.53 Lakhs) |
• Emphasize team leadership roles in your SOP • Strong internships (TCS, startups, PSUs) |
| MBA (320 Views) |
2 Years | USD 250 (₹22,980) |
USD 86,596 (₹79.59 Lakhs) |
• Clear leadership story (NGO) • 2–5 yrs solid work experience • Show impact-focused post-MBA goals (India) |
| BArch (268 Views) |
5 Years | USD 85 (₹7,813) |
USD 71,266 (₹65.26 Lakhs) |
• Portfolio: 15–20 slides, process-focused • Freehand sketches + physical models • Indian context designs = big plus |
| MEng Biomedical Engineering (238 Views) |
1 Year | USD 105 (₹9,651) |
USD 68,380 (₹62.86 Lakhs) |
• Highlight bio + engineering projects • Hospital/IIT lab exposure helps |
| MS Mechanical Engineering (225 Views) |
2 Years | USD 105 (₹9,651) |
USD 29,500 (₹27.12 Lakhs) |
• Research, thesis, or lab-heavy profile • Robotics / energy projects • Hands-on work beats coursework |
| PhD Economics (215 Views) |
3 Years | USD 105 (₹9,651) |
USD 20,800 (₹19.13 Lakhs) |
• Prove strong math (real analysis, linear algebra). • Add research assistant work or policy projects. |
| MPA (203 Views) |
2 Years | USD 105 (₹9,651) |
USD 46,658 (₹42.89 Lakhs) |
•Govt/NGO/policy internships matter • Link SOP to Indian governance issues |
| MArch (193 Views) |
3 Years | USD 105 (₹9,651) |
USD 71,266 (₹65.53 Lakhs) |
• Deep design thinking in portfolio • Urban & sustainability focus preferred • IIT or pro experience adds weight |
Cornell University Admission Requirements
Cornell University has the widest range of courses among the Ivy League universities, with nearly 100 fields of study with 18 non-degree granting minor fields. Details of the admission requirements for graduate programs in Cornell University for prospective Indian students are as follows:
| Category | Undergraduate (UG) | Graduate |
|---|---|---|
| Application Portal | Cornell Undergraduate Application | ApplyWeb |
| Application Fee | USD 85 | USD 105 (INR 9,155) |
| Academic Qualification | Official high-school transcripts | Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university |
| Minimum GPA | 3.5/4.0 (≈ 90%) | 2.7/4.0 (≈ 80–82%) |
| Competitive GPA (Recommended) | 3.8+/4.0 | 3.5+/4.0 (≈ 89–90%) |
| Standardized Tests | SAT: 1480–1550 ACT: 33–35 |
GMAT (MBA): ~710 GRE: Q 165+, V 155+, AWA 3.5+ |
| English Proficiency (All Tests) | TOEFL iBT: 100 IELTS: 7.5 PTE: 70 |
TOEFL iBT: Speaking 22+, Reading 20+, Listening 15+, Writing 20+ IELTS: 7.0 |
| Letters of Recommendation (LORs) | 2 (from school faculty) | 3 (academic and/or professional) |
| Statement of Purpose / Writing | Writing supplement required | Mandatory SOP |
| Interview | Video interview (course-specific) | Not usually required |
| Additional Requirements | Questionnaire, portfolio/design index (arts, design, architecture) | International degree equivalency |
| Admission Notes | Early Decision recommended | Deadlines & tests vary by program |
Cornell University MBA
Cornell University’s MBA programs, offered through the Samuel Curtis Johnson Graduate School of Management, are consistently ranked among the top business schools globally. In the 2025 rankings, Cornell placed #33 in the QS Global MBA Rankings and #13 in the Financial Times Global MBA Rankings, underscoring its strong academic rigor, career outcomes, and global reputation. With full-time MBA formats across Ithaca and New York City, the program offers international students a balance of Ivy League depth and real-world exposure.
| Program Name | Format | Primary Location | Duration | Estimated Total Cost (Tuition + Living) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Two-Year Residential MBA | Full-time residential | Ithaca, NY (with course options in New York City) | 2 years (4 semesters + summer internship) |
USD 175,000–180,000 (≈ ₹1.61–1.65 crore) |
| One-Year Johnson Cornell Tech MBA | Full-time residential | New York City (Roosevelt Island) | 1 year (3 semesters; no internship) |
USD 135,000–150,000 (≈ ₹1.24–1.38 crore) |
| Johnson Cornell Tech Dual-Campus MBA (1+1) | Full-time residential | Ithaca (Year 1) → New York City (Year 2) | 21 months (4 semesters + tech-focused internship) |
USD 175,000–180,000 (≈ ₹1.61–1.65 crore) |
Cornell University MBA Admission Requirements
Admission to Cornell’s MBA programs is highly competitive and holistic. Along with strong academics, the Johnson School places significant weight on work experience, leadership potential, and career clarity.
| Category | Requirement Details |
|---|---|
| Business School | Samuel Curtis Johnson Graduate School of Management |
| Application Portal | ApplyWeb |
| Application Fee | USD 250 |
| Academic Qualification | Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university |
| Minimum GPA | 2.7/4.0 (≈ 80–82%) |
| Competitive Profile (Recommended) | Higher GPA with strong work experience |
| English Proficiency | TOEFL iBT: Speaking 22+, Reading 20+, Listening 15+, Writing 20+IELTS: 7.0 overall |
| Standardized Tests | GMAT: ~710 (median score) GRE: Quant 165+, Verbal 155+, AWA 3.5+ |
| Work Experience | 2–5 years of full-time professional experience |
| Letters of Recommendation | 2 LORs (professional and/or academic) |
| Statement of Purpose | Required |
| International Degree Equivalency | Mandatory |
Cornell University Admission Decision
Cornell University admission decisions depend on the application types. Early Decision applicants receive admission decision by mid-December. For Early Decision, you need to reply by the deadline of January 16. Regular Decision applicants are notified by late-March, and the enrollment confirmation deadline is on May 1.
All admission decisions at Cornell University are final. There are 3 possible outcomes for Regular Decision applicants:
- Admit: Accepted students must submit their enrollment deposit by May 2 to secure a spot at Cornell University.
- Waitlist: You will have to wait for potential admission based on a vacant space availability.
- Deny: Rejected applicants can reapply as transfer candidates in future admissions cycles.
Note: You should check the application portal regularly for updates and ensure your meet response deadlines to secure your place at Cornell University.
Also Check: Cornell University Reviews
Cornell University offers a highly competitive admission process with only 8% acceptance rate. The university considers all applications holistically with college-specific admission requirements. To stand out among the many applicants, it's a good idea to keep a strong GPA and showcase achievements in extracurricular activities, especially those that highlight leadership and other significant roles.
FAQs
Ques. What makes Cornell University unique, and what is the cost of tuition?
Ans. Cornell University is a highly selective Ivy League institution with a small, diverse intake of around 40-60 students at its NYC campus. The tech-focused programs like Tech-MBA, CS, Information Systems, and Operations Research have been moved from the Ithaca campus. A major benefit is the ability to take courses across different domains, allowing students to explore both CS and MBA courses in the same semester. Tuition fees at Cornell University range from $20,800 to $129,918 (₹1,13,02,866 to ₹4,000,000) per year. However, there are several scholarships available to help with the costs.
Ques. How hard is it actually to get into Ivy League Cornell University?
Ans. Getting into Cornell University is highly competitive, with an acceptance rate of just 8%. While it's tough, it’s not impossible if you have a unique story, strong resilience, and clear achievements. The admissions process values honesty and genuine passion, so being upfront about your challenges and how you’ve overcome them can make a strong impression. Ultimately, showing that you’re driven, whether through academic recovery or personal accomplishments, can improve your chances.
Ques: What makes Cornell University stand out from other top universities?
Ans: Cornell stands out with over 80 undergraduate majors, 100+ graduate fields, and 7 undergraduate colleges, making it the most academically diverse Ivy. It enrolls around 16,000 undergraduates, offering access to 20 libraries, 1,000+ student clubs, and specialized programs like the Interdisciplinary Studies major. Its financial aid program supports over 50% of students with need-based aid, and the campus, set in Ithaca, New York, consistently ranks among the top 10 most beautiful college campuses in the U.S. This blend of academic depth, support, and environment makes Cornell truly unique.
College Student Profiles
Cornell University Program Fees & Deadlines
| Program | Important Dates | Fees | Application Fees | Eligibility | Financial Aid |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
MS Computer Science 2 years | USD 29,500 /Yr | 105 | Average grade: 60%, IELTS-7.0, TOEFL-4.0 | ||
BS Computer Science 4 years | USD 71,266 /Yr | 85 | Average grade: 60%, IELTS-7.5, TOEFL-100, Duolingo-130 | ||
Final Deadline For Fall 2026 Intake (1st Jun 2026) | USD 71,266 /Yr | 105 | Average grade: 60%, IELTS-7.0, TOEFL-4.0 | ||
MBA 2 years | Round 3 (final) Application Deadline (7th Apr 2026) Deposit & Official Documentation Deadline (24th Apr 2026) Deposit & Official Documentation Deadline (5th Jun 2026) | USD 86,596 /Yr | 250 | TOEFL iBT: 4.0 | IELTS: 7.0 | Duolingo: 120 | |
BArch 5 years | USD 71,266 /Yr | 85 | Average grade: 60%, IELTS-7.5, TOEFL-100, Duolingo-130 | ||
PhD Economics 3 years | Decision Deadline For Fall 2026 Intake (15th Mar 2026) | USD 20,800 /Yr | 105 | Average grade: 60%, IELTS-7.0, TOEFL-4.5 | |
MS Mechanical Engineering 2 years | USD 29,500 /Yr | 105 | IELTS-7.0, TOEFL-4.0 | ||
MPA 2 years | USD 46,658 /Yr | 105 | IELTS-7.0, TOEFL-4.0 | ||
MArch 3 years | USD 71,266 /Yr | 105 | Average grade: 60%, IELTS-7.0, TOEFL-4.0 | ||
Application Deadline For Fall 2026 Intake (31st May 2026) | USD 68,380 /Yr | 105 | IELTS-7.5, TOEFL-4.0 |
Do you think the Dates are wrong ? Report Here
Important Alerts
| Events | Dates |
|---|---|
| Economics Decision Deadline For Fall 2026 Intake | Closing in 24 days |
Course Finder - Search from 50K+ courses
Popular Streams:
Reviews
Most Popular Tags
11 Reviews Found
Likes
- Short duration of the MEng program, high cost and location in a collegetown
Likes
- I really liked the culture of my college (the cultural activities and people)
- The job opportunities that have been provided
- Love the career services where they help me with reviewing my resume
Dislikes
- Some professors would overload us with work so it gets really stressful
- I don't like the fact that its very far away from NYC so I miss out on some networking events
- There could be more stress relieving activities due to the amount of stress because of finals and prelims
Scholarship
- I didn't receive any scholarship but my friends received a scholarship (TATA Scholarship), which is about 95% scholarship based mostly on merit but I'm not too sure of the details. Not a lot of people in the university receive scholarships, especially international students. I am not aware of the exact number of students, though, as that isn't revealed to us.
Likes
- Ivy League status with global recognition and prestige.
- World-class faculty, many with PhDs from top institutions like MIT.
- Cutting-edge research facilities and access to high-tech labs.
Dislikes
- Missing city vibes sometime as I had been from Mumbai city when in India
- Feels lonely as many of students go home on break
- Sudden unpredictable weather in Ithaca
Overview
Program ranked in top 10 in the US. Ivy league school. Shorter duration of masters program. Best Engineering school in the Ivy league.
Scholarship
No
Overview
More credits/focus assigned to research. At least a third of the total credits for graduation were assigned for research which was my primary area of interest.
Scholarship
J.N. TATA Scholarship
Overview
1. Small cohort 2. Brand name 3. One of the best program I wanted to pursue.
Scholarship
No
Overview
Prestige and ranking(overall and department). It is an Ivy school and ranked in the top 10 in the US for my program.
Scholarship
No, I didn't receive any scholarship.
Overview
I ended up choosing Cornell mainly due to two Professors here (Jie Shan and Peter McMahon). Their research interests aligned really well with mine. Another, although minor, factor that affected my decision was the availability of many hiking trails in Ithaca. I really enjoy trekking and hiking, so that was a major plus.
Scholarship
I applied for a few after joining my Ph.D program, although their results haven't been released yet.
Overview
A great network to be able to be successful in the future, allows me to extensively train for the career I want. Has a good social climate to be able to enjoy myself when I need a break from the tough work.
Overview
It's the leading program in this field and I couldn't find it anywhere else. Very detailed and good instruction at Cornell's ILR School in Ithaca, NY about 4 hours from New York City. There are plenty of resources.
Scholarship
I have some financial aid to make education more affordable. This would be difficult without financial aid. They are good about aid but the process includes filling out lots of paperwork.
interested in this College ?
Follow & Share this college to get information about admission.
Comments