M.S from Cornell University [CORNELL U], Ithaca - Fees & Admission Details 2026

• Found my accommodation via a local property manager found on Google. Monthly rent is $900.

• For the first 2 years I opted for on-campus housing as it was compulsory. For a semester, I have to pay about $7000. I didn't face any challenges, as the process was randomized to assign rooms and I got a single room in a decent hostel for both years so I didn't face any challenges in searching for housing. The accommodation is within the college campus and about 15 minutes walking distance from classes. Most indian students also stay on campus.

• Finding Accommodation—My Experience Search Methods: I primarily used online platforms such as Facebook groups (like “Cornell Housing” or “Cornell University – Indian Students”) Ithaca Craigslist and Zillow Cornell Off-Campus Housing portal WhatsApp groups of incoming students and alumni.
• Challenges Faced: High demand and limited supply near campus, especially during peak intake months Scams and fake listings, especially on open forums Unfurnished apartments and difficulty in arranging furniture as a new international student Finding roommates with matching lifestyle and budgets
• Recommendations: Start looking at least 2–3 months in advance to get good options Verify listings through video calls or ask current students to visit if possible Prefer staying in grad student housing or areas like Collegetown, Maplewood, or near Commons for convenience. If budget allows, consider fully furnished shared apartments to reduce setup hassle

Program ranked in top 10 in the US. Ivy league school. Shorter duration of masters program. Best Engineering school in the Ivy league.

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.

1. Small cohort 2. Brand name 3. One of the best program I wanted to pursue.

Prestige and ranking(overall and department). It is an Ivy school and ranked in the top 10 in the US for my program.

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.

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.

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.