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College comparison
Cornell vs MIT
A side-by-side of acceptance rate, test scores, and cost — source-cited estimates, not guarantees. Want the number that actually matters for your student? Model your admit odds at each.
| Metric |  Cornell Ithaca, NY |  MIT Cambridge, MA |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rateMassachusetts Institute of Technology is more selective | 9% | 5% |
| SAT (25–75) | 1500–1570 | 1520–1580 |
| ACT (25–75) | — | — |
| Undergrad enrollment | 15,995 | 4,535 |
| Avg net price | $28,690 | $20,111 |
| Median earnings (10 yr)MIT reports higher median earnings | $104,043 | $143,372 |
| Graduation rate | 95% | 96% |
| Median debt | $14,000 | $14,768 |
| Economic mobility | 2.9% | 3.4% |
| Test policy | — | — |
| Type | Private (nonprofit) | Private (nonprofit) |
Cornell vs MIT: how they compare
For a high-achieving student, this is a choice between a premier, broad-based Ivy and a highly focused institution known for STEM intensity.
By the numbers MIT demonstrates superior financial outcomes and institutional value. Its 10-year median earnings of $143k significantly outpace Cornell's $104k, and with a lower average net price ($20k vs. $29k), it delivers 7.1x the earnings per dollar of net price versus Cornell's 3.6x. MIT also shows stronger economic mobility (340% vs. 291%) and a much higher yield of future science and engineering PhDs (17.8 vs. 9). Cornell is slightly less selective (acceptance 9% vs. 5%; SAT 25-75 1500–1570 vs. 1520–1580) and has a more stable year-to-year admit rate (volatility 39% vs. 72%). Both have near-perfect graduation rates (95% vs. 96%) and strong federal financial health scores.
Where they overlap Both are elite, highly selective universities set in city environments (Ithaca and Cambridge) with highly regarded engineering and computer science programs. They attract driven students and are known for rigorous academics.
How they differ Culturally, they diverge sharply. MIT is intensely focused on STEM, with a pervasive problem-set culture and a collaborative, demanding environment. Cornell, as the largest and most comprehensive Ivy, offers a contrast: a "work hard, play hard" ethos within a traditional collegiate setting. It blends strong engineering with breadth across agriculture, hotel management, arts, and humanities, all set on a vast and scenic campus.
Quick answers
- Is Cornell University or Massachusetts Institute of Technology harder to get into?
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology is more selective: Cornell University's acceptance rate is approximately 9% and Massachusetts Institute of Technology's is approximately 5% (estimates from public and primary sources).
- What SAT score do you need for Cornell University vs Massachusetts Institute of Technology?
- The middle-50% SAT range is 1500–1570 at Cornell University and 1520–1580 at Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Scores outside these bands are still admitted, especially with strong applications.
Figures are estimates compiled from public datasets (College Scorecard / IPEDS) and primary sources; verify with each institution before relying on them.
These outputs are estimates from a baseline model — not guarantees of admission, cost, or outcome.