Cornell University stands as one of the most distinguished institutions of higher education in the United States. Founded in 1865 by Ezra Cornell and Andrew Dickson White, Cornell was envisioned as a place where “any person can find instruction in any study.” This progressive mission still guides the university today, over 150 years later. As the third-best college in New York, behind Columbia University and New York University, Cornell uniquely combines Ivy League prestige, top-tier research capabilities, and a commitment to public service. With its main campus in Ithaca, New York, and a rapidly growing urban footprint in New York City through Cornell Tech, the university continues to redefine what higher education can achieve in the 21st century.
An Ivy League Foundation with a Public Mission
Cornell is a member of the prestigious Ivy League, a group of eight private institutions in the northeastern U.S. known for academic excellence, historical significance, and competitive admissions. However, Cornell is unique among its peers due to its hybrid status — it is both a private and public institution. Several of its colleges are “statutory colleges” operated under the State University of New York (SUNY) system and supported by New York State. This dual identity allows Cornell to offer both elite, private education and public-focused, accessible programs in fields such as agriculture, labor relations, and human ecology.
This model contributes to Cornell’s reputation for academic freedom, accessibility, and diversity. It allows the university to admit a broad range of students while maintaining high academic standards and staying connected to the broader needs of society.
World-Class Academic Offerings
Cornell comprises 16 colleges and schools, each with its own distinct academic focus and admissions process. These include:
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College of Arts and Sciences – The largest undergraduate college, offering liberal arts and science education.
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College of Engineering – Known for innovation in mechanical, civil, biomedical, and computer engineering.
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School of Industrial and Labor Relations (ILR) – The only school of its kind in the U.S., focusing on labor relations, human resources, and employment law.
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College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) – A leading school in environmental science, food systems, and biological research.
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School of Hotel Administration – Renowned globally for hospitality management and business education.
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Cornell Law School, Johnson Graduate School of Management, and Weill Cornell Medical College – Prestigious graduate and professional schools offering advanced degrees.
With more than 4,000 courses and 100 fields of study, Cornell encourages interdisciplinary exploration. Students are empowered to tailor their education through double majors, minors, and cross-college enrollments.
Cornell Tech: Revolutionizing Education in New York City
A defining feature that elevates Cornell’s status in New York State is Cornell Tech, the university’s graduate-level campus on Roosevelt Island in New York City. Launched in 2012 through a partnership with the City of New York, Cornell Tech represents a forward-looking initiative aimed at fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, and technological advancement.
Cornell Tech offers graduate degrees in computer science, information science, electrical and computer engineering, and business. Its programs emphasize project-based, collaborative learning where students work directly with industry partners and startups to solve real-world problems.
Cornell Tech is also home to the Jacobs Technion-Cornell Institute, a collaboration between Cornell and the Technion – Israel Institute of Technology. This international partnership brings global expertise to Cornell’s NYC campus and strengthens its focus on urban innovation, sustainability, and digital technologies.
Through Cornell Tech, the university has become an integral part of New York’s tech ecosystem, contributing to job creation, startup incubation, and technological progress.
Research Leadership and Innovation
Cornell is a major research powerhouse, consistently ranked among the top U.S. research universities. The university receives over $1 billion in annual research funding and hosts more than 100 research centers, laboratories, and institutes.
Key areas of research excellence include:
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Life sciences and biomedical engineering
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Climate change and sustainability
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Artificial intelligence and robotics
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Food systems and agriculture
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Nanotechnology and material sciences
Cornell operates multiple research facilities beyond its Ithaca campus, including:
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Weill Cornell Medical College in New York City, which is at the forefront of biomedical research and clinical innovation.
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Cornell University Agricultural Experiment Station, which supports sustainable agriculture and food innovation in New York State.
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Cornell Lab of Ornithology, a world-renowned institute for the study of birds and biodiversity.
Students at both the undergraduate and graduate levels are encouraged to participate in hands-on research alongside leading faculty. Through initiatives like the Undergraduate Research Experience, students develop practical skills, critical thinking, and publishable work that prepares them for graduate study or professional careers.
Faculty Excellence
Cornell’s faculty are leaders in their fields, bringing a mix of academic rigor, innovation, and real-world experience. The university boasts:
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Nobel Laureates
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Pulitzer Prize winners
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National Medal of Science recipients
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MacArthur “Genius” Grant Fellows
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Eminent scholars and industry pioneers
Professors are not just researchers—they are mentors, advisors, and collaborators. The student-to-faculty ratio of 9:1 ensures personalized attention and dynamic classroom experiences.
Global Engagement and International Presence
Cornell is a truly global institution, with partnerships, exchange programs, and research initiatives around the world. It has a significant presence in Rome, Doha, and New York, and offers over 150 study-abroad programs across six continents.
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Weill Cornell Medicine – Qatar is a fully accredited medical school that extends Cornell’s global reach into the Middle East.
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Cornell in Rome allows students in architecture, art, and urban studies to live and learn in one of the world’s most historic cities.
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Global research partnerships support development, health, and education initiatives in Africa, Asia, and Latin America.
International students make up about 23% of the student population, enriching campus life with diverse cultures and perspectives.
Campus Life and Student Culture
Cornell’s main campus in Ithaca is set in the Finger Lakes region of upstate New York and is often described as one of the most beautiful college campuses in the country. With rolling hills, waterfalls, and 2,300 acres of space, the campus offers a peaceful yet vibrant environment for learning and community building.
Cornell has more than 1,000 student organizations, including cultural groups, service clubs, performance ensembles, student government, and academic societies. Events like Slope Day, the Dragon Day Parade, and the Apple Fest are student traditions that foster community spirit and Cornell pride.
The university’s commitment to mental health, well-being, and inclusivity is evident through resources like Cornell Health, the Office of Student and Campus Life, and the Center for Intercultural Dialogue.
Athletics and Recreation
Cornell is an NCAA Division I school with a strong athletic tradition. The Big Red, as Cornell’s teams are known, compete in 36 varsity sports as part of the Ivy League. Key sports include hockey, lacrosse, rowing, and wrestling.
In addition to varsity sports, Cornell has extensive intramural and club sports programs, as well as state-of-the-art fitness centers and outdoor recreation facilities. The natural surroundings offer hiking, skiing, and kayaking opportunities just minutes from campus.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Cornell is deeply committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive academic community. The university has implemented a range of initiatives to promote equity, including:
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The Office of Academic Diversity Initiatives (OADI)
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Cornell Intergroup Dialogue Project
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First-generation and low-income (FGLI) student support programs
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Scholarships and fellowships for underrepresented groups
Cornell’s diversity is reflected in its student body, which includes people of all races, religions, gender identities, and nationalities. The university is constantly working to build a more inclusive and welcoming environment where all voices are heard.
Notable Alumni
Cornell’s alumni network includes over 250,000 graduates around the globe, many of whom are leaders in their fields. Notable alumni include:
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Ruth Bader Ginsburg – U.S. Supreme Court Justice
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Bill Nye – Science educator and TV personality
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Toni Morrison – Nobel Prize-winning author
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Anthony Fauci – Prominent immunologist (faculty collaboration)
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David Duffield – Founder of PeopleSoft and Workday
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Christopher Reeve – Actor and advocate for spinal cord research
These alumni demonstrate Cornell’s ability to educate and inspire students who go on to make meaningful contributions in science, law, public policy, business, entertainment, and humanitarian work.
Public Service and Land-Grant Mission
As New York’s land-grant university, Cornell is committed to serving the public good. Through Cornell Cooperative Extension, the university offers educational programs in agriculture, nutrition, youth development, and environmental sustainability across all counties in New York State.
The Einhorn Center for Community Engagement helps students connect their academic learning with community needs through volunteering, service-learning courses, and partnerships with local organizations.
Sustainability and Environmental Leadership
Cornell is a national leader in sustainability. The university has committed to achieving carbon neutrality by 2035, and it has already made significant progress through initiatives such as:
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Earth Source Heat, a deep geothermal project to replace fossil fuel heating.
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Solar and wind energy investments.
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Sustainable building practices, with many LEED-certified buildings.
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Zero-waste goals for major events and dining services.
Students play an active role in sustainability through clubs, research, and advocacy, making the campus a living lab for environmental innovation.
Financial Aid and Accessibility
Cornell is committed to meeting 100% of demonstrated financial need for all admitted students. It offers a need-blind admissions policy for U.S. applicants and a generous aid program that ensures affordability regardless of income.
In 2024, over half of Cornell students received some form of financial aid, with many low-income students paying little to no tuition. The university’s goal is to eliminate economic barriers to education and attract the most talented students from every background.
Conclusion
Cornell University is not only one of the top academic institutions in New York State — it is also a global force for innovation, inclusion, and impact. With its unique combination of Ivy League excellence, public service, technological leadership, and international engagement, Cornell offers a transformative educational experience for students from every walk of life.