Cornell vs. Case Western

Comparable Facts

Compare Cornell University in Ithaca, NY with Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, OH on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Cornell University is larger than Case Western based on total student enrollment (26,793 students vs. 12,475 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Cornell University is located in Ithaca, NY (Small City setting); Case Western Reserve University is in Cleveland, OH (Large City setting).
• Cornell University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Case Western Reserve University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Cornell University 9:1; Case Western Reserve University 9:1.

Cornell vs. Case Western Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Cornell or Case Western? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Cornell University than Case Western ($26,361 vs. $44,000).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Case Western Reserve University are 3.4% lower than at Cornell University ($18,762 vs. $19,428).
• Cornell University is 4.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Case Western (about $2,706 more per year; $69,314.00 vs. $66,608.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 4.1% higher at Cornell than at Case Western Reserve University (about $2,706 more per year; $69,314.00 vs. $66,608.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Case Western Reserve University than at Cornell University (88% vs. 48%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Cornell University students is 47.4% larger than aid received by Case Western Reserve University students ($61,779 vs. $41,913).

Cornell vs. Case Western Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Cornell or Case Western? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Case Western and Cornell.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Cornell University (1540) is 50 points higher than at Case Western (1490).
• Incoming Cornell students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (34 vs. 33 at Case Western).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Cornell University 1500/1570; Case Western Reserve University 1430/1540.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Cornell University 33/35; Case Western Reserve University 32/34.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Cornell - Required; Case Western - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Cornell Jan 2, 2027; Case Western Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Cornell students have a 0.04 point higher average high school GPA (3.9) than students at Case Western (3.86).
• Case Western has a higher acceptance rate (36.5%) than Cornell (8.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 63.9% at Cornell vs. 11.9% at Case Western.

Cornell vs. Case Western Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Cornell and Case Western? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Cornell University's six-year graduation rate (93%) is higher than Case Western Reserve University's (78%).
• Graduates from Cornell University earn a median of about $13,700 more per year than Case Western graduates about ten years after starting college ($98,400 vs. $84,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Cornell University graduates have a $12,066 lower median loan debt than Case Western graduates ($12,000 vs. $24,066).
• Among borrowers, Cornell graduates have an estimated $124 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Case Western graduates ($124 vs. $248).
• More Cornell graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Case Western students, three years after graduation. (87% vs. 84%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.