Cornell vs. Olin College

Comparable Facts

Compare Cornell University in Ithaca, NY with Franklin W Olin College of Engineering in Needham, MA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Cornell University is larger than Olin College based on total student enrollment (26,793 students vs. 405 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Cornell University is located in Ithaca, NY (Small City setting); Franklin W Olin College of Engineering is in Needham, MA (Large Suburban setting).
• Cornell University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Franklin W Olin College of Engineering is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Cornell University 9:1; Franklin W Olin College of Engineering 9:1.

Cornell vs. Olin College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Cornell or Olin College? 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 Olin College ($26,361 vs. $43,184).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Cornell University are 6.6% lower than at Franklin W Olin College of Engineering ($19,428 vs. $20,810).
• Cornell University is 4.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Olin College (about $2,916 more per year; $69,314.00 vs. $66,398.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 4.4% higher at Cornell than at Franklin W Olin College of Engineering (about $2,916 more per year; $69,314.00 vs. $66,398.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Franklin W Olin College of Engineering than at Cornell University (100% vs. 48%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Cornell University students is 42.7% larger than aid received by Franklin W Olin College of Engineering students ($61,779 vs. $43,290).

Cornell vs. Olin College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Cornell or Olin College? 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 Olin College and Cornell.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Cornell University (1540) is 10 points higher than at Olin College (1530).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Cornell University 1500/1570; Franklin W Olin College of Engineering 1493/1558.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Cornell University 33/35.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Cornell - Required; Olin College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Cornell Jan 2, 2027; Olin College Jan 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Cornell students have the same average high school GPA (3.9) as students at Olin College (3.9).
• Olin College has a higher acceptance rate (25.2%) than Cornell (8.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 63.9% at Cornell vs. 43.7% at Olin College.

Cornell vs. Olin College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Cornell and Olin College? 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).

• Franklin W Olin College of Engineering's six-year graduation rate (96%) is higher than Cornell University's (93%).
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Cornell University graduates have a $2,710 lower median loan debt than Olin College graduates ($12,000 vs. $14,710).
• Among borrowers, Cornell graduates have an estimated $28 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Olin College graduates ($124 vs. $152).

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.